MVNO Directory

Mexico's Megacable Teams Up With Telefonica On Mobile Service | Fox Business

2011-10-17T09:52:00.000+01:00

Mexico's Megacable Teams Up With Telefonica On Mobile Service

MEXICO CITY -(Dow Jones)- Mexican cable operator Megacable Holdings SAB (MEGA.MX) and the local unit of Spain's Telefonica SA (TEF) said Friday they have agreed to launch a joint mobile service in Mexico in an effort to gain market share in the Mexican market.

Megacable will be in harge of marketing, sales and distribution of the new venture, called Megacel, while Telefonica will provide the mobile network, the companies said. Megacel will operate as a virtual mobile network operator, or MVNO.

The companies said in a release that the new mobile service will complement Megacable's existing package that includes TV, Internet and fixed-line telephony. They didn't provide any financial details about the agreement.

Telefonica is Mexico's second-largest mobile service provider, with 20.6 million subscribers at the end of the second quarter, behind market leader Telcel, a unit of America Movil (AMX, AMX.MX), which had 67 million subscribers. Megacable is the biggest cable TV company with 1.8 million cable subscriptions, 594,000 Internet and 451,000 phone subscriptions.

MVNO Headlines - 14 October 2011

2011-10-14T16:28:00.002+01:00

Colruyt to launch new MVNO by year-end
Telecompaper (subscription)
Belgian supermarket group Colruyt wants to launch MVNO services by the end of the year, in the wake of Carrefour and Aldi with Base, and Delhaize with Mobistar, L'Echo reported. Colruyt Mobile will begin life with a budget of EUR 1.5 million. ...

Budget Mobile sees 3 mln low-cost consumers in France
Telecompaper (subscription)
Nearly 3 million French consumers have a budget profile, according to MVNO Budget Mobile, which starts its service plans at 30 minutes for EUR 2.50 a month. The operator looked at the typical profile of consumers who see a monthly bill of EUR 15 or EUR ...

Brightpoint Collaborates with MSI
Zacks.com
It serves a wide range of industrial customers such as mobile network operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), resellers, retailers and wireless equipment manufacturers. Motorola Solutions,which came into existence after the spin-off from ...

MVNO Headlines - 13 October 2011

2011-10-13T14:00:00.003+01:00

KPN shuts down Spanish MVNO unit 40 Movil
Telecompaper (subscription)
KPN provided its 40 Movil services in partnership with Spanish music radio station Los 40 Principales. 40 Movil customers are now invited to port their number free of charge to the Simyo network, which is also a KPN MVNO subsidiary.

Ensercom ends MVNE agreement with Vodafone Germany
Telecompaper (subscription)
The e-mail is sent to absolut mobil, Yukoono and MoBlack customers and offers the possibility to transfer their mobile number for free to another mobile service provider, MVNO or mobile operator. Ensercom recommends customers to change to Vodafone ...

Sim Only Provider GiffGaff Surveys UK Youth
Simcards.co.uk (blog)
A study conducted on behalf of GiffGaff, a sim only MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), has found that there are many unfair stereotypes levelled against the youth of today in modern Britain. While the recent riots which spread across the country ...

Auchan Telecom launches social mobile tariff
Telecompaper (subscription)
French MVNO Auchan Telecom has launched its mobile social tariff, aimed at people on RSA benefits, offering 40 minutes of calls and 40 SMS a month for EUR 8.99. To obtain the government label, such a service must cost under EUR 10. ...

Ortel Mobile launches services in Switzerland
Telecompaper (subscription)
Pre-paid MVNO Ortel Mobile, a subsidiary of KPN, has announced the launch of services in Switzerland. Ortel Mobile targets multi-cultural communities who make frequent overseas calls and already operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, ...

MVNO Headlines - 12 October 2011

2011-10-12T15:42:00.001+01:00

Elephant Talk announces MVNO agreement with SpeakUp
Middle East North Africa Financial Network
Oct 11, 2011 (TELECOMWORLDWIRE via COMTEX) -- Business software and services provider Elephant Talk Communications Corp ETAK announced on Tuesday that it has signed a Mobile Network Virtual Operator (MVNO) agreement with Netherlands-based telecoms ...

Novatel launches CMS platform for MVNO, enterprise users
Novate Wireless
Mobile data device maker Novatel Wireless has launched its enhanced N4A Communication and Management Software (CMS) 3.0 platform built for its carrier, MVNO and enterprise customers. The N4A CMS 3.0 is a Service Delivery Platform (SDP) with an ...

Selling telecommunications solutions to your IT customers
TechDay.co.nz
By Contributor, Wednesday, 12th October, 2011 Telcoinabox is the largest wholesale MVNO aggregator in New Zealand the solution that enables you to Bolton "telco services to an existing business”. Launched in New Zealand in 2010, the business has taken ...

Virgin Mobile France promotes Sony-Ericsson Xperia Arc S
Telecompaper (subscription)
MVNO Virgin Mobile

France

is selling Sony-Ericsson's Xperia Arc S featuring a 1.4GHz Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm, boosting the smartphone's power 25 percent, from EUR 1 with its Very Smartphone subscription. Echos du Net reports that it starts ...

DoT arm: 3G roaming deals by players not having spectrum are illegal
Hindu Business Line
Under existing rules, operators are not allowed to share spectrum or enter into an MVNO arrangement. Vodafone, in a letter to the DoT, said that the concerns around the roaming agreements were unfounded as it had sought clarifications on the issue ...

Tchibo Mobil celebrates anniversary with promotions
Telecompaper (subscription)
German coffee house chain Tchibo's MVNO Tchibo Mobil has announced a series of promotions, available online and in all Tchibo outlets from 10 October, to celebrate its 7th anniversary. These include the Huawei Ideos X3 smartphone in a complete package ...

MVNO Headlines - 11 October 2011

2011-10-11T11:49:00.001+01:00

Elephant Talk and SpeakUp Sign a MVNO Contract
MarketWatch (press release)
... www.elephanttalk.com ), an international provider of business software and services to the telecommunications and financial services industries, today announced that it has signed a Mobile Network Virtual Operator (MVNO) agreement with SpeakUp. ...

Redknee Solutions Enters Latin America With New Multi-Million Dollar MVNO ...
MarketWatch (press release)
Under the service agreement, Redknee will deploy and manage its end-to-end billing solution, allowing the MVNO to benefit from Redknee's real-time converged billing expertise as it concentrates on launching branding and marketing campaigns. ...

Micro-P launches '360′ consumer MVNO SIM
Mobile News
Micro-P has entered the MVNO market with a "unique" deal, which allows customers to pay for their texts, minutes and data for the duration of their contract term. The MVNO – '360 Mobile' – runs off the Three network and will be targeted at both the ...

Vodafone 'declines to bid' for Lebara
Global Telecoms Business
European MVNO Lebara's hopes to raise the value of its sales process have been dashed by its partner Vodafone's refusal to bid for the operator, according to reports in the

. Initial bids for the sale, to be conducted by Royal Bank of Scotland, ...

Voice resale by mobile operators like Bharti Airtel and others could be a game ...
Economic Times
The reseller will not need to invest in infrastructure as is the case with the MVNO (mobile virtual network operators) model. Currently this is prohibited. Successive telecom policies , NTP '94 and NTP '99 have either discouraged resale of voice or ...

Israel's government wants investor partner for its proposed fiber network
FierceTelecom
...

Israel

's Communication Minister, who said the telecom industry "is in need of a new player" previously awarded two wireless licenses to two new operators and has allowed other service providers to become Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO). ...

TTK applies for phone numbers for its MVNO
Telecompaper (subscription)
Russian operator TTK has submitted an application to the state communications agency Rossvyaz for one million telephone numbers for its MVNO, reported Kommersant. It is expected that mobile operators MTS and Megafon will cooperate with TTK on the issue ...

IndiaWatch: Draft NTP Permits Voice Resale
Light Reading India
The move paves the way for the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, which is currently prohibited. (See NTP 2011: RIP Domestic Roaming! and NTP 2011: Govt Allows Spectrum Sharing.) The draft policy also favors the abolition of national roaming ...

Sprint ID Celebrates One-year Anniversary with Six Million ID Pack Downloads ...
MarketWatch (press release)
--All Things Digital For content providers like MTV, the Sprint ID pack format represents an opportunity to deliver content directly to the mobile audience--in many ways, its approach recalls the MVNO model, but without the service plans and handsets. ...

MVNO Headlines - 10 October 2011

2011-10-10T15:55:00.000+01:00

Virgin connects mobile network with Orange

Customers on Virgin Media's MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) are now being given access to the Orange mobile phone network in addition to that of the T-Mobile network they already use. It means increased coverage for Virgin customers ...

NTP 2011: Govt Allows Spectrum Sharing

With spectrum pooling and sharing in place, we might get to see the possibility of some new business models like Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) under which new players would get to launch their services, using the spectrum of existing players ...

Sprint's 4G plan condemns it to spectrum famine

But in the

it had held out the hope of creating a genuine third way by pursuing the MVNO model it had pioneered there to its logical conclusion - a huge wholesale network which could support a wide range of small operators and non-telco brands ...

MVNO Headlines - 07 October 2011

2011-10-07T16:07:00.000+01:00

Stonehenge Telecom Unveils Stonehenge Mobile, Signs MVNO Partnership with Sprint
TMC Net
As part of expanding its services, Stonehenge Telecom signed a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) deal with wireless major Sprint to access the Sprint (News - Alert) 3G network that reaches more than 274 million people. “We are very excited to be a ...

Munoth, G' Five form venture
The Hindu
The venture will focus on three core areas — handsets and smart communication device, VAS solutions and MVNO space (mobile virtual network operator). Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, Winston Zhang, Chairman, Munoth G' Five Telecom, ...

FRiENDi GROUP Awarded Best MVNO Award for Second Consecutive Year at Telecoms ...
Teletechwire (press release)
Dubai, UAE (Teletechwire): FRiENDi GROUP, the leading MVNO/MVNE provider in the region is the proud winner of the prestigious Best MVNO award revealed last night at the 5th Annual Telecoms World Middle East Awards dinner ceremony. ...

A 5.5 on the Spencer Scale
Telecoms.com
Meanwhile a new MVNO launched here in the UK this week, focusing specifically on the African migrant population, and claiming a first in terms of mobile remittance. Vizz Africa, owned by QiComm, which already operates Dialog Vizz for the UK's Sri ...

BuckSense Chooses HasOffers for Affiliate Tracking Platform
MarketWatch (press release)
... the sale of mobile messaging solutions, the sale and installation of remote surveillance and security systems, the sale of mobile telecommunications services as MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) in Italy and the sale of advertising services. ...

MVNO Headlines - 06 October 2011

2011-10-06T14:38:00.002+01:00

Stonehenge Telecom Signs Contract with Sprint
PR Web (press release)
Stonehenge Telecom has signed a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement with Sprint which allows the company access to the Sprint 3G network, which reaches over 274 million people. Stonehenge Mobile has several feature-filled, bundled packages ...

Cox Unclear if They'll Offer iPhone 4S
Dslreports
by Karl Bode 4 minutes ago tags: business · cable · Cox HSI Now that Sprint has finally gotten the iPhone, will Cox Communications offer the device to customers now that they're effectively a Sprint MVNO? In a rambling, not-really-specific statement to ...

Yallo cut cost of calls to Africa, Asia, Latin America
Telecompaper (subscription)
Sunrise's prepaid MVNO Yallo is cutting the cost of overseas calls to various destinations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. New Yallo prepaid customers will benefit from these price reductions until end-2011. Calls to countries such as China, ...

PrimeTel Mobile launches voicemail, missed call notification
Telecompaper (subscription)
Cypriot MVNO PrimeTel Mobile extended the range of its services by launching the new voicemail and missed call notification services. Voicemail service has already been activated for all PrimeTel customers and will be automatically activated for new ...

Telecom 'cloud billing' market ready to soar
ConnectedPlanet
Companies such as Zuora, recently selected by Tata Communications to provide cloud services; Aria, selected by TeleDanmark's broadband YouSee service; Cycle30 selected to rollout MVNE and MVNO services in Africa and MetraTech who created a new cloud ...

MVNO Headlines - 04 October 2011

2011-10-04T14:45:00.002+01:00

New MVNO targets Africans working in UK
Telecoms.com
A new MVNO has launched in the UK, targeted exclusively at the African migrant community, claiming to be the first player to launch prepaid mobile credit transfer over SMS between the UK and Africa. The service effectively allows African callers to ...

XO Selects Sprint Wholesale for FMC Solution
Channel Partners
XO will not be reselling Sprint's wireless services in a traditional MVNO relationship, the spokesperson said. Instead, XO will leverage Sprint's WMI services and wireless network to offer a new fixed mobile convergence solution that extending PBX or ...

Rumours point to Google becoming an MVNO
GoMo News
Details are very scarce but the cellular world has been rocked by suggestions that Google could well be in the throes of becoming an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). It's not so unbelievable given that the famed search engine company has begun ..

Macedonia's first MVNO to start operations in 2012
Telecompaper (subscription)
The first virtual mobile network operator (MVNO) in Macedonia is expected to start operations in January 2012, according to a report in local business daily 'Kapital'. The company in question, a unit of World Teleconnect International Holding, ...

New MVNO targets African community in UK
Telecompaper (subscription)
Vizz Mobile has launched a new MVNO in the UK called Vizz Africa to serve the African community. Vizz Africa claims to offer the UK's first pre-paid airtime credit transfer from the UK to Africa. This service will allow Vizz Africa customers to ...

Double portion of prepaid LG Android handsets coming to Net10
Engadget
The MVNO is offering up the LG Optimus Net prepaid with a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 800MHz processor, 3MP camera (though Net10's site wrongly mentions 5MP), Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G and an included 4GB microSD card expandable to 32GB. ...

Net10 Prepares The LG Optimus Q and Optimus Net on their $50 Contract Free ...
Phandroid.com
In case you're not too familiar with Net10, they are a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and a brand of TracFone offering both pay-as-you-go and prepaid monthly options. For only $50 you can get unlimited text, data and voice piggy backing on ...

Masmovil launches Libre mobile voice, data bundle
Telecompaper (subscription)
Spanish MVNO Masmovil has launched a tariff plan dubbed 'Libre'. The service is available with no call set-up fee, minimum consumption or tie-in period. Libre service users will be charged 8.5 eurocents per minute for national voice calls. ...

How Will We Feel Tomorrow?
iSource
It seems that just about every carrier on the planet has been tied to one iPhone design or the other at some point, even going as far as the small regional T-Mobile MVNO Cincinnati Bell, who accidentally leaked a placeholder site for the iPhone 5 ...

Sharp to design first LTE smartphones, tablets for LightSquared
ConnectedPlanet
If Best Buy becomes a full-bore wireless MVNO offering smartphones, things get more complicated. But it may choose to simply offer a VoIP service, using the same LTE network for voice and data. Sharp has its work cut out for it. ...

DiGi and MY Evolution collaborate to launch Malaysia's first M2M MVNO service

2011-09-28T12:01:00.000+01:00

Shah Alam, 28 September 2011: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DiGi) and MY Evolution Sdn Bhd (MY Evolution) today introduced Malaysia's first Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service. The new service enables communication for machines and devices using DiGi's network.

DiGi's Head of Strategy and Business Transformation, Christian Thrane said the partnership is timely especially given the government and private sector's push to stimulate demand and growth in the domestic M2M market.

The global M2M communications market is predicted to experience a growth spurt in the coming years, with 31% of growth contributed by the Asian region. According to Frost & Sullivan, M2M connections in Asia Pacific (APAC) are expected to reach 116.6 million by 2015 from 20.8 million recorded last year. In addition to China and India, the Malaysian market is expected to grow faster than the APAC average.

"The M2M market in Malaysia, while still in its nascent stages, already exhibits huge potential. According to analysts, growth in the M2M communications market is expected to represent RM200million with more than 2 million connected devices by 2015. This is a considerable market we can potentially tap into."

Thrane said the collaboration with MY Evolution showed that MVNO partnerships continue to be part of the company's business strategy.

"The M2M business is a market driven by industry verticals where MY Evolution as an MVNO can complement DiGi's strategy by offering industry solutions. MVNO partnerships give us an additional revenue stream by addressing underserved customer segments. We have invested in dedicated resources, including a team with relevant industry experience tasked to support the MVNO business. With our existing infrastructure, I believe we will be successful in this space in the coming years."

Through this deal, MY Evolution will ride on DiGi's infrastructure to provide end-to-end M2M communications services that enable the applications and its devices.

MY Evolution's Managing Director, Philippe Buriot said, "The M2M market in Asia has already started to grow at a faster pace and customers now need industry-focused products and services. Asia is going to contribute significantly to the M2M expansion in the next few years, where APAC revenue will increase from RM 2.2 billion today to more than RM 7.6 billion in 2015, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%."

MY Evolution's focus is to propose business-oriented and tailor-made rate plans, as well as adapted workflows to device life-cycles with real-time monitoring and control tools. Data ∓ Connectivity technology make possible for all application providers to setup and control their devices in a cost-efficient way and in a secured environment. To make these high-end echnologies available to all application providers, MY Evolution has decided to offer these solutions as a service.

Philippe added, "What differentiates us from other players in the market is our ability to customize our services and pricing to each customer instead of providing a one-size-fits-all package. For example, some customers have very long period of stock for their devices, others have incredible low usage needs and some require additional security to avoid sending their information over the Internet. Therefore we can improve the overall costs with the right services and pricing based on their specific requirements."

My Evolution's simcards enable machines to communicate with each other remotely, securely and are easily integrated with customers' existing systems. The highly customizable features enable MY Evolution to deliver to customers valuable information from a business-adapted system, contributing to increase operational efficiency as well as reducing their time-to-market.

Finally Philippe said that "With this partnership, we are launching our Malaysian operations as the first M2M MVNO in South-East Asia, to focus exclusively its technology, data access and know-how to enable all application providers and enterprises that need machine-to-machine communications."

MVNO Business Plan updated for 2011

2011-06-20T08:58:00.000+01:00

This is a full business plan based on the launch of an illustrative Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) known as Contendus. The plan covers all aspects of the company launch plan including market assessment, funding requirements, financial analysis, market segmentation and product differentiation. Also included is go-to-market plan, distribution and replenishment plans, comparison of MVNO's and more. The major benefit of this report is to assist in the development of an MVNO launch and to help validate existing plans.

While this report will be of interest to anyone involved in the start-up or business development in the wireless space, it will be of particular value to the following groups:

- MVNO start-ups
- Mobile network operators
- MVNE/MVNO service providers
- Investors and analysts in the mobile space
- Suppliers of MVNO equipment and software
- Consultants and systems integration companies

Gtd Móvil to become Chile MVNO

2011-06-17T10:40:00.002+01:00

GTD has finally signed an agreement with Movistar for a nationwide MVNO. This could bring on a July launch of mobile services.

GTD ingresará a telefonía móvil local tras firmar acuerdo con Movistar - Terra

Telsur aiming to beat VTR, Nextel to the draw with July MVNO launch

Cox puts USD 4 billion value on MVNO future

2011-06-16T16:48:00.000+01:00

Wireless could add $4B to Cox Business services - FierceCable

In an interview with Cox Communications' Phil Meeks, SVP Business, the executive has stated that the addition of wireless could eventually add USD 4 billion to their existing USD 7 billion from commercial services.

Cox recently made the decision to pull back from being its own MNO and partnered with Sprint to gain access to its nationwide network. Cox will act as an MVNO targeting enterprise markets, with a focus on small business users and potentially a niche market within home workers and those running their own business from home.

Rocketfish - BestBuy's 3G MiFi Mobile Hotspot and USB Broadband Device

2011-06-16T12:16:00.001+01:00

Novatel Wireless and Best Buy Connect Launch Mobile Broadband Connectivity Solutions (NASDAQ:NVTL)

Built from Novatel Wireless' technology, the Best Buy Connect devices are branded Rocketfish, a Best Buy private label brand that represents a portfolio of simple hardware solutions that enable connectivity. The 3G MiFi Mobile Hotspot (MiFiRF-MFH2)delivers high speed internet access anywhere, anytime for multiple users and devices. Users can connect and share broadband speeds with up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices at once—PCs, cameras, digital media players, tablets, gaming consoles and more—with the touch of a button. The 3G MiFi Mobile Hotspot provides up to four hours of active use on a single charge and fits in the palm of your hand.

Best Buy Connect is a Best Buy-owned mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides high-speed Internet on-the-go. The mobile broadband service operates on the Nationwide Sprint 3G network and Clearwire 4G network, and is available through laptops, netbooks, and other external devices, powering the connectivity for a wide range of consumer electronic devices.

"We're finding that our customers want choices in service providers, plans and devices for mobile broadband," said Jed Stillman, vice president of Best Buy Connect. "Novatel Wireless has a great reputation for creating intelligent solutions that help consumers stay connected wherever and whenever. We're delighted to partner with them on delivering a really smart and easy way to maintain those connections."

SITA sets up as first global mobile data service for airlines

2011-06-16T12:06:00.000+01:00

SITA becomes first global mobile data services provider for air transport industry | SITA.aero

SITA today announced that it has become the world's first global mobile data services provider dedicated to the air transport industry. Through a partnership agreement with Orange Business Services, the air transport communications specialist is providing global data connectivity to airlines enabling the secure use of mobile data, machine-to-machine (M2M) and application to person (A2P) technologies worldwide.

The size of the mobile data market is significant and growing 25% annually; according to Berg Insight more than 187 million cellular connections are expected in 2014 . To effectively handle this scale of traffic requires not only connectivity but also a close understanding of application and context specifics. SITA's service, designed for the unique needs of the global air transport industry, includes end-to-end infrastructure, a managed SIMs supply chain and self-care administration portal for optimized use.

Francesco Violante, CEO, SITA said: "As the adoption of mobile devices and data transfer soars worldwide, the air transport industry requires a high-performing, cost-effective service that provides consistent connectivity globally. SITA has partnered with Orange Business Services because it provides global coverage at competitive rates. Together we are combining this high standard of data connectivity with SITA's knowledge of the air transport industry to make the use of mobile applications most effective."

Vivek Badrinath, Senior Executive Vice President for Enterprise Services at France Telecom Orange and CEO of Orange Business Services, said: "We are proud to add mobile data connectivity to our seven-year partnership with SITA on a large portfolio of telecommunications services. And we are happy to provide Orange's extensive experience of over ten years in M2M as well as the expertise developed by our International M2M Centre and the key role our group plays in M2M standardization. Combined with SITA's industry expertise, it will provide the air transport industry with a service that is specifically designed for this unique sector."

Cyfrowy digging into Polkomtel through billionaire owner

2011-06-15T22:28:00.002+01:00

Solorz-Zak Said to Lead Polkomtel Sale With $6.6 Billion Bid - Businessweek

Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. operates as an MVNO via an agreement signed with Era back in 2006. In an ongoing bidding process for the ownership of Polkomtel, the leading bid is now from Zygmunt Solorz-Zak, a billionaire who owns cable operator Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. If Solorz-Zak wins the bidding process and passes the resulting hurdles of payments and regulatory approval, then the quad-play operator could soon have a massive mobile arm to it, in the form of Polkomtel.

UK Broadband (PCCW) bringing LTE to UK

2011-06-15T19:31:00.000+01:00

FT.com / Telecoms - PCCW set to build UK broadband network

It's normally the other way around, but a new startup from PCCW is sounding out partners for its 4G network. UK Broadband is looking to set up an LTE network in 2012 and is reportedly going to provide services on a wholesale basis. This means they will need partners to find the paying customers, namely MVNOs sourcing business for them.

Rollout is expected during H2 2011, with a launch in 2012 using their 3.5 and 3.6 GHz frequencies. This will leave BT looking on anxiously as it rolls out a new fibre optic network.

Could a massive LTE offering knock out the UK market for fixed (1 place, 1 access, can't take it with you) broadband?

Mobile One picks Symsoft's MVNO Platform

2011-06-15T12:20:00.000+01:00

The German MVNO market is perhaps the most exploited in Europe. With the inclusion of mobile resellers there are over 70 companies running virtual operations, with many of these running multiple operations (according to The MVNO Directory, May 2011). MVNEs such as Mobile One are perhaps the best way to manage all these small scale niche operations which would otherwise be a distraction to carriers.

