#mvno model

A wireless MVNO is an important part of the telecom universe. As technology grows at a rampant pace, the choices in front of customers are limitless. To cater to modern-day customers is difficult and it requires a great push from MVNO operators. The incoming demands need to be met instantly, and at the same time MVNOs need to push for proactive services that pre-estimate customers’ future needs and deliver accordingly. The second part is actually more difficult as it requires tremendous expertise in telecom software.

Tactics Require Software

The best telcos who initiate the best telecom plans are blessed with top-quality telecom billing software. Good telecom software solutions let them conceptualize plans and deliver services in a way they want. However, due to the restriction of finances, an MVNO model might not be able to compete with the bigger players in the market, especially as far as telecom technology is concerned. But it does not mean they have to settle for substandard software.

With a versatile telecom billing software (accessed via a telecom billing expert), it becomes possible to implement plans and strategies. You can stack up different services, launch pilot plans and do just about anything with your service catalogue. It also becomes easier to update your service listing without any fear of backward compatibility. High-end telecom software like Telgoo5 support backward compatibility and allow you to maintain continuity in your services.

Regardless of an MVNO type, there are certain aspects of telecom billing technology that are absolutely essential, if you want to promote growth. Have a look at some features:

Real-time charging

Real-time charging is the basis of a strong telecom billing strategy. With a software that is empowered by an Online Charging System (OCS), it becomes easier to mix and match different services. Both monetization and billing can be implemented in a way that you want.

API for adding new features instantly

Telecom billing software can be hard to customize. Also, replacing software frequently is very inefficient in terms of cost. Therefore, you need plug & play APIs that instantly add new functionalities like database integration, vendor integration etc.

Self-care

Core telecom functions are not always easy to perform for every MVNO model. As there are different MVNO type, each have their own strong and weak points. One of the weakest points of an MVNO mobile virtual network operator is its knowledge of technicalities. They know the market aspect, but do not have a clue about how they will conduct their MVNO network operations. Due to their lack of knowledge, 9 out of 10 MVNOs shut down during the first year of their formation.

Network Sustainability Achieved with MVNO Service Providers

MVNO depends on MVNO service providers for most of its technical platform. They receive radio network from MNOs via a partnership established by MVNEs. But rest of the platform can be availed by a dedicated service provider like Telgoo5. Below are some important aspects of a telecom support platform, which can guide your MVNO towards success:

Real-time billing and quick monetization

Real-time billing is the basic foundation of a strong billing operation. If you can charge services in real-time, you can prevent revenue leakage. Also, it becomes possible to deliver consolidated invoices for every service charge. This is because a real-time platform can account for all types of services, and hence the billing can be done at a single point.

AI and reporting

Artificial Intelligence and reporting are crucial for MVNOs to learn about user behavior and preference. With AI and reporting, it becomes possible for MVNOs to develop better business strategies and compete with bigger players in the market.

Accommodation of future technologies

An MVNO is not always financially competent. It needs its early revenue to sustain itself. Therefore, it cannot afford to revamp its billing software often. Hence, it should use a telecom billing platform that allows it to stay compatible with incoming technologies. For example, right now it is crucial to stay abreast of the requirements posed by 5G and IoT, if an MVNO wants to have a good future.

API driven platform

An API can make all the difference between success and failure of an MVNO. Many functionalities can be instantly added into an existing platform if you have the relevant APIs.

MVNO is a small fish in the big pond called the telecom industry. The role of a MVNO mobile virtual network operator is to fulfil the requirements of those customer who opt out of the services supplied by MNOs. Therefore, MVNO model can only be sustained if they fill the void left by the demand.

Management of MVNO Network Resource Requirement

MVNO network resources are procured via MVNEs that serve as the middlemen. These resources like Radio Access Network and network infrastructure (routers, HLRs, VLRs, BSCs etc.) are provided to MVNO service providers, so they can serve their customers. However, most MVNO type companies have limited technical knowledge of the telecom industry. Therefore, they struggle with the technical side.

But a telecom services provider like Telgoo5 can make a huge difference in this area. With its proven telecom support platform including B/OSS services and telecom billing, it can help telcos fulfill their needs.

