In today’s telecom scene, a Mobile Virtual Network (MVNE) plays an integral role in the behind-the-scenes operations. Previously, the topic of how Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) conducted their business was covered in another article, but other players in the industry and their contributions were not elaborated upon. Here, we’ll delve deeper into what is MVNE in telecom.
What Is A Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE)?
In simple terms, a mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) provides network infrastructure and related services, such as network element provisioning, administration, and OSS/BSS, to a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)/telecom service provider. This is usually the case when an MVNO may decide to outsource all functionality related to virtual networks to an MVNE when the MVNO does not possess its own infrastructure to offer services to their customers within their own brands. Hence, MVNEs “enable” (start-up) MVNOs to get established quicker with a much smaller budget spend.
However, an important distinction needs to be made here: MVNEs typically do not have any relationship with the MVNOs’ customers. MVNEs mainly provide network enablement platforms and services for smaller MVNOs to be created faster by leveraging their expertise in planning, implementation, and management of telecom services. Below are some of the most important tasks that an MVNE does:
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Convergent charging and billing
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
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Providing value-added services (VAS)
Why Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) Should Partner with MVNEs
While a fully-established MVNO that has ample resources and their own network infrastructure is more than capable of running their operations without any assistance, it is the smaller MVNOs that can benefit the most from a relationship with an MVNE. Using an MVNE keeps operations simple and focused, reduces the risk for the new venture, and gets the MVNO into the market quicker.
To deliver an MVNO’s products and services, the MVNO needs two key things:
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Access to an MNO network and
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A system to manage products and subscribers.
The MVNE facilitates both. When an MVNO partners with an MVNE, they can get started quickly, with minimal start-up costs and reduced airtime costs since the MVNE hosts multiple MVNOs on a single platform. Enabling the MVNO to outsource the MNO integration, as well as the business and technical operations management, also leads to a substantial reduction in the amount of staff needed to be employed for the MVNO. An MVNO can solely focus on creating new plans and leave the backend of managing BSS, OSS, and OCS systems to a capable MVNE.
How to Choose the Right MVNE
While smoother launch processes have a higher chance of assurance by tapping into the previous experience of the MVNE, not all MVNEs are the same. Each has varying experience levels, technical capabilities, integrations, and support. Successful partnerships between MVNOs and MVNEs are completely based on each other’s specific requirements.
To help an MVNO get up and running fast with the least amount of spend, here’s what to look for in an MVNE:
- Network: Must be connected to a solid MNO as the MVNO’s products and services are only as good as the MNO’s network it uses.
- Financial flexibility: Must be able to meet your financial requirements and, if necessary, your terms.
- Platform: Provide the right tools to manage MVNO’s products with quick responsiveness to market trends, comprehensive reporting, and the ability to offer unique deals.
- Reviews/case studies: Provide references or case studies showing how the MVNE has helped other MVNOs