Symsoft today announced Mobile One (MVNE) has selected their MVNO Platform - Press release - Symsoft - 15th June 2011

Symsoft a trusted expert and supplier of charging and messaging solutions, today announced that Mobile One has selected the MVNO Platform from Symsoft.

Düsseldorf-based Mobile One GmbH, a German Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), has selected the Symsoft MVNO Platform for the rollout of a complete portfolio of mobile services. In the first phase the services have been launched on one of Europe’s largest mobile networks in Germany.

The Symsoft MVNO Platform provides a complete solution for real-time rating and charging of all types of traffic – voice, SMS, MMS, premium content and data, in pre- and post-paid scenarios.

“We have been looking for a solution capable of handling multiple clients within a single system, thereby reducing costs and making the best use of our hardware investments. Symsoft’s MVNO Platform is definitely meeting those demands. Moreover, Symsoft MVNO is highly scalable and flexible, and will make it possible to quickly and easily tailor attractive campaigns and new innovative product offers”, says Norbert Schüppler, CEO, Mobile One.

Jonas Hassler, Sales Director at Symsoft comments, “We are proud to be the selected supplier of the core components in the solution deployed by Mobile One. The selection of the Symsoft MVNO platform further strengthens our footprint as a leading provider of solutions for MVNOs and MVNEs around the world".

The UK SME market gets another FMC and beyond MVNO in TeleWare Mobile

2011-06-14T11:19:00.006+01:00

The UK is one of the most MVNO penetrated markets in the world. Room for consumer MVNOs seems to have run out and largely driven from MNO activity the SME market is now getting the same treatment. Today the TeleWare Group has launched its own venture providing enterprise mobile and FMC telecoms.

TeleWare launches converged business mobile network - Press release - TeleWare (June 14, 2011)

TeleWare today announced the launch of TeleWare Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that will offer a range of unique, high value services specifically designed for business use.

“TeleWare Mobile is the first service designed from the ground up to combine all the usual features of a modern national mobile phone network with the typical business requirements offered by a modern telephony solution. Because we control the complete end-to-end call experience as well as the software applications that interact with any call and associated data, we can create a whole host of unique and highly valuable services.” Steve Haworth, CEO of TeleWare Group Plc.

TeleWare Mobile provides an innovative new approach that delivers a business communication solution using one number, one bill, one device without the high bills, unused minutes and complex device management of legacy solutions on the market today. All business calls, both fixed and mobile are switched and routed through one core with the business in control of how that call should be processed.

TeleWare Mobile uses a normal SIM card which works with all leading mobile phone types, including any Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Android or Symbian handset or pad device. The network offers full Voice, SMS and Data and supports roaming in 265 countries … number porting and provides a range of common core business applications and call routing options… integrates with standard geographic and non-geographic numbers as well as short code dialling, premium rate numbers and operator services … interfaces with any SIP compliant PBX and has been tested with products from Cisco, Avaya, Alcatel-Lucent, Siemens, Panasonic and other vendors.

“We are not competing for the consumer mass market or pay-as-you-go market,” explains Haworth, “We are only aiming at the 4 million UK businesses that need a better way to integrate an increasingly mobile workforce into a more effective communication strategy.” States Haworth.

FRiENDi appoints marketing company

2011-06-14T11:13:00.000+01:00

“FRiENDi Mobile” appoints “Memac Ogilvy Advize” SmartOman.com

This isn't much of a story, but what tickled me is that FRiENDi have appointed Memac Ogilvy to manage its advertising and communications in Jordan. So I popped along to FRiENDi's corporate website to see the press release but found nothing. Fair enough, they have only just got the campaign, so I went to the source itself ... surely ... but Memac are not carrying any press material about this. In fact their "Latest News and PR" section has not been updated since June 24, 2010. There is telecoms coverage of this news but surely a marketing communications company would promote itself?

SIMPLE Mobile is making their $50 prepaid plan UNLIMITED

2011-06-14T10:59:00.001+01:00

SIMPLE Mobile media, press releases and news updates

"SIMPLE Mobile's existing $50 prepaid plan has been rebranded the $50 Unlimited Nationwide Talk, Text & Web plan. Previously, this plan only included 100MB's of data, which just wasn't enough for many customers. The new plan has unlimited data service at 2G speeds, making it a great option for customers looking for an unlimited data plan for basic web surfing, sending picture messages and checking their email without breaking the bank. SIMPLE Mobile continues to provide a $60 Unlimited Talk, Text, and High Speed Web plan for those who want to unleash the full power of the web at up to 4G wireless speeds."

Tim Garrett, SVP of marketing for SIMPLE Mobile. "Like all of our prepaid plans, the $50 option has none of the hidden fees, background checks or lengthy commitments you expect from other carriers. Pop in a SIMPLE Mobile SIM card, activate it and you're good to go."

60,000 wholesale Lightyear clients to Sprint

2011-06-08T10:30:00.003+01:00

Verizon has lost 60,000 wholesale clients to Sprint, following Lightyear’s decision to sign a 5 year MVNO contract with Sprint. The operator originally signed up to Verizon’s Wholesale Mobility Solutions suite back in July 2008. Then CEO of Lightyear, Sherman Henderson III, said at the time: “Single-source service bundles mean convenience, simplicity and value to both the business and residential customers that Lightyear Network Solutions serves nationwide … Our agreement with Verizon Partner Solutions will enable us to deliver those benefits to our customers, backed by the power of the Verizon networks and the attentive customer care of Lightyear.”

Lightyear Network Solutions launches mobile agreement with Sprint (MVNO agreement expected to contribute to wireless growth – Press release – Lightyear Network Solutions (June 8, 2011)

Lightyear, a provider of data, voice and wireless telecommunication services to business and residential customers throughout North America, today announced that it has launched its MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) operations under a new five-year agreement with Sprint.

The contract allows Lightyear to partner directly with Sprint on new wireless products, and provide postpaid and prepaid mobile telephone products and service utilizing the Nationwide Sprint Network. The agreement provides numerous benefits for Lightyear, including a larger and improved selection of the newest Sprint wireless devices, quicker access to those products, greater flexibility regarding product and service offerings for Lightyear customers, and the ability to offer bundled Lightyear wireline and wireless products.

The MVNO agreement enables Lightyear to offer an enhanced suite of wireless products, while lowering its costs. Lightyear’s sales force will immediately begin offering these enhanced services under the MVNO agreement to its more than 60,000 customers.

Lightyear recently initiated a marketing program to increase its commercial business activities, and this agreement with Sprint will enable the company to expand its efforts with new and existing business customers, including the availability to offer new solutions such as fixed mobile convergence. The agreement will also provide benefits to residential customers who will have access to a broader selection of wireless handsets, including a number of phones with the increasingly popular Android operating system.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our MVNO with Sprint, which has been a valuable Lightyear provider partner for a number of years,” said Stephen M. Lochmueller, Chief Executive Officer of Lightyear. “This MVNO agreement will contribute to our long-term strategy to increase our organic growth. We expect our wireless business to contribute to our growth and profitability in 2011, with increasing benefits in future years.”

Virgin branded mobile services in Latin America (... in 2012)

2011-06-06T16:25:00.024+01:00

The Virgin Group hopes to monetise Latin America. Currently Virgin Mobile are active in the UK, France, South Africa, India and by brand name in the USA, Qatar, Australia and Canada. This will be the company's first venture into South America. No definite entries to market have been given but the company expects launches in 2012. The press release heading and Virgin's change in policy to mobile indicate that the venture will not be an MVNO, it will be a branded operation with an MNO driving the workings.

UPDATE (10th June): Tribe Mobile will be the venture partner. The 2 companies have pledged USD 300 mln towards the joint mobile outing. Tribe will be the operational partner while Virgin will offer the branding. (Source Tribe Mobile)

Virgin Group planning to launch Virgin branded mobile services in Latin America - Press release - Virgin Group (June 06, 2011)

Virgin branded mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Latin America will be in partnership with Tribe Mobile, in order to become the leading MVNO across the region.

This will mark the first time the Virgin brand has launched in the Latin American market, something Richard Branson is looking forward to.

The Virgin founder said: "We are excited by the opportunity to launch the Virgin brand in Latin America for the first time.

"Latin America's mobile telecom consumers will benefit from Virgin's entry into their markets to provide our exciting customer focused product offering, wide range of great services, transparent pricing and value for money. We look forward to launching our first businesses within the next 12 to 15 months."

Tribe Mobile Founder and Chairman Phil Wallace added: "Latin American consumers have proven to be avid mobile users from the early days of mobile telephony and continue to be so.

"More than in any other region, wireless has replaced fixed line service for consumer use and the region is ripe for new options that can either attract new customers or focus on special consumer segments."

Virgin Mobile branded businesses already operate in Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, the UK and the USA, serving approximately 15 million mobile subscribers.

1 in 4 MVNOs upgraded to offering mobile broadband

2011-06-02T14:44:00.001+01:00

London, United Kingdom, 2nd June 2011

New for 2011, The MVNO Directory has tracked which MVNOs offer mobile broadband services, acting as mobile virtual broadband network operators, or MVBNOs. The directory shows that currently 120 of the 515 active companies are offering mobile broadband services using another operator’s network. This accounts for nearly 1 in 4 MVNOs. These findings show that the mobile virtual network operator market has moved on from its infancy and can no longer be simply dismissed as a mass discount and pre-pay only sector.

The 5th edition of The MVNO Directory launched May 2011. The latest research found 645 active MVNOs operated by 515 companies, meaning that some companies operate more than one MVNO in a single country.

Mark Thomas, Director of Network Research, Blycroft Ltd commented: “The rise of the mobile virtual broadband network operator (MVBNO) shows that the virtual market is keeping pace with the spectrum market. Nearly 1 in 4 MVNOs currently offer mobile broadband services and this figure keeps improving. MVNOs are capable of trading within the full arena of mobile offerings, whether this is basic voice through to the latest 4G services. While many MVNOs make a good trade out of pre-pay discount offerings, it is clear that the high ARPU and premium services market is definitely open to MVNOs.”

The majority of MVBNOs also offer traditional voice and messaging subscriptions. Their subscribers are signing up for multiple services providing a double revenue stream. These multi-play virtual operators are in effect taking two bites out of their subscribers’ wallets by offering complementing technologies.

Geographically the MVBNOs follow the same markets as MVNOs, with active operations across Asia, Europe and North America. Although the MVNO market is yet to reach into every country, their presence is now felt across every continent.

“For many years analysts have noted the MVNO market as a discount only offering. The thought process being that MVNOs trade on being cheaper than traditional networks (mobile network operators, MNOs) such as Vodafone and T-Mobile. This new research helps to show that MVNOs are in fact capable of offering the same services as MNOs and can revenue high ARPU streams from specific client bases. The sector is capable of data rich services and post-paid offers commonly seen within the MNO sector.” Added Mark Thomas.

Further details about The MVNO Directory can be found at www.telecomsnetworks.com, by contacting Blycroft Ltd on +44-870-241-4505 or by e-mailing editor@blycroft.com.

PLDT Global brings international mobile business to Guam

2011-05-20T16:11:00.000+01:00

PLDT Global brings international mobile business to Guam

PLDT Global Corporation (PGC), in cooperation with Docomo Pacific, is bringing its Mobile Virtual Network Operation (MVNO) business to Filipinos in Guam next month.

Through this partnership, Docomo Pacific, which operates a cellular service in Guam, will offer PGC’s Smart Pinoy services and lower rates for voice calls and text messages, to and from the Philippines.

These services include the Smart Pinoy Store which serves as a gateway for remittances and the payment of essential products and services such as utilities, tuition fees, insurance premiums, health check-ups, and medical procedures among others.

NarrowMinds opens Dutch MVNO market with T-Mobile

2011-05-12T17:43:00.019+01:00

The Netherlands has somewhere between 16 and 17 million residents. Competing for their business are T-Mobile, KPN Mobile and Vodafone. Additionally there are 42 active MVNO operations also fighting for their share of this market. That figure does not include all the brands operated by MNOs but marketed as MVNOs, such as Ay Yildiz and Simyo.

NarrowMinds have already gone live with the MVNO, Simpathiek. The big question is can another new entry to the Dutch MVNO sector achieve gains? The firm is targeting returns on low subscriber numbers, which considering the saturation is perhaps the only profitable entry method left in The Netherlands. ARPU!

