From MVNO to MVNE: Understanding Mobile Network Ecosystems

In short…

• MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) lease network capacity from MNOs and sell services to end users without owning network infrastructure.

• MVNEs (Mobile Virtual Network Enablers) provide the technical and operational platforms that enable MVNOs to function. They offer services like billing, customer management, and network integration.

In the telecom industry, MVNOs, and MVNEs respectively play crucial roles in enabling mobile services. Where MNOs own physical networks, MVNOs use these networks to offer competitive services, and MVNEs act within this to support MVNO operations. 

Here, we’ll explore how we can define each of these three entities, how they interact with each other, and why they have their own importance within the telecom ecosystem.

What is an MVNO?

MVNOs do not own network infrastructure but instead lease network access from MNOs to offer mobile services under their own brand. They differentiate themselves through elements like pricing, customer service and value-added services. 

MVNO users: End consumers and business customers
MVNO buyers: CEOs, CMOs, and commercial executives

Key features of MVNOs

• Branding and customer experience: MVNOs market mobile services under their own brand. They often focus on niche segments such as budget plans, business users, or IoT solutions.

• Billing and customer management: MVNOs typically handle their own customer billing, CRM, and support.

• Service differentiation: They may offer competitive pricing, loyalty programmes, or bundled services.

What is an MVNE?

MVNEs provide the technical and operational infrastructure needed to launch and manage an MVNO. They act as a bridge between MNOs and MVNOs,and offer services like billing, customer support platforms, and regulatory compliance solutions.

MVNE users: MVNOs and other virtual operators
MVNE buyers: MVNO executives, CIOs, and telecom entrepreneurs

Key features of MVNEs

• Network integration: MVNEs connect MVNOs with MNO networks. They mainly handle SIM provisioning and authentication, as well as service activation.

• Billing and revenue management: They also provide turnkey billing, rating, and charging solutions for MVNOs.

• Customer and operational support: MVNEs offer CRM systems, fraud detection, and customer management tools.

• Regulatory and compliance services: They help to ensure that MVNOs comply with local telecom regulations.

Examples of MVNOs and MVNEs in use

BSS and OSS systems are both essential components in various scenarios within telecom operations. Here are some practical examples of how they are used to automate business processes:

MVNO

• A budget-focused mobile virtual network operator that leases network capacity from an MNO but offers its own mobile plans with unique pricing and service options.

MVNE

• A mobile virtual network enabler provides billing, SIM management, and customer support solutions. This allows MVNOs to launch quickly without building their own infrastructure.

What are the key differences between MVNOs and MVNEs?

There are several key differences between MNOs, MVNOs, and MVNEs. MNOs own and operate mobile networks while MVNOs lease network access to offer mobile services under their own brand, while. MVNEs, meanwhile, provide the backend infrastructure and support that enable MVNOs to function.

Let’s explore the differences between MNOs, MVNOs and MVNEs in more detail: