Mobile virtual network operator
From ePedia, the electronic encyclopedia
A mobile virtual network operator is a company that does not own a licensed frequency spectrum, but resells wireless services under their own brand name, using the network of another mobile phone operator. The first successful MVNO was Virgin Mobile, launched in the United Kingdom in 1999. Before this, Sense attempted to start an MVNO service in the Scandinavian countries, but failed. A similar strategy was pursued by MCI in the early 90s.
An MVNO's roles and relationship to the mobile phone operator vary by market. In general an MVNO is an entity or company that works independently of the operator and can set its own tariff structures. Usually, it does not own any GSM, CDMA or other wireless infrastructure, such as Mobile Switching Center (MSC) or a radio access network. Some may own their own Home Location Register (HLR), which allows more flexibility since multiple host networks could be used, and the MVNO appears as a roaming partner.
An MVNO's roles and relationship to the mobile phone operator vary by market. In general an MVNO is an entity or company that works independently of the operator and can set its own tariff structures. Usually, it does not own any GSM, CDMA or other wireless infrastructure, such as Mobile Switching Center (MSC) or a radio access network. Some may own their own Home Location Register (HLR), which allows more flexibility since multiple host networks could be used, and the MVNO appears as a roaming partner.
0 Comments: