What Mobile Beacon does

Mobile Beacon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mobile broadband provider founded in 2010 by NACEPF (North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation), the second-largest national Educational Broadband Service (EBS) provider in the United States. The company delivers unlimited 4G/5G mobile internet service exclusively to mission-driven organizations—501(c)(3) nonprofits, K-12 and higher education schools, public and academic libraries, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and Research and Education Networks—across all 50 US states, at a standard $10/month per device (approximately 80% below commercial carrier rates). Service is delivered as an MVNO over T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network, leveraging EBS spectrum holdings through its NACEPF parentage to sustain a structural pricing advantage unavailable to for-profit competitors.

The product portfolio spans mobile hotspots (Franklin T10, JEXTREAM RG2100 5G, Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G), tablets (Revvl Tab 2), USB modems (TCL Linkport IK511), Chromebooks (Lenovo 100e), and fixed wireless routers (Inseego Wavemaker FX3100, Franklin JEXtream CG890). The 2026 launches of BeaconEDGE (business-class fixed wireless with static IP, eduroam support, and tiered plans at $10-$25/month) and BeaconSIM (BYOD eSIM/SIM program) extended the company beyond consumer-grade hotspots into enterprise-grade WAN replacement and BYOD enablement. Supporting programs include the TechSoup and Digital Wish device donation channels (up to 11-15 donated devices per organization per fiscal year), Connect for Success grants, Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion grants, and the Bridging the Gap national digital inclusion initiative with PCs for People.

The business model combines prepaid annual subscriptions (primary revenue), one-time hardware sales, and recurring service revenue activated on donated devices. Go-to-market is omnichannel: direct e-commerce through Mobile Beacon's own portal, channel partners TechSoup and Digital Wish (which perform eligibility verification), community-led distribution through Bridging the Gap and grant programs, and consultative sales for healthcare and REN deployments. The organization operates with 11-50 employees from Lincoln, Rhode Island, has cumulatively served 300,000+ Americans through its i3 Internet Inclusion Initiative, and is 100% self-funded with no external venture investment.

Name

Mobile Beacon

Legal name

Mobile Beacon

Website

https://mobilebeacon.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mobile Beacon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit MVNO that provides unlimited 4G/5G mobile broadband at $10/month per device exclusively to nonprofits, schools, libraries, healthcare, and government organizations across all 50 US states, operating on T-Mobile's network and leveraging EBS spectrum through its NACEPF parent.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobile Broadband Services

NAICS

Telecommunications Resellers (517121), Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Broadband Providers (HDAIABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cellular IoT/M2M Gateways & Routers (LTE/5G) (HDAFAIAF), Wireless Networking Services (Wi‑Fi, Private LTE/5G) (BPAEAEAE)

Keywords

• Mobile broadband services
• Nonprofit internet access
• Educational connectivity
• Digital inclusion programs
• Fixed wireless internet

Headquarters

HQ city

Johnston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Mobile Internet Subscription Service: Mobile Beacon generates revenue primarily through annual subscription plans for unlimited 4G/5G mobile broadband internet access. At $10/month per device ($120/year), the service is priced significantly below commercial carrier rates. The company also offers tiered BeaconEDGE plans ranging from $10-$25/month per device, billed annually. Service plans are prepaid annually in advance. The revenue model targets cost-conscious nonprofit and educational organizations with a high-volume, low-margin approach.
2. Device and Hardware Sales: Mobile Beacon sells a range of hardware including mobile hotspots (e.g., Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G at $294.99, Franklin T10 at $55.99), tablets (Revvl Tab 2 at $133.99), USB devices (TCL Linkport IK511 5G at $86.99), laptops (Lenovo 100e Chromebook Gen 4 at $359.99), and fixed wireless routers (Inseego Wavemaker FX3100 at $391.99, Franklin JEXtream CG890 at $246.99). Devices are sold as one-time purchases alongside recurring service plans.
3. TechSoup and Digital Wish Donation Programs: Through partnerships with TechSoup and Digital Wish, Mobile Beacon channels donated devices to eligible nonprofits, schools, and libraries. While the devices are provided at no cost or discounted rates through those partners (with nominal administrative fees), Mobile Beacon generates recurring service revenue from the activated service plans on each device.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mobile Beacon delivers unlimited 4G LTE and 5G mobile broadband internet access exclusively to qualifying nonprofits, K-12 schools, libraries, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and Research and Education Networks for $10/month per device, billed annually. The company operates as an MVNO on T-Mobile's nationwide network and bundles the service with mobile hotspots, tablets, USB modems, laptops, fixed wireless routers, and bring-your-own-device SIM/eSIM options, while running device donation and grant programs through TechSoup, Digital Wish, and PCs for People to address the digital divide.