NarrowMinds opens Dutch MVNO market with T-Mobile - Press release - NarrowMinds (May 12, 2011)

NarrowMinds has reached an agreement with T-Mobile Netherlands to offer MVNE services over the T-Mobile network in The Netherlands. As an MVNE (Mobile Virtual Mobile Network Enabler) NarrowMinds allows customers to become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) and offer mobile services under their own brand. NarrowMinds enhances these mobile network services with location based services and customer engagement and dialogue programs. NarrowMinds’ platform allows new entrants to become a successful MVNO even with a limited number of mobile users.

NarrowMinds uses a number of software platforms with a proven track record outside The Netherlands. These platforms allow NarrowMinds customers to deploy an MVNO quickly and cheaply. By opening the platform to developers and partners, NarrowMinds facilitates MVNO’s to develop new services for their end users.

Currently, there are approximately 50 [42 according to research conducted for The MVNO Directory, May 2011] active MVNO in The Netherlands. Companies, associations and brands can strengthen brand awareness with their own branded mobile network. Until now, starting an MVNO was difficult, time consuming and costly and only feasible with a large number of users. The NarrowMinds’ business model allows organizations to start an MVNO without high start-up costs and thus bringing it within reach of a lot more people. In addition, the time to market for an MVNO has been greatly reduced. In June NarrowMinds will become operational and offer its products and services.

Hans van Linschoten, General Manager of NarrowMinds: ‘Our customers ask for flexibility. Brands are eager to embrace relevant mobile connectivity, communities, apps, location based services and mobile payment. Deploying your own mobile brand puts you in the epicenter of these developments. The fact that T-Mobile supports us underscores their strategic vision.’

T-Mobile CEO in The Netherlands, Bart Weijermars comments: ‘T-Mobile spearheads innovative products and services. Also, T-Mobile’s network is among the best in Europe. This is an excellent starting point for cooperation with NarrowMinds.’

The MVNO Directory 2011

2011-05-01T16:03:00.002+01:00

645 operations are profiled for this 5th edition of the directory and are presented as 515 company profiles. This is the resource for making contact with this rapidly evolving market.

5 years ago the 1st edition of The MVNO Directory tracked a market of just over 200 MVNOs. Many said the "MVNO fad" would not last and that the market was already in decline. 5 years on the new total stands at 645 operations operated by 515 companies. Within just 5 years the industry has more than tripled with new operations constantly coming to market.

MVNOs, mobile virtual network operators, are mobile service offerings from organisations which typically neither own licensed mobile spectrum nor operate a physical base station network and backhaul. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule but the essential factor is that an MVNO cooperates with an MNO for network access. MNOs are traditional mobile companies such as Orange, SingTel and Vodafone. For this research, both MVNOs and resellers (which act as the provider to the subscriber) are included.

Operations owned by MNOs are not counted; these are brands launched by MNOs and are therefore part of the MNO, not a distinct and separate company. MNOs are profiled within The MNO Directory. Found separately within The MVNO Directory, is a list of over 550 companies named by other publishers as being active MVNOs, incorrectly. For each of these companies the researchers have provided a short reason as to why the company has not been included as an MVNO.

FRiENDi GROUP's USD 25 million for growth

2011-04-26T17:00:00.001+01:00

The Middle-East's perhaps most prominent MVNO has found funding to keep rolling out its regional MVNO plans. FRiENDi targets immigrant work forces who are being used to build the vast engineering projects across the region; from rapid growth of high rise towers through to the Palm Islands. Many markets have seen a contraction of immigrant work forces following the tightening of global finances, this will perhaps be the biggest factor limiting FRiENDi's march.

FRiENDi GROUP has secured USD 25 million of new funding to further accelerate expansion plans across the Middle East, Africa and Asia region - Press release - FRiENDi Group (April 26, 2011)

The new funding for FRiENDi GROUP consists of USD 10 million equity from new and existing shareholders, plus a USD 15 million structured debt facility from Standard Bank. The sizeable new funding for FRiENDi GROUP is a vote of confidence from international financial institutions and investors in the company as well as the future potential of the region’s mobile telecommunications sector.

Commenting on the new funding Mikkel Vinter CEO & Founder, FRiENDi GROUP said; “FRiENDi GROUP continues to expand rapidly, and benefit from telecom markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia region moving towards increasingly segmented customer propositions. The new funding from distinguished financial institutions and investors supports FRiENDi GROUP’s vision of establishing a multi-market regional footprint. We are particularly delighted that the approval of the Standard Bank facility follows an exhaustive bankability review by Standard Bank of FRIENDI GROUP’S operations and its future prospects”.

Speaking on the entry of NTEC as a new shareholder of FRiENDi GROUP, Mr. Ghassan Al-Sultan, Senior Manager of Investment Projects from NTEC said; “NTEC invests equity in high-tech companies that have the potential of regional expansion, and a proven concept with a sustainable business model. We are confident that the FRiENDi GROUP has a bright future ahead of it, and the success of FRiENDi GROUP’s existing operations underscores the attractiveness of this opportunity”.

Mr. Mohamed Y. Al Ibrahim, Managing Director of Dolphin International LLC and member of the Board of Directors for FRiENDi GROUP said; “As a privately owned Omani company Dolphin International has enjoyed a partnership with FRiENDi GROUP since 2006. Our latest additional investment in FRiENDi GROUP reflects the success of the Group to date, and our shared vision of the future growth opportunities in the region’s attractive mobile telecommunications market”.

The USD 15 million structured debt facility has been provided by Standard Bank, a global bank with emerging market focus headquartered in South Africa. Standard Bank has operations in 32 countries across Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Commenting on the financing, Rassem Zok, CEO, Standard Bank plc, MENA, said; “Standard Bank is delighted to have provided financing to FRiENDi GROUP, the leading service based mobile provider in the MENA region. This facility demonstrates our committed support to the development of innovative telecoms services. Our team’s considerable sector and structuring expertise combined with local and international market knowledge enables us to offer highly structured financing solutions to clients in our core regions”.

Global MVNO forecasts to 2015

2011-03-14T16:01:00.004Z

The MVNO business model has proved hugely successful in developed markets with over half of the subscribers coming from Europe, but emerging markets have remained largely immune to the MVNO hype until now. However, this is changing as Latin America and Africa emerge as potential growth markets.

The report highlights this and other emerging trends in the sector including data- only MVNOs, ethnic MVNOs, and retail. We also provide detailed analysis on the future of MVNOs from a service perspective, as well as discussing how the sector is moving towards consolidation.

For the first time, the report includes detailed forecasts by country and covers 60 of the world's key markets. In addition, it contains several detailed Case Studies covering the key players across different regions including Best Buy's mobile, Lebara Mobile and Friendi Mobile Jordan.

MVNO, MVNE, and MNO Service Level Agreements (SLA)

2010-10-14T16:02:00.000+01:00

The MVNO, MVNE, MNO service level agreement (SLA) report is designed to provide MVNOs, MNOs, MVNEs or service providers with an example SLA, modeled from real life operational MVNO SLAs, which can be customized and built upon to meet the needs of their service management requirements. With the increasingly competitive nature of consumer telecommunications market place, and the number wholesale MVNE providers multiplying over night, it has never been more important for MVNO, MNOs and MVNEs to ensure their technology and service management processes and procedures are 100% efficient.

This report will help MVNOs, MNOs and MVNEs ensure that the partners on which they rely, are performing at optimal efficiency for their business and delivering the highest Quality Of Service for their customers.

MVNO expansion over the last 4 years

2010-04-23T13:47:00.004+01:00

The MVNO market has had its ups and downs in recent years. Virgin Mobile in the UK is now a quad-play provider, the US outfit has been bought by Sprint, the Canadian outfit has been bought by Bell and the South African outfit seems to be unable to take off.

Various other players have also fallen from the growth tree. EasyJet tried with EasyMobile in 3 countries across Europe, but found that they brought nothing new to the market. Blyk tried to create a new market by offering free mins and texts for adverts. This proved a great model for gaining subscribers, but not for making a business.

But beyond these headlines is a different reality. Since 2006 the amount of MVNOs in the world has increased by 99%, literally 0.4% away from 100% growth in terms of active operations.

Blycroft has published a new thought piece which provides a small insight into the difference between where the market was in 2006 and how it stands now. It can be downloaded from this link, 4 Years of MVNOs.

NRJ Mobile and Sicap introduce double-network MVNO device management – France

2009-12-16T15:39:00.001Z

NRJ Mobile has deployed Sicaps’s double-network device management platform. The software will allow the operator to provide services via both Orange’s and SFR’s network (but not simultaneously to individual subscribers). By interrogating user behaviour fed back to NRJ (via the software) the operator will be able to recommend to subscribers which network would provide them with best coverage.

The software will also provide facility for over the air updates to NRJ’s subscribers.

Armin L. Rau, Sicap’s Managing Director for EMENA said: “We have worked closely with NRJ Mobile since their acquisition of our Device Management Center in 2004. The implementation of our latest Device Management Center provides NRJ Mobile with a powerful commercial and customer care tool to manage subscriber services and their devices.“

Julien Muller, NRJ Mobile’s Director of Products and Services commented: “The deployment of Sicap technology was the most user-friendly and cost-effective way for us to manage the specificities of our dual network strategy. Sicap has consistently recommended software tools which fit our scope, constraints and expectations and which ultimately benefit our customers.”

ASPIDER selects Blueslice for MVNE expansion – The Netherlands

2009-12-16T10:40:00.001Z

ASPIDER Solutions, a leading supplier of wholesale MVNE services to MNOs, has selected Blueslice’s evolved Subscriber Data Management (eSDM) solution. The solution is the ngHLR 3000™. Its deployment will allow ASPIDER to benefit from integrated low-cost roaming, multi-profile subscriber provisioning and custom solutions for the M2M market.

Luis Carrera, Chief Technology Officer of ASPIDER Solutions commented: “Our key objective was to acquire a flexible, scalable and carrier-grade next-gen HLR platform that enabled ASPIDER to expand its wholesale branded services portfolio, and Blueslice provided us with a best-of-breed system. Working with Blueslice will help us to sustain our current growth and meet the emerging needs of our client base.”

Leonard Scheepsma, Vice President of EMEA Sales for Blueslice commented: “At Blueslice, we are always eager to work with the most innovative service providers, and it was clear to us that ASPIDER Solutions is geared for success. Having ASPIDER Solutions as a customer will help us drive even further innovations in the areas of wholesale solutions and Machine-to-Machine”.

Tele2 France sale to Virgin completes – France

2009-12-15T12:38:00.001Z

Tele2, headquartered in Sweden, has completed the sale of its French division to Virgin Mobile France, via Omer Telecom, for SEK 575 million in cash (just over USD 80 million). Omer Telecom has set 2010 as the year for it to turn a profit from its French operation and to reach 2 million subscribers. The deal takes Omer to roughly 1.6 million subscribers.

DNA Seattle appointed as agency of record for Simple Mobile – USA

2009-12-11T15:37:00.001Z

Simple Mobile has appointed DNA Seattle to head up its advertising and integrated brand strategy. The new MVNO launched services in November across the USA and in Puerto Rico. The service targets the SIM only market based upon marketing strategies of keeping everything straight forward (simple).

Chris Witherspoon, DNA’s Director of Client Service commented: "Simple Mobile is the perfect partner for DNA. Given our experience in successfully positioning challenger brands in highly competitive categories, most notably PEMCO in the insurance category and BECU (the nation's fourth largest credit union) in the banking category, we're confident we can do the same for Simple Mobile. Simple Mobile's promise to keep things simple means consumers will finally have wireless service the way they want it. We look forward to helping bring to life a brand, products, and services that will truly revolutionize the wireless market."

First “private GSM” MVNO launched in the UK – United Kingdom

2009-12-11T11:37:00.001Z

Smarter Mobile has launched the first MVNO in the UK using a Private GSM (Concurrent Spectrum Access) host network with full delegated authority to deploy its own infrastructure.

The offering is being targeted at SMEs with the ability to overcome local coverage issues by use of micro cell technology. The service is also billed as being ideal for M2M applications where there is lack of coverage indoors and for remote environments.

As part of their product portfolio Smarter Mobile offers its “Smarter SURVEY”. This allows clients to compare signal strength and ultimately usefulness of an MNO offering compared to the Smarter Mobile offer.

E-mail only handset via Fon goes live – Europe

2009-12-10T15:36:00.001Z

Fon, a Spanish WiFi operator, has partnered with Spotnik to offer European wide MVNO access for its new PeekFon device. PeekFon is an e-mail only mobile device. It offers no voice, web browsing or texting services as to be expected on pretty much any mobile device. The company believes there is a viable market to be exploited of those roaming across Europe in need of sending e-mails - who also do not have a device to already achieve this.

The initial cost is EUR 99 which comes with six months of free roaming. Thereafter the service will cost EUR 12.90 a month. In addition to MVNO access users will benefit from WiFi access over the Fon network.

The big question is who will pay for an e-mail only device on Fon. The availability of free WiFi across European cities is a major hindrance to the offer. Although not truly free, customers of coffee shops, museums, trains and various other service sector businesses benefit from free WiFi during their visit. It would also be fair to assume that those regularly roaming and being in need of e-mail are likely to have a WiFi compatible handset. Alternatively, those on a budget are likely just to stick with a EUR 0.30 SMS back to home, as opposed to EUR 12.90 a month.

Inea to become an MVNO - Poland

2009-12-08T15:34:00.001Z

Another Polish cable TV operator is soon to join the MVNO market. Poznan based Inea will launch MVNO services over Orange’s network via an agreement with PTK Centertel, according to local media rpkom.pl.

The move sees Inea join Aster and Cyfrowy Polsat as media companies which have ventured into mobile operations. As a whole the Polish mobile market is now very open in terms of competition. The market is made up of 4 MNO with additional brands masquerading as MVNOs and 12 real MVNOs as of the last edition of The MVNO Directory, with other launches since. Even Snickers and Avon have MVNOs in Poland.

My Dad’s lost his phone company – Netherlands

2009-12-08T15:00:00.001Z

The incredibly packed Dutch MVNO market has seen another MVNO fail. ‘My Dad’s Phone Company’ is closing down all services. Pre-pay clients will have no service from 1st January 2010 and post-pay clients will no have service from 20th February 2010.

The service launched in 2007 over Vodafone’s network and is owned by Dexcom Holdings. The MVNO had been targeting the mass discount market. Clients are free to take their business elsewhere but host MNO Vodafone are expected to attempt to convert the MVNO’s subscribers into their own direct clients.

Cable operators bypassing MVNO route – Spain

2009-12-04T15:33:00.001Z

Spain’s telecom regulator is to auction additional spectrum in the 2.6Ghz range during Q1 2010. Ono, Euskaltel, R and Telecable are reportedly considering a team bid. The move would see the 4 cable based operators clubbing together in an attempt to provide mobile services without having to buy minutes and access from the established MNOs.

Being practical, this is somewhat of a messy idea. In France, Numericable and Virgin Mobile failed to fully bid in the French auction due to complications. With double the amount of operators in a single bid there will arguably be double the amount of complications. Euskatel also already has an active MVNO arrangement with Vodafone signed back in 2006. Spain also has a very established MNO market consisting of 4 operators. This includes France Telecom, Telefonica and Vodafone, being 3 of the biggest players in the mobile world.

SIM wants 40% of MVNO market share - Thailand

2009-12-03T15:32:00.001Z

While the fighting continues over termination rate pricing and rates for minutes between TOT and the 5 coming MVNOs, SIM has announced that they are expecting to win up to 40% of the MVNO market share in Bangkok.

The soon to be MVNO expects to harvest 20,000 subscribers within their first month of operation and 200,000 within year 1. The company is still stating that they expect SIM to generate 5-10% of Samart I-Mobile's revenue for 2010.

Although due to imminently start their MVNO businesses only 3 of the 5 potential MVNOs have received full approvals for launching services; being Loxley, Samart I-Mobile and 365 Communications.

KDDI lauches $60 tariff – USA

2009-12-03T12:31:00.001Z

KDDI is joining the unlimited tariff operators by offering its subscribers a USD 60 tariff. For this they will receive unlimited same network minutes, unlimited domestic weekend and evening calls and up to 400 minutes for free outside of these hours to other US networks.

The American KDDI launched in 2007 via Telcorida over Sprint’s network. The service looked to primarily target Japanese nationals and their families living in the USA.

Videotron moving further from MVNO to MNO – Canada

2009-12-03T11:32:00.001Z

Quebec based Cable operator, Videotron, has come out fighting in the marketing battle for who has the biggest and best network. The operator is currently building a 3G network of their own to launch wireless services over in the Quebec region. The operator claims that subscribers will have a superior experience using their network compared to the existing networks. The rational behind this is that they will have fewer users and therefore greater capacity to manage the traffic, therefore the service will not be hindered by bottle necks from too many subscribers.

Users of the service will roam onto Rogers network within Canada when outside of Videotron’s network and onto T-Mobile when in the USA.

Mobile Partners Group gets Loxley on board for m-broadband – Thailand

2009-12-02T16:53:00.002Z

Loxley has approached UK based Mobile Partners Group for their technological assistance in launching a 3G mobile broadband MVNO in Bangkok. The soon to launch MVNO is hoping to secure 30,000 subscribers to the ‘i-kool 3G’ mobile broadband service and to break even within 18 months of launch.

Loxley was one of 5 firms selected by TOT to offer mobile services over the new network. The state owned MNO hopes that their new MVNO partners will assist in rapidly generating traffic and revenue over the network to ensure a good return on their investment.

Thailand’s mobile market is somewhat different to other nations. There are according to The MNO Directory (http://www.MNODirectory.com) 6 active MNO in Thailand. However, only 2 of these MNOs actually own their network. The 4 other networks have licensed spectrum and must pay for and build out their own networks - but the ownership of these networks falls to either CAT (generally CDMA) or TOT (generally GSM). Both CAT and TOT are state owned.

XLN Telecom enters mobile market – United Kingdom

2009-12-02T15:29:00.002Z

Gamma Telecom has signed up XLN Telecom as its first MVNO. The move will see XLN launch mobile services before the host MVNE, being Gamma, launches its own MVNO.

XLN is a London based fixed line provider targeting the SME sector (small-medium sized enterprise). The company, according to ‘mobile news’, has 125,000 existing clients who will be the initial targets of its MVNO business. Being an MVNO via an MVNE the need to sign up huge volumes of clients should not be as big an issue compared to a direct relationship with an MNO. XLN will become part of a collective of operators working for MNO ‘3’, via Gamma.

XLN Telecom’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Christian Nellemann commented: "We are delighted to offer best value mobile phone services to complement those we already provide for landline calls and broadband. For too long SMEs have been forced to pay over the top for mobile services they just do not need or particularly want. By designing mobile tariffs based around what our business land-line customers say they actually need, we are now able to completely shake-up the market in this sector."

Virgin Mobile speeds up m-broadband – United Kingdom

2009-12-02T12:30:00.001Z

Quadruple-play provider, Virgin Media, has released a new 7.2 MB USB modem, which is twice the speed of their existing offering. No indications of actual network speeds came with the announcement, being something which consumer groups have become very vocal about.

Graeme Oxby, Executive Director for Mobile, Virgin Media, commented: “We’re thrilled to be offering this faster mobile broadband to our users. If you’re not at home or near a wireless connection, mobile broadband is the best way of staying connected on the move and we’re delighted to be making this a speedier, more pleasant experience for our customers.”

The mobile broadband service is part of Virgin’s MVNO relationship with T-Mobile.

MTNL looks to Virgin to rescue failed 3G launch – India

2009-12-01T11:00:00.001Z

Six months after launching their 3G networks in Delhi and Mumbai, MTNL (state owned) has managed to amass 1,000 subscribers for the advanced service. On any scale this is not a feasible return on investment so MTNL put out to tender the network as a franchise.

Only 2 firms actually bid for the franchise with the other bid coming from Spice Group, whose MNO operation is now a part of Idea Cellular. Spice withdrew from the bidding due to inappropriate experience (specifically 3G) rather than being outbid.

MTNL has set Virgin a revenue target of USD 51.7 million for both the Delhi and Mumbai operations (each) over a 3 year period. Revenues falling short of target will be met with a fine of 10% of the difference (between actual revenue and targeted revenue, payable from Virgin to MTNL). MTNL also reserves the right to refranchise or to increase the quantities of franchisees should Virgin not succeed.

Virgin Mobile acts as an MVNO in India or as a franchise as they are locally referred to. The operation is a joint venture between Tata Teleservices and the Virgin Group.

Unilava launches MVNO - USA

2009-11-30T16:49:00.001Z

Baldwin Yung, President and Chief Executive Officer of Unilava Corp, has announced that the company is to launch an MVNO based mobile division. The launch will strengthen the company’s existing portfolio of telecommunication offerings to both SMEs and residential users. Mobile services offered will include both CDMA and GSM technologies as well as 3G and converged offerings.

The company runs its own ‘40 carrier-grade microwave wireless broadband infrastructure’ and sees the MVNO option as a good add-on to its current offering. Unilava already operates the mobile service as Telava Mobile. The new division will allow for greater marketing activity.

Their mobile plan starts at USD 12.99 per month and a mobile broadband service is also available for USD 50 per month (5GB limit).

Orcon deciding on host MNO – New Zealand

2009-11-29T10:40:00.003Z

Broadband ISP Orcon has been in the news this week in regards to their planned MVNO. The company has been consulting its existing subscriber base looking to find out how to win them over to a mobile service with Orcon, as opposed to their existing suppliers. Nothing has been formally set out by Orcon and even the host MNO is being debated.

Orcon already has a mobile network agreement with Vodafone to host the MVNO. However, Telcom recently announced that it would be wholesaling its new XT network. Telcom is also the fixed line supplier used by Orcon to provide their broadband offering.

Orcon’s Head of Marketing, Duncan Blair, has been quoted by Action Media saying: “I guess we could have launched a while ago with plans like the other MVNOs have done. It would have been quite similar to what’s in the market and I guess we didn’t feel like that’s very Orcon, if you like. We like to do things a little bit differently as you know.”

Being an early mover can be a good move for any new MVNO; it is better to hit a market with few competitors than to be the 30th entrant. However, the decision to hold back is a good one. Far too many MVNOs launch services on the basis of thinking they are great or by offering what is a cheaper alternative (for the time being) to the competition. Inevitably such a weak marketing strategy leads to failure and elsewhere the concept of multi-play offerings has failed to gain traction.

Orbitel looks beyond Spain – Europe

2009-11-27T16:00:00.002Z

After launching service in Spain back in September, Orbitel is looking to expand operations across Europe. The operator is targeting the international calls market and states that they are actively researching how they can take best take advantage of traffic from African immigrants who have settled in Europe.

Iñaki López Pelegrín, Orbitel's Wholesale Head of Sales in Europe commented to Total Telecom: "In the first phase we are focused on traffic we can see moving from Europe back to northern countries in Africa; so Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Nigeria. We want to collect as much traffic as we can, and also terminate as much traffic as well. We want to find and follow the exodus of the people [into Europe] and logically North Africa is very close."

Orbitel is the managing company of Columbia’s incumbent network. Spain was selected as the testing ground due to it being the first choice of Columbians emigrating to Europe. Now in Europe, Orbitel wants to seize upon related traffic from other territories.

T-Mobile and 3 not in the iPhone club, but Tesco allowed in – United Kingdom

2009-11-26T10:40:00.002Z

The iPhone is perhaps the biggest current headliner grabber within the consumer mobile handset market. However, it still only picks up a tiny percentage of the global handset market; comparatively 5% of what Nokia managed during Q209. However, this is based upon one type of handset which has moved from an Apple ‘cult’ following to what is becoming a must have gadget for both youth and tech savvy non-youth markets.

Within the UK, 3 out of 5 MNOs currently have iPhone agreements and now Tesco Mobile, an MVNO of O2, has joined their ranks. This is potentially embarrassing for both ‘3 UK’ and T-Mobile UK as Tesco Mobile is in comparison to them, simply an MVNO. It is also worrying for Orange and Vodafone as Tesco plans to beat them to market, being in time for Christmas.

