MVNO

MVNO, a new actor that recently entered the arena of mobile telecommunications.

The MVNO is an organization offering mobile subscriptions without owning a GSM/UMTS license. As the MVNO is a rather new phenomena on the market there is still confusion and different opinions regarding its definition.

The discussion has up til now been technically dominated and in this we have chosen for a more consumer oriented approach, depending on the ambition level of the MVNO to develop new services and products.

Basic definition of a MVNO is "… an organisation that offers mobile subscriptions using its own brand, controlling the customer's billing, but which does not hold its own frequency licence…".

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What characterizes an MVNO?

- Mobile offers in a B2C approach

- No allocation of Spectrum

- Purchases wholesale network access from MNO

- Own branded wireless service to customers

- Manages own technical and service Platform.

Light MVNO (Service Provider): Manages Customer Relationship, Prices to end user (post-paid) – Collects cash, Shares the MNO prepaid platform (IN), Reconciliates wholesale.

ESP (Enhanced Service Provider): In addition to Light functionalities, Manages its own I.N platform including Voucher Mgt and IVR, Interconnection, Least Cost Routing (International), VAS capabilities.

Full MVNO: Manages it’s own HLR, Switching (Voice-Data), Full interconnection capabilities (National, Roaming) Full MVNO status means more potential margin to control. Minimise Cost, Risk and Time To Launch. A Phased Approach Should Be Considered.

Each type of business model will drive technical installation for MVNO: