If you’re considering becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), you may have some questions about the process. An MVNO is a wireless communication service provider that offers mobile communication services to customers by leasing or renting network infrastructure from a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) rather than owning its own infrastructure. In this article, we’ll address the top 20 questions and concerns that customers commonly have about becoming an MVNO, and we’ll explain how a company like Plintron can assist you throughout the process.
Top 25+ Customer Questions and Concerns – Answered!
What is an MVNO, and how does it work?
An MVNO is a service provider that offers various types of mobile services like voice, data, and messaging by leasing or renting network infrastructure from MNOs.
How can I become an MVNO?
To become an MVNO, you can seek help from an MVNO enabler like Plintron , which is a Mobile Virtual Netowork Aggregator (MVNA) who can guide you throughout the process, from identifying MNOs to setting up your business processes and launching your MVNO services.
What are the benefits of becoming an MVNO?
Becoming an MVNO has many benefits such as lower costs, flexibility, and the ability to tailor services to specific customer segments.
How much does it cost to become an MVNO?
The cost of becoming an MVNO depends on various factors such as the market model, deployment type, and multi-language support. However, an MVNO enabler like Plintron can provide affordable end-to-end solutions.
To give an overview, costs like –
- Regulatory costs – Includes license fees, revenue share, bank security deposits etc.
- Cost towards MNO – Core network infra cost, service delivery platform, network management systems, technical infrastructure for BSS/OSS, data and roaming agreements
- Maintenance cost – 24*7 NOC and network maintenance cost
- Customer Care Cost – Sales and Distribution, branding costs
- Functional Costs – Like getting access to number ranges (MSISDN), payment gateways, top-up providers, IMSI blocks etc
- Operational cost – Employee cost, IT/Admin cost
- Marketing and retention management: It is imperative to set aside cost for churn management and CVM tools, create digital marketing channels.
Do investors support funding of new MVNOs?
Yes! From Angel Investors to crowd funding, there are a lot of ways that funding can be obtained to start your own MVNO.
What are the basic infrastructure requirements to start an MVNO?
Some basic infrastructure requirements to start an MVNO are:
- Complete BSS, OSS, NSS/OCS Stack
- Network Management System
- Rich Messaging Service
- 24*7 Customer Care support
- Choose a deployment type: Private, Public, Hybrid or On Premises.
It seems difficult and expensive to run and own an MVNO. What are the alternative solutions?
One viable option is to seek assistance from intermediaries such as MVNEs or MVNAs. These intermediaries offer comprehensive plug-and-play solutions from providers like Plintron, who offer end-to-end Telecom as a Service (TaaS) solutions. This allows the MVNO to focus solely on sales and marketing while the intermediary takes care of the rest. Additionally, it is more efficient to partner with a single entity rather than managing multiple vendors and partners.
What is MVNE?
An MVNE is a company that provides a platform for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to offer mobile services without having to build and maintain their own network infrastructure. The MVNE provides services such as billing, customer care, and network management, allowing the MVNO to focus on branding, marketing, and sales. The MVNE typically partners with a mobile network operator (MNO) to utilize their network infrastructure and offer mobile services to end-users.
What is MVNA?
MVNA stands for Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator. An MVNA is a company that provides a range of services to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) including access to wholesale airtime contracts, mobile number portability (MNP), number ranges/MSISDNs, customer care, roaming tie-ups, and go-to-market (GTM) consulting.
What’s the role of MVNA in setting up MVNO?
The MVNA acts as an intermediary between the MVNO and mobile network operator (MNO), allowing the MVNO to offer mobile services without having to invest in network infrastructure. The MVNA typically has partnerships with multiple MNOs, providing the MVNO with a wider range of network options to choose from.
Is it important to consider having an MVNA or MVNE on board to start my MVNO?
It’s essential to understand that not all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) may be willing to directly engage with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Instead, they may prefer to collaborate with multiple MVNOs through a single intermediary, known as a Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA). The MVNA acts as a mediator between the MNO and several MVNOs.
Mobile Virtual Network Enablers (MVNEs), on the other hand, provide infrastructure directly to MVNOs or offer the necessary capabilities to MNOs for onboarding new MVNO partners. Some companies, such as Plintron, offer both MVNA and MVNE services, providing comprehensive support to potential MVNOs.
As an MVNO, do I need to alliance with MNOs?
MVNO can avoid the need to engage with multiple partners, which can increase both effort and costs. In cases where multiple parties are involved, there may be multiple potential points of failure. However, by utilizing an MVNE partner, the MVNO can benefit from a complete end-to-end solution, making it a hassle-free plug-and-play experience. Additionally, MVNEs can assist smaller MVNOs in securing wholesale deals with MNOs.
How long does it take to launch an MVNO?
With an MVNO enabler like Plintron, the time required to launch your MVNO will depend on the complexity of your deployment, but you can expect a quick turnaround time.
Do I need to have technical knowledge to become an MVNO?
No, you don’t need to have technical expertise to become an MVNO. An MVNO enabler like Plintron will provide you with all the necessary technical support throughout the process.
Can I choose which MNO to lease network infrastructure from?
Yes, as an MVNO, you can choose the MNO you want to lease network infrastructure from based on various factors like network coverage, pricing, and service quality. However, when you have an MVNO enabler enabling the systems for you, you can entrust them to take care of this.
Can I customize the services I offer as an MVNO?
Yes, as an MVNO, you have the flexibility to customize the services you offer to meet the needs of specific customer segments. MVNO enabler like us, here at Plintron, will enable you to customize your bundles and services in a market relevant way.
Can I offer international roaming services as an MVNO?
Yes, you can offer international roaming services . MVNAs like Plintron offer readymade international roaming partnerships obviating the need to tie up with MNOs for international roaming
Can an MVNO provide 5G services?
Yes, as an MVNO, you can provide 5G services by leasing or renting network infrastructure from an MNO that offers 5G services. Many of Plintron’s MVNOs in North America and Europe provide 5G services,
Can an MVNO provide unlimited data plans?
Yes, as an MVNO you will be able to offer unlimited data plans based on the network infrastructure leased or rented from the MNO.
Can an MVNO provide devices to customers?
Yes, you can offer devices to customers based on partnerships with device manufacturers or retailers.
How can an MVNO market its services?
An MVNO can market its services through various channels such as social media, email marketing, and traditional advertising. An MVNO enabler like Plintron can also assist with marketing strategies.
How can an MVNO manage its billing and customer support processes?
An MVNO enabler like Plintron can help set up your business processes, including billing and customer support processes, to ensure efficient and effective operations.
How does an MVNO ensure network quality for customers?
As an MVNO, network quality is dependent on the MNO infrastructure leased or rented. However, an MVNO enabler like Plintron can help negotiate service level agreements with MNOs to ensure network quality and reliability for customers.
Can an MVNO offer customer loyalty programs?
Yes, as an MVNO, you can offer customer loyalty programs to encourage customer retention and satisfaction.
How can an MVNO handle SIM card distribution?
An MVNO enabler MVNA like Plintron can assist in handling SIM card distribution, including logistics, warehousing, and activation.
How can an MVNO handle network outages or downtime?
An MVNO enabler like Plintron can assist in setting up disaster recovery plans and backup systems to minimize network outages or downtime.
How can I get more information about becoming an MVNO?
If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at Plintron for a free consultancy session. We can provide information about the process, costs, and benefits of becoming an MVNO and guide you through the entire process.
Conclusion
Becoming an MVNO can be a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to provide mobile communication services. With an MVNO enabler like Plintron, the process can be simplified and streamlined, allowing for a quicker and more efficient launch. From identifying MNOs to setting up business processes, marketing, and more, Plintron provides affordable end-to-end solutions with a quick turnaround time for launch. Contact Plintron for a free consultancy session to learn more about becoming an MVNO.