Product overview

Mobile Beacon is a nonprofit mobile internet service provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of connectivity products and programs exclusively for nonprofits, schools, libraries, and healthcare organizations. The core offering is Mobile Unlimited service providing 4G/5G unlimited internet at $10/month per device on T-Mobile's nationwide network. Hardware products include mobile hotspots (Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G, JEXTREAM RG2100, Franklin T10), tablets (Revvl Tab 2), USB devices (TCL Linkport IK511), laptops (Lenovo 100e Chromebook), and fixed wireless routers (Inseego Wavemaker FX3100, Franklin JEXtream CG890). BeaconEDGE provides business-class fixed wireless with tiered plans ($10-25/month), while BeaconSIM enables bring-your-own-device connectivity via SIM or eSIM. Supporting programs include TechSoup and Digital Wish device donation programs, Connect for Success grants, and Bridging the Gap digital inclusion initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BeaconEDGE: Business-class 5G/LTE wireless internet service designed for mission-driven organizations including nonprofits, schools, and libraries. Offers fixed wireless connectivity for primary or backup network connections.
• BeaconSIM

Products and services

• Mobile Unlimited (4G/5G Mobile Broadband Service) Truly unlimited, uncapped 4G/5G mobile internet service for eligible nonprofits, K-12 schools, libraries, healthcare, and government organizations. Priced at $10/month per device, billed annually, with 4G speeds of 4-35 Mbps download and 5G speeds of 70-320 Mbps download. Includes CIPA-compliant WebGuard content filtering and operates on T-Mobile's nationwide network with no data caps or overage fees.
• BeaconEDGE Wireless Business Internet Business-class 5G/LTE fixed wireless connectivity service for nonprofit, school, library, healthcare, and government organizations. Three plans: Business Unlimited ($25/month, truly unlimited, static IP), Business 300 ($15/month, 300 GB high-speed data), and Mobile Unlimited ($10/month, unlimited mobile). Supports static IP, enterprise router/firewall/VLAN integration, eduroam compatibility, and BeaconSIM BYOD. Deployable in minutes as a fiber WAN alternative.
• BeaconSIM BYOD SIM/eSIM Service Bring-your-own-device SIM card and eSIM program that allows eligible organizations to activate Mobile Beacon's 5G service on existing compatible hotspots, tablets, laptops, and routers. Reduces hardware capital expense while delivering mobile and business-class wireless service.
• Mobile Hotspots Portable wireless devices providing mobile 4G/5G internet access. Product line includes the Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G (up to 30 connected devices, $294.99), JEXTREAM RG2100 5G (up to 20 devices, $184.99), and Franklin T10 4G (up to 15 devices, $55.99). All operate on T-Mobile's network and require a separate $10/month Mobile Unlimited service plan.
• Tablets Mobile tablets with built-in cellular connectivity. The Revvl Tab 2 is offered at $133.99 and bundles Mobile Beacon's unlimited data plans for anytime/anywhere access without requiring Wi-Fi or a separate hotspot.
• USB Devices Single-device USB modems providing wired 5G internet via USB-C. The TCL Linkport IK511 5G USB device ($86.99) delivers wired 5G connectivity to a single device and does not support Wi-Fi connections.
• Laptops Chromebook laptops available for purchase with optional bundled Mobile Beacon internet service. The Lenovo 100e Chromebook Gen 4 ($359.99) runs ChromeOS with up to 14-hour battery life.
• Fixed Wireless Routers Fixed-location routers used with the BeaconEDGE fixed wireless service. Product line includes the Inseego Wavemaker FX3100 5G (up to 64 connected devices, $391.99) and the Franklin JEXtream CG890 5G CPE (up to 32 devices, $246.99).