The question is why Tesco and not the 2 remaining MNOs and why in competition to Orange and Vodafone. Potentially this is a really clever move by Apple or a trashing of their recommended retail price. Within the product life cycle the early adopters and similar have already purchased their iPhones, as too have those waiting for a post-launch deal or for the early adopters to act as their guinea-pigs. This means that iPhone sales need a pick me up and the agreement with Tesco allows for a massive marketing blast onto the UK high-street, or more precisely, into the biggest retailer’s nationwide footprint.

Tesco has not clarified their selling angle for the iPhone but the hints are that the unit price will be kept as is but the tariff for using the handset will be more akin to a Tesco theme. Meaning that their will be no price war attrition against Apple, but their will be a hotting up of associated competition between operators selling their packages around the iPhone. This also contributes to answering the question of why Tesco. Tesco Mobile is an MVNO joint venture of O2 and Tesco Plc. O2 until now has had a monopoly over iPhone sales but Orange and Vodafone are soon to hit this cosy arrangement. It is possible to argue that those who want an O2 iPhone have already got one and that O2 has run out of time to catch the stragglers and the harder to convert market. Bringing in Tesco Mobile with the MVNO theme allows for the iPhone churn from other networks to continue, which benefits O2 as Tesco is their MVNO.

Rumours of a Hever MVNO – Israel

2009-11-25T15:56:00.002Z

Israeli local new news agency, Haaretz, has reported that Hever are considering their own MVNO. Hever is reported to be a consumer group of 100,000 career soldiers and the reports state that the organisation has already approached the communications ministry to discuss the idea. The concept itself would pass the recent change to MVNO terms by the ministry which last week saw sister companies to MNOs barred from launching MVNO services.

giffgaff launches, still a brand (not an MVNO) – United Kingdom

2009-11-25T15:01:00.001Z

New mobile offering giffgaff, which is owned by o2 and operated by o2 but cited repeatedly as an MVNO, has launched services. SIM cards are available for free and voice calls are charged at GBP 0.08 per minute with SMS charged at 0.04 per message. Same network (giffgaff only) minutes are free and the data plan is currently uncharged.

The new brand’s value-add promotion is a rewards system where subscribers earn credits for performing tasks for the company. So far the list of tasks stops at customer service to other subscribers.

XOX aiming for 1 million subscribers – Malaysia

2009-11-25T11:00:00.001Z

Recent MVNO start up, XOX Communications, is targeting 1 millions subscribers by the end of 2010.

After launching XinXun mobile prepaid in Kuala Lumpur today, Ng Kok Heng, President of XOX commented: "With our innovative packaging and marketing, XOX Com is confident of reaching this goal by the end of next year.”

XOX is Malaysia’s first MVNO and is entering the market aggressively. The company is seeking to increase its dealer network from 7,500 to 10,000 dealers and is pushing out a price conscious offering to the market.

Virgin Mobile buy out signed off – USA

2009-11-25T09:15:00.001Z

Sprint has completed its acquisition of Virgin Mobile USA. This now brings in house the Virgin brand, which itself consumed Helio. Also within Sprint’s MVNO previous take over list is Boost Mobile USA, which was part of a global series of Boost operations.

Telenet signs up for Acision’s messaging platform – Belgium

2009-11-24T16:45:00.001Z

Acision has announced that Telenet is upgrading its legacy voicemail platform to Acision’s next generation messaging architecture. This platform will allow Telenet to reduce the total cost of ownership of its voicemail solution, as well as deliver converged messaging and voicemail applications for Telenet´s full MVNO mobile platform.

Peter Michiels, Senior Vice President of Network and Service Engineering for Telenet commented: “For years, Acision’s voicemail has serviced the needs of our fixed-line telephony customers. Now, Acision’s next generation platform will enable us to provide additional benefits to our ever growing mobile subscriber base. The advanced voice messaging functionality will enable our customers to communicate in new ways and increase our service stickiness.”

Tony Morrish, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Europe and Russia for Acision said: “The deployment of Acision Voice Messaging Platform at Telenet is not only [an] endorsement of the strength of our voicemail offering but also marks the continuation of an already solid relationship between the two companies. The flexibility of our platform means it can be scaled to meet the needs of service providers of all sizes and can be expanded to meet subscriber growth at minimal cost.”

Telenet is Belgium’s largest provider of broadband cable services. It focuses on providing cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony services, mainly to private customers in Flanders and Brussels.

New MVNE study released – Global

2009-11-24T14:02:00.001Z

MVNEs form the backbone of an MVNO's business of wireless Network Services providing help in broad areas of product development and marketing. These outsourced services include: Data Services, Content Management, Customer Relationship Management, Profile Management, Service Provisioning, Work Fulfillment, Billing, Invoice and Settlement, Revenue and Service Continuity Assurance etc.

This report evaluates the working aspects of MVNE's and their operations primarily focusing on the market opportunities (outsourced from MVNOs). The report contains a categorization analysis by MVNE service and by the extent to which various OSS items are outsourced. The report also includes a comparison matrix that acts as a reference and recommendation to help choose MVNEs by service type and specialty.

Tesco Mobile gets UK’s Head of Marketing as new MD – Ireland

2009-11-24T12:20:00.002Z

Tesco Mobile UK’s Head of Marketing, Noel Burrows, has moved from the operator he was instrumental in launching across the Irish Sea to head up the Irish equivalent.

Noel Burrow, the new Managing Director of Tesco Mobile Ireland, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge of making Tesco Mobile Ireland as successful and appealing a brand as in the UK.”

Both ventures are joint ventures between Tesco Plc and the country specific o2 operations.

Lycamobile has another bumpy week – The Netherlands

2009-11-23T11:18:00.001Z

Lycamobile’s Dutch operation is still suffering from the move away from T-Mobile to Vodafone. Users of the service this week experienced network outages which Vodafone have been actively trying to address. The MNO has offered public support to Lycamobile reaffirming that this was a technical issue which has been addressed rather than a 2nd front in the MVNOs battle with T-Mobile.

In a further development to the legal dispute with T-Mobile, the MNO has successfully submitted a claim in the Hague (court) against Lycamobile for EUR 38.5 million. This represents an amount plus legal costs which T-Mobile states the MVNO owes it for unpaid same network minutes.

Page Plus adds some international roaming – USA

2009-11-19T11:14:00.001Z

Page Plus Cellular has added limited roaming while abroad to its offering. The countries where the service can be accessed are Mexico, Canada, and the island territories of Bermuda, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The international roaming rate for calls within Mexico and Bermuda is USD 1.10 per minute. Calls within Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are USD 0.60 per minute. Calls originating in the USA bound for Puerto Rico will remain at the current rate of USD 0.12 per minute and USA calls to Mexico and Canada will remain at USD 0.34 per minute.

SMS rates within these countries will be USD 0.50 per message sent and USD 0.25 per message received. The international text messaging rate for messages originating in the USA will remain USD 0.20 per message.

Neglected regions to get Magyar MVNO (Postafon) – Hungary

2009-11-18T17:14:00.001Z

Magyar Posta, the state owned national postal service for Hungary, has become the latest MVNO to launch. The service partners with Vodafone to target geographic regions where there are no existing sales outlets for mobile services. The move will see Magyar target what are potentially new customers to the market who have been previously neglected by the main players due to insufficient potential returns. By utilising its existing branch network the roll out cost to Magyar is similar to adding a product to its shelves, compared to MNOs having to employ staff and rent retail outlets. The service will be available at over 700 of Magyar’s branches.

The launch of Magyar will also be Hungary’s first MVNO with the closest alternative non-MNO being djuice, a brand of Pannon (Telenor) which is an MNO. This launch is unlikely to open the flood gates to MVNOs due to the MNOs fears of cannibalisation of their existing client bases. The key to this launch is the regional targeting of areas without mobile outlets, which should see new business rather than churned business. The service is only targeting 70,000 subscribers in 2010.

Samart predicts MVNO revenue to be 10% of its total in 2010 – Thailand

2009-11-17T16:25:00.001Z

Having gained a 5 year MVNO licence from the National Telecommunications Commission, Samart is still expecting a market launch for its MVNO in December. The company will launch mobile services as Samart I-Mobile (SIM – that will get confusing) on TOT’s coming 3G network in Bangkok.

The future MVNO is also Samart Corps handset division and the company is looking for 2010 to be a comeback year for the division, based on a predicted 20% revenue growth. The MVNO will retail both its I-Mobile phone and other handsets from mainstream manufacturers. The company expects 10% of its 2010 revenue to come as a result of SIM’s activities.

Entaz MVNO, not really – South Korea

2009-11-17T12:26:00.001Z

The Korea Herald reported that MNO KT Corp signed a deal to allow for the country’s first MVNO launch as early as January 2010. At this stage however it looks like the local news service has mistaken an advanced mobile application / content provider for an MVNO service.

Entaz will provide KT subscribers with a portal to download mobile content from and the cost of accessing the portal will be paid by the end user directly to Entaz. They are not offering a mobile service which would negate the need for the KT subscription, nor are they offering messaging, voice or any form of access to the KT network. They also do not provide SIM cards or handsets. This would be an MVNO in the loosest of possible terms. If users were able to access the portal with no subscription to any of the MNOs then this would be more akin to an MVNO, but at this stage this is not an MVNO.

However, this is a good sign for consumers in South Korea. It is a move towards opening up the mobile market beyond the control of the 3 MNOs. It is perhaps also an intelligent route for KT to have followed as it appeases the regulator to some degree while not providing for any attack and churn on its core revenues.

Simple Mobile launches – USA

2009-11-17T11:23:00.001Z

Another MVNO has launched in the US. This time with the offer of no frills, no contracts, a simple offering … yes, another no frills MVNO. In the last edition of The MVNO Directory we tracked over 50 US MVNOs. Since then there have been other launches and some failures. There has also been a surge for unlimited tariff offerings by both MNOs and MVNOs which also seems to be Simple’s unique selling point.

So, how does Simple see their offering in this very saturated market where unlimited tariffs are already on offer and no frills SIM card MVNOs have been active for many years already? Their press release states: “Simple, [is] offering the nation an unheard of SIM card program that instantly delivers affordable, unlimited access with everything wireless has to offer. Unlike other programs with corporate agendas, Simple Mobile customers are encouraged to B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Phone). OMG! This is a game changer.”

The offer is nothing new to the market and will not change any ‘games’, see a similar operation talked about below, Page Plus. It will be incredibly hard for Simple to gain market share without being aggressive in their marketing.

Carrefour Telecom to increase capital – Taiwan

2009-11-16T16:26:00.001Z

Carrefour’s MVNO operation in Asia is looking to increase its paid in capital from USD 1.86 million to USD 6.2 million (NT$ 60 million to NT$ 200 million). The first stage of capital-raising will happen before the close of 2009 bringing the total to NT$120 million, the remaining NT$ 80 million is to be raised in 2010.

The company is seeking finances to expand its presence across Asia; the expectation is that China and South East Asian countries will be primary targets. At this stage it is not clear whether Carrefour will seek new MVNO ventures or if they are planning a marketing campaign across the region to encourage roaming usage.

Telecom hots up wholesale market – New Zealand

2009-11-12T16:27:00.001Z

The MVNO market in New Zealand is about to step up from its initial probing stage to a full blown MVNO market. Both of the country’s MNOs (Telecom NZ and Vodafone) have opened up their networks to MVNOs and Telecom are about to take it a step further by allowing its CDMA MVNO partner, and others, to soon access their new WCDMA network.

Telecom’s Wholesale General Manager of Marketing, Nick Clarke commented: “Making our WCDMA mobile network available at wholesale is very exciting. It will provide the first opportunity for New Zealand telecommunications retailers to source a full range of the most advanced wholesale solutions from one supplier.”

Current CDMA MVNO, Digital Island’s General Manager, Blair Stewart added, “Telecom’s new mobile network has been very well received and by all accounts is performing brilliantly. To have the opportunity to offer a mobile product of this calibre and capability to our customers nearly a year earlier than expected is excellent news.”

At this stage the quantity of MVNOs each MNO will partner is impossible to tell, but with both MNOs showing a green light for ventures this could result in a race to sign up any feasible and worthwhile offering presented to them (rejecting an MVNO offer could be pushing an asset to their competitor).

Page Plus Cellular lowers rates – USA

2009-11-12T11:27:00.001Z

Starting 16th November 2009 Page Plus Cellular is lowering its tariff. For its highest volume selling recharge rate, of USD 10, this result in subscribers receiving 100 minutes of call time as opposed to 83 minutes (the per minute rate has dropped from USD 0.12 to 0.10).

