Fatemeh Mehdibarzi

MTNIrancell
December 2014
 MVNO is a mobile Virtual Network operator (VNO) that offers mobile services
but does not own its own radio frequency. Usually, this operator has its own
network code and in many cases issues its own SIM card. The mobile VNO
can be a mobile service provider or a value-added service provider. ( from
ITU website)
 MVNE is a company that provides network infrastructure and related services,
such as provisioning, administration and OSS/BSS, to enable mobile virtual
network operators (MVNOs) to offer services to their own customers.
The MVNE does not have a relationship with customers.
 Branded reseller is the lightest MVNO business model, where the venture
just provides its brand and, sometime, its distribution channels.
the lowest investment & the fastest to implement.

 Full-MVNO is the most complete model

MNO just provides the access network infrastructure and, sometimes, part
of the core network, typically adopted by telecom players

 Light-MVNO is an intermediate model between a branded reseller and a

full-MVNO.

 Network enablers, typically known as Mobile Virtual Network Enablers

(MVNE), this is a third party provider focused on the provision of
infrastructure that facilitate the launch of MVNO operations can be
positioned between a host MNO and an MVNO venture
 Discount MVNOs – providing competitive prices to market segments with typically
lower revenue per customer, often in the prepaid-only model. Typically, their
strategy is based on offering simple services (e.g. voice and SMS only, often with
no or little data offering) and cheaper handsets for sub-prime markets

 Niche MVNOs – providing tailored services to niche markets often overlooked by

traditional mobile operators, such as youth, ethnic groups or specific business
users. These segments are often valuable but require specific offerings with many
value added services and add-ons for the service to be found attractive by
potential customers.

 Retail MVNOs – providing services for end customers via existing points of sale.
The subscribers can purchase the SIM card and top-up their account during a visit
to a supermarket.

 Advertising-Driven MVNOs – providing a specific amount of free minutes, SMS’s

and content to their subscribers, in exchange for sending advertisements to
subscriber mobile phones.

 Brand MVNOs – providing similar offerings as traditional mobile operators but

taking advantage of their strong, recognizable brands and customer loyalty.
 Category 1: Most Successful MVNO –
 sponsored by Huawei, imobile, Kore, lycamobile, ono, PLDT, Virgin

 Category 2: Most Innovative MVNO

 SENS, Kore, Macquarie Telecom, PLDT, UPPTalk

 Category 3: Best MVNE – Best Enabler of MVNOs

 MTS, Readywireless, Teleena, Transatel

 Category 4: Best MVNA – Best Aggregator of

MVNOs
 iOs, iboss, Transatel
MVNO MNO MVNE
Exploit factors to Increase in network An outsource for
attract customers traffic MVNO to use host
mobile network for
only radio and
switching
Used by cellular New areas are
operators to expand addressed
geographic reach
MVNO MNO MVNE
Conflict with host Lower subscriber MVNO may feel
operator base, lower revenue dependent on an
external party

Security - Access to No license obligation Disagreement with

core network for full MVNO MVNO can be costly

Business case
Intelligent billing system
High dependency on
MNO (low
differentiation)