Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are companies that offer mobile services, such as voice and data plans, without owning the underlying network infrastructure. Instead, MVNOs lease network capacity from one or more mobile network operators (MNOs), such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, and then rebrand and sell that capacity to their customers. In this way, MVNOs are able to offer competitive pricing and tailored services without the significant investments required to build and maintain their own networks.

Three criteria are commonly used to classify MVNOs

Yes, MVNOs are often classified based on three criteria:

Business Model: MVNOs can operate as service resellers, which means they simply resell the services of a single MNO, or as full MVNOs, which have more control over the services they offer, including pricing, branding, and customer management.

Customer Segment: MVNOs can target specific customer segments, such as budget-conscious consumers, business customers, or ethnic groups, and tailor their services accordingly.

Service Offering: MVNOs can focus on offering specific services, such as voice, data, or both. Some MVNOs also offer value-added services, such as international calling or roaming, that are not typically included in traditional mobile plans.

By using these criteria, MVNOs can differentiate themselves from the traditional MNOs and offer unique and customized mobile services to their customers.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer the following connectivity services

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) typically offer the following connectivity services to their customers:

Voice Calls: MVNOs offer voice call services, allowing customers to make and receive calls using their mobile devices.

Text Messaging: MVNOs also offer text messaging services, allowing customers to send and receive text messages.

Mobile Data: MVNOs offer mobile data services, which allow customers to use the internet, browse websites, and use data-intensive applications, such as streaming music or video.

Mobile Broadband: Some MVNOs offer mobile broadband services, which provide high-speed internet connectivity for laptops and other devices using a mobile data connection.

International Roaming: Some MVNOs offer international roaming services, allowing customers to use their mobile devices while traveling abroad.

Mobile Hotspot: MVNOs also offer mobile hotspot services, which allow customers to share their mobile data connection with other devices.

By offering these services, MVNOs provide a comprehensive mobile experience for their customers and offer alternative options to traditional mobile services.

Now that we know how MVNOs work and the services they provide, let us look at a few examples of Mobile Virtual Network Operators

Summary:

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are companies that offer mobile services, such as voice and data plans, without owning the underlying network infrastructure. They lease network capacity from one or more mobile network operators (MNOs) and rebrand and sell that capacity to their customers.

MVNOs are classified based on their business model, customer segment, and service offering. They offer a variety of connectivity services, including voice calls, text messaging, mobile data, mobile broadband, international roaming, and mobile hotspot services. MVNOs provide a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional mobile services and target specific customer segments with tailored services. Examples of MVNOs include Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, TracFone, Google Fi, and Metro by T-Mobile.