MVNE stands for Mobile Virtual Network Enabler and refers to companies providing network-related services and administration to MVNOs.
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In the evolving world of telecom, there are several players that make sure everything works smoothly behind the scenes.
One such player is the MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler).
In this blog, we’ll go over what exactly is an MVNE, why it is important in telecom, and how it differs from MNOs and MVNOs.
Read on!
What is an MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler) in Telecom?
An MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler) can be defined as a company that provides essential network infrastructure and support services to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
MVNEs work behind the scenes to allow MVNOs to operate and connect their customers without massive investments in network assets.
They lease capacity and coverage from MNOs (Mobile Network Operators), which means they don’t own any wireless infrastructure themselves.
Their responsibility is therefore purely management and operations in their own virtual network, allowing them to offer a range of mobile services to their customers – MVNOs.
Think of MVNEs as the middlemen between MNO infrastructure and MVNO end-customers (B2C). We go in depth about the differences between MNOs vs MVNOs in our blog.
Note: MVNEs do not interact with end-customers; their role is strictly to support MVNOs (B2B). MVNEs will often host multiple MVNOs on their virtual network.
MVNE vs. MVNO
Using an MVNE can simplify business operations for MVNOs and greatly reduce the risk and cost of getting into a new market. This enables MVNOs to focus on customer service and marketing operations.
To deliver the best possible products and services to their customer, an MVNO needs two things:
- Access to a MNOs network infrastructure
- A system to manage products and customers
Luckily, this is exactly the scope that MVNEs cover – specializing in planning, implementation and management of mobile services.
What are the benefits of MVNOs using an MVNE?
By outsourcing services and operations to an MVNE, MVNOs gain the following benefits:
- Faster time-to-market
- Minimal start-up costs
- Reduced airtime costs
This allows MVNOs to offer mobile services and plans at a lower price point, which is the leading reason for switching to MVNOs for most consumers.
MVNE Services
MVNE services include:
- Provisioning: MVNEs handle the technical setup, such as SIM card provisioning and activation.
- Administration: MVNEs take care of daily operations, such as customer management, billing, and account administration.
- OSS/BSS Solutions: MVNEs also provide robust OSS and BSS solutions. These should cover everything, from network monitoring to customer billing.
With an extensive library of services, MVNEs help start-up MVNOs enter the market and run their business with ease.
How to Choose the Right MVNE?
Not all MVNEs have the same level of experience and integration abilities.
It’s therefore important to find the right fit for a certain type of MVNO.
Monetizing 5G: Unlocking Its Full Potential
Let’s go over the key considerations that MVNOs should consider when choosing to partner up with an MVNE:
- Network: A MVNE must have connections to a solid MNO, because an MVNO is as good as its MNOs network.
- Platform: Make sure that the MVNE has a robust platform with the right tools and software stacks, allows essential integrations, and provides a great MVNO billing software.
- Budget: Make sure that an MVNE meets your budget and terms.
MVNE Examples
Before we take a look at some MVNE examples of companies, platforms and providers, let’s break down the distinction between them:
- MVNE Companies offer comprehensive end-to-end solutions.
- MVNE Providers focus on network access and related services.
- MVNE Platforms deliver the software environment necessary for operational management.
This is the general classification but it’s important to mention even though the boundaries between companies, providers and platforms can often overlap, they all share the same goal of supporting MVNOs.
MVNE Companies
MVNE companies are organizations that offer a full suite of services to MVNOs, helping them manage their operations from start to finish.
The key characteristic of an MVNE company is that it offers end-to-end solutions, acting as a one-stop shop for MVNOs.
Some notable examples of such MVNE companies include:
- Parateum: Global cloud communications company that provides a full suite of MVNE services for efficient mobile service delivery.
- Plintron: One of the largest MVNEs globally. They provide end-to-end solutions for MVNOs, along with a wide range of BSS/OSS services.
MVNE Providers
MVNE providers focus on supplying network-facing services and infrastructure.
They specialize in providing connectivity and technical support that MVNOs need to operate.
Some of the best MVNE providers are:
- Telefonica Tech: A leading MVNE provider that offers a wide array of networking services to MVNOs, including reliable network management and billing services.
- Transatel: Provides MVNE services with a focus on IoT and global connectivity. They are a versatile provider with expertise in both consumer and enterprise MVNOs.
MVNE Platforms
A MVNE platform refers to a stack of technologies or a software environment, serving as the technological backbone that enables MVNO management.
These platforms, typically cloud-based, include tools for customer management, billing, monitoring, subscription management software and more.
Some examples of MVNE platforms include:
- MDS Global: Offers a cloud-based MVNE platform that includes comprehensive flexible and scalable OSS/BSS solutions.
- Telispire: Provides a MVNE platform that focuses on delivering seamless mobile experiences for, particularly popular among regional MVNOs.
Tridens Monetization for Communications
With Tridens any MVNX (MVNE, MVNO,…) gain access to advanced tools for subscription management, billing & invoicing, revenue recognition, and more, which provides them a head-start in their market.
By using our cloud-native platform, MVNEs can expect:
- Flexibility to offer innovative plans and bundles to meet customer’s specific needs.
- Reduced operational cost and business.
- Scalable pricing models that support all sizes of business operations.
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