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% annual cost savings compared to commercial internet plans ($1,200/year vs $6,000/year for 10 devices)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• The QuiltflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Mobile Beacon and The Quilt announced a national partnership to expand wireless connectivity access across Research and Education Networks. The agreement gives Mobile Beacon a national pathway to reach 42 Regional Education Networks and their member institutions with affordable mobile broadband, fixed wireless, static IP, and eduroam-compatible connectivity solutions.
• TechSoup (Expanded Partnership)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026In 2025-2026, Mobile Beacon and TechSoup expanded their partnership to include new offerings: discounted Chromebooks, discounted tablets, and 5G SIM cards to help nonprofits and community organizations access affordable high-speed internet and revitalize older technology.
• PCs for PeoplecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Mobile Beacon partnered with PCs for People to create Bridging the Gap, a national digital inclusion program that provides affordable home internet access and discounted computers to individuals and families below 200% poverty level. The program operated initially in Twin Cities, MN (serving 2,500 individuals in its first year) before going national, ultimately serving 23,000+ individuals and families across all 50 states. Partner organizations can sign up for free to offer the program to their eligible clients.
• Sprint, New York Public Library, Queens Library, Brooklyn Public LibraryflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014In 2014, Mobile Beacon and Sprint partnered with New York Public Library, Queens Library, and Brooklyn Public Library to launch the largest library hotspot lending program in the US. 10,000 4G LTE hotspots circulated throughout 88 library branches across NYC's five boroughs, supporting K-12 students and low-income adults enrolled in educational programs.
• Digital WishcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Mobile Beacon partnered with Digital Wish to create a 4G device donation program for schools, further reducing the cost of connectivity. Schools can receive up to 15 donated 4G mobile hotspots per fiscal year. The program helps schools provide WiFi in classrooms, mobile connectivity on field trips, and affordable out-of-school connectivity to students without home internet access.
• TechSoupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2012Mobile Beacon was the first mobile broadband service provider to partner with TechSoup, making broadband more affordable for nonprofits through a 4G device donation program. The 100% self-funded program provides free 4G devices to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and public libraries across the US. Qualifying organizations can receive up to 11 donated 4G hotspots per fiscal year through TechSoup's platform.
• T-MobilecoreOthersMobile Beacon's service is currently provided exclusively over the T-Mobile network within the United States. T-Mobile provides Mobile Beacon's users with an unlimited 5G/4G data plan subject to T-Mobile's network management policy. T-Mobile's network is America's largest and fastest 5G network, providing the underlying infrastructure for all Mobile Beacon services including BeaconEDGE.
• NACEPF (North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation)flagshipOthersMobile Beacon was created by NACEPF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the second-largest national Educational Broadband Service (EBS) provider in the United States. Mobile Beacon's mission and programs are a natural extension of NACEPF's mission to leverage broadband to bring equal educational and digital opportunities to all Americans.
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobile Beacon became a charter member of NDIA in 2015, joining a coalition that advocates for technology training, home broadband access, and public broadband access programs. This membership aligns with Mobile Beacon's mission to bridge the digital divide.
• FCC and Congressional Advocates (Coalition)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2019, Mobile Beacon led an advocacy coalition including SHLB, ALA, SETDA, CoSN, NEBSA, and EBPARC to preserve the educational nature of the EBS spectrum band. The effort resulted in bipartisan Congressional support with 20 members of Congress and the US Department of Education contacting the FCC in support of keeping EBS educational.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• TechSoup Global: TechSoup is a nonprofit technology donation and discount platform that partners with Mobile Beacon to distribute donated and discounted mobile hotspots, SIMs, and devices to eligible nonprofits, schools, and libraries. It is Mobile Beacon's largest channel partner and a key enabler of the donation program.

Emerging players

• Connected Nation: Connected Nation is a nonprofit that works to expand broadband access and adoption in underserved US communities through policy advocacy, mapping, and digital inclusion programs. It is a thematic peer to Mobile Beacon's mission-driven digital inclusion work, with broader geographic and policy focus.
• EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit that connects low-income Americans to affordable home internet and devices through partnerships with ISPs. It overlaps with Mobile Beacon's digital inclusion mission and customer base but focuses more on referral and coordination than operating its own connectivity service.
• Human-I-T: Human-I-T is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that refurbishes technology and provides low-cost home internet to low-income families, seniors, and veterans. It is an emerging peer in the device-plus-connectivity digital inclusion space, with a similar nonprofit distribution model to Mobile Beacon.

Broad incumbents

• T-Mobile Project 10Million: Project 10Million is T-Mobile's initiative to provide free or subsidized mobile broadband to 10 million underserved student households. As Mobile Beacon's underlying network provider and a major direct competitor in the K-12 connectivity space, T-Mobile represents both a critical supply partner and a strategic threat.
• Comcast Internet Essentials: Comcast's Internet Essentials is a low-cost home broadband program for low-income families, seniors, and students, offered by a major incumbent ISP with a far larger footprint and balance sheet. It competes for the same low-income and education customer base that Mobile Beacon's mobile hotspot lending programs serve.
• Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum Internet Assist is Charter's low-cost home broadband program for eligible low-income households, seniors, students, and educators. As a major incumbent ISP, it competes with Mobile Beacon's Bridging the Gap and Connect for Success programs in the homework-gap and nonprofit segments.

Direct peers

• Kajeet: Kajeet provides managed mobile broadband solutions purpose-built for K-12 schools and districts, offering filtered LTE/5G hotspots and data plans on multiple carrier networks. It is the closest direct comparable to Mobile Beacon's mobile broadband for education and mission-driven organizations.
• PCs for People: PCs for People is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes affordable computers and home internet access to low-income individuals and families, including through the joint Bridging the Gap program with Mobile Beacon. Same mission, same end customer, and a direct operating peer in nonprofit digital inclusion.
• Calyx Institute: Calyx Institute is a nonprofit that provides privacy-focused mobile broadband service (Calyx mobile hotspot) at low cost, leveraging carrier wholesale arrangements. It is a direct peer in the nonprofit mobile broadband reseller space targeting mission and underserved users.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mobilebeacon
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCvI0Lx1Qob-bZJjqTMqtSVQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/MobileBeacon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mobile-beacon
• Instagraminstagram.com/mobile_beacon

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mobile Beacon