Dean McDowell, Page Plus Cellular's Chief Financial Officer, commented: "Last month we introduced our Talk n Text 1,200 plan, which provides 1,200 voice minutes, 1,200 text or picture messages, and 50 megabytes of data for just USD 29.95 a month. Prior to that, in August, we came out with our enormously successful Unlimited Talk n Text plan for USD 39.95 a month. Those two monthly prepaid cell phone bundle plans offer tremendous savings for our customers. Now we're extending that value to our Standard Plan and lowering the per-minute charge for the majority of our customers."

Page Plus Cellular is a prepaid MVNO with nationwide coverage. The company started services as a pager business before the market moved away from these devices to mobile handsets.

5 to launch before 2010 – Thailand

2009-11-11T16:28:00.001Z

State owned MNO, TOT, is in the process of preparing a 3G network launch in Bangkok. In an effort to ramp up subscriber numbers to ensure a positive return on investment against the network build out cost, TOT has been looking to develop partner relationships. The Bangkok Post has identified the following five companies as being likely partners which will also go live in December: Loxley Plc, Samart I-Mobile Plc, 365 Communication, IEC International and M Consultant Corporation

However, each MVNO must first receive its licence from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). At this stage only Samart has a licence with the others needing to apply and to successfully receive their licences before they can launch MVNO services.

H-Mobile wants to be an MVNO – Israel

2009-11-11T12:30:00.001Z

Following on from the bad news for Netvision, H-Mobile has approached the Ministry to discuss how it will obtain its MVNO licence. H-Mobile is owned by Home Center (DIY) Ltd which is a subsidiary of Fishman Holdings.

Reports by Globes confirm that H-Mobile’s Chief Executive Officer, Udi Meartzi, has directly confirmed to them that it his intention for the company to become an MVNO. Globes state that the company is already in the planning stage and that they have been working with an international consultancy firm to assist with the MVNO business plan. At this stage we do not have details of whom they intend to partner with or what services they intend to offer to subscribers.

Geodesic potential MVNO – India

2009-11-11T12:29:00.001Z

DNA India has reported that Geodesic Information Systems Ltd is keen to become an MVNO allowing them to diversify their business model. Geodesic is currently a mobile applications developer. In Singapore the company has also just been licensed to provide IP telephony services, which it too plans to roll out in India.

Kiran Kulkarni, Managing Director, Geodesic Information Systems Ltd, is quoted saying: “MVNO is an interesting option that we are looking into. We have products in the value added services (VAS) space. With airtime we would complete the stack."

Cherry Mobile launches seamless WiFi and GSM switching – Belgium

2009-11-11T11:28:00.001Z

Mondial Telecom’s MVNO, Cherry Mobile, has signed up to use Comverse’s GSM and WiFi solution. The service works by switching between WiFi hotspots and normal GSM network coverage depending on whether the cheaper to use WiFi facility is available. Comverse’s Netcentrex IP Communications solution makes it so the user’s handset switches between the two technologies seamlessly.

Bernard Noël de Burlin, Chief Executive Officer of Mondial Telecom, said: “Comverse has been a valuable partner in this innovative project by enhancing the intelligence of the network to offer affordable mobile services over a unified network with user transparency. The Comverse Netcentrex hosted service is at the heart of our strategy to innovate into the mobile market and by doing so, become a differentiating mobile service provider. Both our business model and the technical know-how of Comverse were critical success factors for this launch.”

Lionel Chmilewsky, Chief Executive Officer of Netcentrex IP Communications at Comverse also commented: “This innovative technical FMC solution is an excellent example of how IP Communications expands the telecommunications business model. Our hosted IP Communications model, together with the robust, high-quality Comverse Netcentrex solution, lowers the technical and financial risk and the high entry cost for service providers to provide voice services.”

FRiENDi’s Sri Lankan clients to see prices fall - Oman

2009-11-10T16:30:00.001Z

FRiENDi Mobile, the immigrant focused low cost MVNO, has found yet another overseas partner in its drive to bring down calling costs. Dialog Telekom and FRiENDi Mobile have entered into an agreement which will allow the two operators’ subscribers to call each others networks at a lower cost than before – both now offer the lowest market rate for such calls.

Supun Weerasinghe, Chief Executive Officer of Dialog, said: "Our partnership with FRiENDi mobile is an important step in our efforts to connect Sri Lankans overseas, as well as their friends and family back home. In addition to preferential call rates, both Dialog and FRiENDi will leverage this partnership to introduce value-added options that would enrich the mobile experience of customers in Oman and home. We are excited to be partnering with FRiENDi mobile, and we look forward to a successful partnership in the years ahead."

Antti Arponen, Chief Executive Officer for FRiENDi said: “Teaming up with Dialog is part of the focus of FRiENDi Mobile to serve people with a piece of their heart abroad, i.e. expatriates and nationals with an international element to their life. Providing Oman-based customers with value for money is our key aim when it comes to the Reach Out program, and we are continuing rolling out partnerships with mobile operators in Asia and elsewhere until we have all relevant countries covered."

Lycamobile grows and gets legal – Europe

2009-11-10T16:29:00.001Z

This week European pre-paid MVNO Lycamobile announced that it had connected its 5 millionth subscriber (across all operations). Commenting on the figure, Chief Executive Milind Kangle stated that the company would carry its brand values forward into new markets.

Within the same week Lycamobile has further deepened its legal fight against T-Mobile Netherlands. Following a switch of MNO partner, Lycamobile subscribers have had difficulty in porting their numbers from the old network to the new. This week Lycamobile successfully won an initial legal case in The Hague, the result being that Lyca has been allowed to levy a prejudgement seizure against T-Mobile for EUR 15 million.

Netvision and others can not be MVNOs - Israel

2009-11-10T13:30:00.001Z

Israel’s Ministry of Communications has been publically criticised by Netvision due its new policy on MVNOs which bar companies like Netvision from launching as MVNOs.

The problem for Netvision rests with it being a sister company to Celcom. In an effort to ensure true competition the regulator has stated that companies already in possession of licensed mobile spectrum may not launch their own MVNOs. This will stop what is a common wheeze as performed in Europe where MNOs launch new mobile brands and market them as being MVNOs; thus fooling the consumer into thinking they have bought the services of a different company from the known MNOs. As is the case with recently launched GiffGaff; the latter has been trumpeted as a new MVNO which heralds the way forward for a consumer run and consumer owned and operated network, but it is in fact owned and operated by o2.

In a Globes article, Richard Hunter, Chief Executive Officer at Netvision is quoted saying that the situation is illogical. The illogical part we are struggling to understand is why Netvision needs to be an MVNO. If they are in fact sister company to Celcom then there is nothing stopping Celcom from launching a branded offer for Netvision.

TracFone rolls into Maryland – USA

2009-11-05T16:31:00.001Z

In a further extension to its free phone for the poor government backed campaign, TracFone Wireless has made the scheme available to up to 400,000 residents of Maryland. The scheme is known as SafeLink Wireless and is now active in 19 states across the US.

Explaining how the offer works, Jose Fuentes, Director of Government Relations for TracFone, said: “We have based our entire [SafeLink] business model on the USD 10 subsidy we're able to get in most states to provide this service.” The USD 10 is paid out of the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund. The funds purpose is to increase access to telecommunications services in poor communities where access to such services simply would not occur otherwise.

5,000 Autopage clients billed in error – South Africa

2009-11-05T11:31:00.001Z

Following what has been described as a database corruption, Altech Autopage Cellular incorrectly billed 5,000 of their 380,000 subscribers.

The company sells mobile subscriptions for all the MNOs in South Africa on a reseller basis but retains the management of the client relationship, including billing. Due to the database error the company incorrectly sent a duplication of the previous month’s accounts to be debited to the customers’ banks. Once the error had been realised Altech contacted the banks to have the debits cancelled, which in the majority of cases worked. 5,000 clients were billed for their previous month’s usage and as a result have not paid the correct balance. This figure included some clients who had cancelled their service and already paid their final bill.

Hits reported as bust but denies this – Spain

2009-11-03T16:39:00.001Z

According to reports quoted as being from Movilonia, Hits Telecom has ceased their operation in Spain. The firm launched services in November of last year after acquiring a majority interest in Metrored Mobile. It is further alleged that the operator has been unable to pay its suppliers.

Counter to this the operator says the report is in error and visiting the company’s website there is still an operational business.

GTEQ launches new B2B MVNO promotion – United Kingdom

2009-10-30T12:49:00.000Z

GTEQ, formerly KCC Global Telecoms, has launched a new MVNO promotion to its dealer network. The firm already operates services for Toni & Guy, NSK, Diadora and Sedulo.

According to MobileNews the firm already has 50 dealers within its network and as looking to increase this amount to 80 in the short term and 250 within 2 years. GTEQ are seeking 20,000 active MVNO SIM customers.

Dealers receive a profit share based on 4 bandings. Band one receive 50% of monthly profits for revenues of up to GBP 50,000. Band two dealers receive 60% of profits on revenues between GBP 50,000 and GBP 100,000. Band three dealers receive 75% of profits on revenues between GBP 100,000 and GBP 250,000. Band four dealers receive 90% of profits for revenues exceeding GBP 250,000.

GTEQ Managing Director, Karl McCaffrey, was quoted saying: "We are a solutions company but we want to attract mobile dealers who want to add something extra to their kit bag. We seized the opportunity to use the SIM product to increase our own brand, or allow larger resellers to rebrand the SIM."

7-Eleven pulls out of Ottawa – Canada

2009-10-30T12:01:00.000Z

The Ottawa Citizen has reported that 7-Eleven has pulled out of Ottawa entirely. The move means that all retail premises previously occupied by 7-Eleven are to be taken over by Quickie, a similar convenience store. No big story there, but for 7-Elevel mobile customers in Ottawa it apparently is. From now on to top up their mobile minutes they will have to leave Ottawa to do so as they can only get more minutes in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Surprisingly (in fact, ludicrously) SpeakOut Wireless subscribers are not able to top up via their mobile or online, something we had to confirm by reading their FAQ section.

“Q: Where can I purchase SpeakOut Wireless Airtime?”

“A: Participating 7-Eleven Stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. On-line or telephone airtime purchases are not available.”

It seems that a mass churn is going to occur from 7-Eleven’s plan for this part of Canada.

PlatinumTel expands operation – USA

2009-10-29T12:52:00.000Z

Arizona, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas are now covered by the retail footprint of PlatinumTel Wireless. The MVNO launched services in 2002 after forming in 2001. The company uses the Sprint network for its infrastructure access and operates a nationwide network as a result.

Telenet launches Walk and Talk 20 – Belgium

2009-10-29T12:51:00.000Z

Telenet has launched a new mobile offering for EUR 20 per month. Subscribers to the service will receive roughly 2 hours of talktime as part of the offering. Certain handsets are also available with this offer priced at EUR 1. By opting not to receive a handset a EUR 10 per month discount is applied.

Telenet are primarily a cable operator, which have just posted a Q3 2009 profit of EUR 154.8 million, up from a forecasted EUR 151 million.

MTT gets licensed – Russia

2009-10-29T12:50:00.000Z

According to local sources, MTT has received licensing approval to form a new country wide MVNO. The new service is expected next year but it is still unclear what shape the MVNO will take, specifically whether it will be an MVNE or a direct to consumer operation.

MVNOs are not actually new to Russia but in comparison to the size of the country and the potential market they are massively under represented. The lack of regulatory guidance and a complicated operating environment has made any MVNO activity difficult. To be noted is that not even all of Russia’s big MNOs are active across the entire region as the country is broken down into political regions for which a separate licence is required. As a country too the conditions of operating in one region can be massively different to another in terms of wealth, ethnicity of the local people and at a basic level their living conditions.

Tele2 France being bought out by Virgin Mobile – France

2009-10-27T13:06:00.000Z

Virgin Mobile, a joint operation between the Virgin Group and the Carphone Warehouse, has agreed to purchase Tele2 Mobile France from the Tele2 Group. The deal follows a selling off of mobile assets by Tele2 in Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Spain, with further withdrawals from other markets.

Charles Dunstone, Chief Executive Officer of Carphone, commented: "The Tele2 France deal marks a major step forward in Virgin Mobile's growth plans in France and will help it progress towards its target of being profitable during 2010 and its ambition of having more than 2m customers."

The deal has been valued at EUR 56 million and will mean a transferring of 429,000 subscribers onto Virgin Mobile. Carphone’s own estimates, according to the Financial Times, are that this will fall to 385,000 new subscribers to Virgin Mobile by completion.

Megacable suggests MVNO in “the very, very close future” – Mexico

2009-10-27T12:55:00.002Z

Raymundo Fernandez, General Manager of Megacable has stirred up the market again with interest in a quad-play offer from the company. In a recent conference call he is quoted as saying: "In quadruple play, we are still looking at an MVNO model with one of the actual players. You might find something about that in the near future. The very, very close future."

Without a network partner the intention of becoming an MVNO is no more than an ideal. Companies across the world have discovered that this can be a long process and until an operator decides to open up then there is little choice but and potentially sweeten the deal for the MNO at the cost of the viability of the MVNO.

Fernandez did go on to discuss the potential of Megacable also bidding for its own spectrum. Recent research by The MNO Directory for Q4 2008 found 4 companies already competing in this space. The 4th place MNO with 3.5 million subscribers only held a 4.5% market share in comparison to market heavy weight Telcel, with over 50 millions subscribers.

FRiENDi signs 100,000 subscriber and drops charges – Oman

2009-10-27T12:55:00.000Z

Recent entrant to the Middle-East mobile market, FRiENDi Mobile has signed up its 100,000th subscriber. The MVNO launched services in April via Oman Mobile and targets both the value market and the immigrant workforce.

Commenting to CommsMEA, Mikkel Vinter, Group Chief Executive Officer of FRiENDi said: "We've moved into the six digit territory and that's about 3% market share in just short of six months. Things have been a bit quiet over the summer but we are starting to see things pick up again. Things will find a level at some point but we're seeing solid growth and are optimistic of moving deeper into six digit territory.”

This week the MVNO also announced it was reducing evening rate call charges for international calls made to Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

USD 5 million and you can be an MVNO – Pakistan

2009-10-27T12:54:00.000Z

The PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) has announced that MVNOs may be licensed at the cost of USD 5 millions. This will provide the operator with a 10 year authorisation to provide mobile services as an MVNO.

This decision forms part of the PTA’s new document, “Framework for MNVO services in Pakistan.” The document sets out how MVNOs will be brought into the market and provides guidelines as well as procedure.

Once an MVNO and MNO have agreed terms they must both approach the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan for permission to enter into such an agreement contractually. Significant changes to the agreement must also be ratified by the SEC and successful MVNOs may not build out their own infrastructure.

AENOM (The Association of New Spanish Operators) formed – Spain

2009-10-27T12:53:00.000Z

Spain’s new mobile operators have formed their own association which will represent their interests by presenting a united force as opposed to many small players fighting for their rights against the bigger MNOs.

The following MVNOs are represented by AENOM (Asociación Española de Nuevos Operadores Móviles – The Association of New Spanish Operators): Digimobil, fonYou, Happy Móvil, Hist Mobile, KPN’s Simyo and blau, MASmovil and Pephone.

MÁSMovil create Yelou and lowers rates – Spain

2009-10-24T12:53:00.000+01:00

Spanish discount MVNO MÁSMovil has launched its own online portal, Yelou (http://www.yelou.es). The site offers a downloadable mobile game for those who subscribe to its service and also offers social networking application integration. Subscribers can also earn minutes towards their mobile for inviting their social network friends to join Yelow, which in turn will be promoting MÁSMovil.

Maini Spenger has also been announced as the dual President and Chief Executive Officer of the operator following a rights issue which raised EUR 2.7 million.

Also reported this week is a reduction in charges by MÁSMovil. From the 6th November subscribers will receive both cheaper call and increased same network minuters. Pepephone has also announced similar changes.

giffgaff to launch sharing service – United Kingdom

2009-10-23T16:43:00.000+01:00

A new MVNO is coming to the UK for December this year. The company’s site refers to itself or possibly their members as ‘giver-taker-talker-makers’. It seems that the service aims to bring people together to share and exchange in an effort to develop a network.

giffgaff will operate over O2’s network and proposes to sell SIM cards online. The MVNO does not intend to offer handsets so members will have to buy one from another retailer or use an existing handset. The unique selling point will be its members’ involvement with how the network operates. Their site states: “You’ll get the opportunity to do loads (if you want to), from designing the marketing to recruiting new members – and we’ll reward you for it.” Members will also be able to “yik, yak and give back”, a form of free credit we believe.

Apparently giffgaff is an old Scottish term for mutual giving, according to giffgaff.

Cyfrowy Polsat moving on to quad-play – Poland

2009-10-23T13:00:00.000+01:00

According to Wirtualne Media, Cyfrowy Polsat is ready to move onto quadruple-play services in 2010. The report quotes Dominik Libicki, President of Cyfrowy Polsat, as stating the company will begin trialling Internet services in Q1 2010. The company will then look to add fixed line communications towards the end of 2010.

Virgin and Numericable drop 3G licence plans – France

2009-10-23T12:59:00.000+01:00

The bidding deadline for the upcoming 3G licence auction closes tomorrow and according to Reuters only one contender remains, Iliad. Numericable and Virgin Mobile have both dropped out of the process citing unfavourable regulation and lack of clarity over costs as being their main reasoning.

Tchibo mobil – Germany

2009-10-22T13:02:00.001+01:00

Sybase 365 announced that it has expanded its existing mCommerce partnership with O2 in Germany, to offer an innovative ‘hybrid’ mobile airtime topup solution. The service was launched last month to subscribers of Tchibo mobil, one of Germany’s leading MVNOs.

Following a one-time registration of bank details, subscribers are able to topup mobile airtime via SMS or the Web, and payment is processed through direct debit to the registered bank account. By sending an SMS with keyword “LOAD” to a dedicated short-code, the airtime is directly added to the subscriber’s mobile device. Topup is equally possible via the Web, through a dedicated customer portal where subscribers can also choose to subscribe to monthly automatic airtime topup on an arbitrary date.

For the hybrid topup solution, Sybase 365 has linked its mCommerce Mobiliser platform and services tightly to the O2 systems. For example with the CRM-System, Sybase 365 handles all transactions and data between the customer portal interface, the bank clearinghouse and the mobile provider. In addition to payment, billing and registration, Sybase 365 offers operations support functionality as well as customised Risk and Limit Management.

Eckart Kurze, Managing Director of Tchibo mobil Germany, commented: “By providing a hybrid solution, we offer our customers greater flexibility and easier access to fast topup possibilities.”

Matthew Talbot, Vice President of mCommerce at Sybase 365, commented: “Mobile Operators and MVNOs require a low-cost, rapid entry topup solution with a high security level. This innovative solution is another milestone in further strengthening the mCommerce movement, by offering solutions that cater both to a subscriber’s increasingly mobile lifestyle, and that increase ARPU and improve customer retention for the Operator.”

Ekofon partners DIGITALK – Mexico

2009-10-22T13:02:00.000+01:00

Ekofon, which is currently in talks to establish as an MVNO, have selected the DIGITALK Multiservice Platform (MSP) to offer enhanced services in the USA and Mexico. The company had already signed up for DIGITALK’s Prepaid Mobile solution for their future MVNO.

Victor Trevino, President of Ekofon, comments: “We were initially looking for a solution that was strong on wholesale with the ability to deliver prepaid retail as secondary. DIGITALK’s reputation as leaders in the prepaid calling card markets brought them to our attention and after evaluating eight solutions in total, the DIGITALK range of services, the speed of deployment, and being able to consolidate platform management was an unbeatable proposition.”

Mark Ashdown, DIGITALK’s EVP of Sales and Marketing added: “Ekofon’s service launch plan is exemplary of DIGITALK’s ability to support leading innovative service providers globally. This demonstrates that seizing the opportunities rapidly pays dividends and we look forward to seeing Ekofon develop in these expanded markets.”

Consumer Cellular joins senior handset market – USA

2009-10-19T12:51:00.000+01:00

Doro has secured an agreement with Consumer Cellular to sell and market on an exclusive basis two of Doro's handsets. The phones have been developed in accordance with seniors' needs and requirements.

John Marick, President of Consumer Cellular, commented: "Market surveys tell us that American citizens over 60 feel that mobile phones generally have too many features. We also know from our own surveys that 62 percent of our customers prefer mobile phones with clear displays and large buttons. That's why we've chosen Doro as our partner. With its innovative and user-friendly mobile phones, Doro meets our customers' needs."

Jérôme Arnaud, Chief Executive Officer of Doro, added: "We are very satisfied with this agreement, which is entirely in line with our strategy of geographical expansion. It gives us immediate access to our primary target group, seniors, in the US market, which offers considerable market potential,"

Tesco Mobile ramping up high street presence – United Kingdom

2009-10-15T13:09:00.000+01:00

In effort to compete head on with Carphone Warehouse, Tesco Mobile plans to expand its 50 high street mobile stores into 100 by April 2010. The two companies both run their own MVNOs and actively sell third party offers. The Carphone Warehouse has a major UK high street presence selling pre and post paid mobile offering and also runs TalkTalk, a triple play offering. Tesco on the other hand does that too but also has a massive consumer supermarket presence with interested in food and beverages, clothing, electronics, finances, catalogue and Internet businesses and specifically to this story, telecoms.

Gamma starts dealer campaign – United Kingdom

2009-10-15T13:08:00.000+01:00

Gamma is targeting 100 new dealers to sign up to its BrandBuilder white label offering. BrandBuilder enables dealers to basically design their own white label MVNO offering. By this the dealers are able to select their own tariffs and add-ons at the same time as passing the service off as their own.

Rob Davies, Senior Product Manager for Gamma commented: “We don’t believe in just sitting in our corporate headquarters expecting the channel be dictated to. We want to go on the road with our network partners at 3 so that we can listen to the channel and highlight the many opportunities that exist that can help them build their brand and value of their businesses.”

XOX passes 100,000 subscribers – Malaysia

2009-10-15T13:07:00.001+01:00

The Malaysian National News Agency has reported that XOX, which only launched February this year, has passed the 100,000 subscriber mark. XOX launched services in February as a pre-pay offering on Celcom’s network and intended to add post-pay services in May.

XOX’s President, Ng Kok Heng said: “This very much shows that we are on the right track with providing our target market what they want and need and it is definitely a very good beginning for us.”

The company now moves on to its target of 200,000 subscribers by the close of the year.

Nashua Mobile launches EasiSolutions – South Africa

2009-10-15T13:07:00.000+01:00

Nashua Mobile has established a new division (EasiSolutions) as part of its drive to improve customer service. Through partnerships with providers such as Vodacom Business, MTN Network Solutions, Neotel and Internet Solutions, EasiSolutions will provide a range of services to Nashua Mobile customers. As part of this offering, service agents will be able to offer applicable services suited to the individual needs of each business.

Doug Mattheus, Marketing Director at Nashua Mobile, commented: “The reasons for Nashua Mobile’s success are our relentless focus on customer service, the fact that we offer customers a wide range of solutions customised to their needs, and our ability to adapt to rapid changes in the fast-paced telecommunications industry.”

Lebara becomes exclusive partner of WHSmith – United Kingdom

2009-10-14T15:50:00.000+01:00

Lebara Mobile has secured an exclusive partnership with WHSmith. Lebara Mobile’s SIM cards are the only International Pay-As-You-Go SIM cards being sold by WHSmith for the next 12 months in its 554 ‘high street’ outlets and 312 ‘travel’ stores across England, Scotland and Wales.

Russell Atkinson, Managing Director for Lebara Mobile UK, commented: “WHSmith has been a household name since 1828 with 70% of the UK’s population visiting its stores each year. The wealth of its store locations, particularly the travel stores in airports, ports and railway stations, makes this a really exciting development for us and, most importantly, for our customers who regularly need to make low-cost international calls on the move. We are delighted to be working with WHSmith and are confident that our partnership will prove long and mutually beneficial.”

Spreefone may have closed – Germany

2009-10-14T13:11:00.001+01:00

Teltarif.de is reporting that Spreefone, a discount service provider has stopped accepting new business. The company’s website is redirecting orders so that they can not be completed and telesales agents are not taking orders. In simple terms, this would indicate that Spreefone has ceased.