Key Areas for MVNO Work Management

An MVNO needs to have the technical capabilities and services to make a difference and compete well in the market:

A dedicated real-time telecom billing platform

At the very least, you need a telecom billing system that is powered by Online Charging System (OCS). It should allow you to monetize services fast and provide single-point charging of all services. This is made possible with real-time charging, which can charge both event and session-based services. This means no need to send separate bills for different services like IoT, Prepaid, Postpaid, Internet etc. A common bill is all that you need, and your customers will love you for it.

Operation and business support

The telecom software for MVNOs should include all the important functions of B/OSS. The layout should be intuitive, so that new MVNOs can provision and deliver their services via the software without facing much difficulty.

Revenue Assurance

The software should perform revenue assurance, which is an essential part of MVNO management. With quality revenue assurance, you can expect to build strong bonds with your customers.

APIs

The easiest way to add new capabilities into the MVNO software is by APIs. You can integrate a new payment gateway or database, and bring into service right away. A vendor that provides APIs can help you minimize the costs associated with software customization.

Point of Sale

A wireless MVNO is a great business model, but only if it is executed properly. Only 1 in 10 MVNOs get past the initial stages after their launch, which points to a very challenging situation. Although MVNO model is designed to facilitate subscribers who cannot afford MNOs pricey services, success for MVNOs remains elusive. In most cases, this can be attributed to a lack of technical knowhow and expertise. Even though MVNOs receive the RAN resources as part of bulk agreements with MNOs, they are not always able to exploit it to the maximum.

Different MVNO Type

MVNO model has many variations. There are different types of MVNOs in the market:

·       Branded reseller

·       Service provider

·       Enhanced service provider

·       Full

As we move from top to bottom in the list, the in-house expertise of MVNOs increase. For example, a branded reseller only deals with basic marketing and selling of services. It does not have its own hardware and core network resources like VLR and HLR.

On the other hand, a full MVNO has all the resources except for Radio Access Network (RAN), which it procures via an MNO.

For MVNOs that do not have a lot of money, the branded reseller MVNO model works the best. Richer MVNOs can opt for Enhanced service provider or Full MVNO model.

It is imperative that the right MVNO type should be selected by the entrepreneurs, in order to ensure maximum success through a business venture.

Billing and Monetization are the Key Aspects

One of the biggest reasons why many MVNOs fail is because of their bad monetization and billing. Not having any technical expertise can be detrimental if the billing software that you are using is not simple and intuitive. Some essential features of a telecom billing system for an MVNO are:

Transparency in billing

A convergent charging platform is needed for ensuring maximum transparency in billing. A real-time OCS is a minimum requirement. As there are many services to sell, you need to have a single-view of the customers, so as to maximize your marketing potential.

Flexibility

A quality billing system allows you to stack up different services as part of exciting packages. It is also possible to offer self-care feature, so that customers can conceptualize their own plans.

Starting an MVNO is a lucrative proposition if you have nailed down the right strategy. Most successful MVNOs thrive in the telecom domain because of their tenacity and ability to acquire and keep hold of subscribers. But, what most new entrants do not know is that even the best had their limitations when they started. And, a surprising fact is that not all virtual operators overcame these limitations to get where they are now. So, the question arises how they landed up where they are now. How could they taste success when others that were equally capable faltered? And astoundingly, the answer is not as abstruse as you might think, it is quite simple actually. Those who became successful actually took the best approach towards success: they chose the right MVNO model.

Why MVNO Model Selection Really Matters?

Playing to your strengths is extremely important if you want to win in a game. The same concept applies to MVNOs as well. This will become clearer by analyzing the different MVNO models out there, and the type of strengths (capabilities) they require. Have a look:

1.     MVNO as Reseller – To start a reseller MVNO, you do not have to make significant financial investments. So, if you are short on capital but marketing is your strong suite, then you can set up a branded reseller MVNO.  Apply your strengths in conceptualizing a brand, find distribution channels to sell your services and focus on marketing your brand in the best possible way. Although you will not have any control on the infrastructure, you will surely be able to make a lot of profit by applying the skills you have. Reseller MVNO works best for those who are not tech savvy but still want to get into the MVNO game.

2.     MVNO as Service Provider – For those with IT expertise, experience of overseeing customer service operations and some capital at their disposal, Service Provider MVNO model fits the bill perfectly. In order to start this type of MVNO, you would have to make some capital and operational investments in the IT platforms. Branding can be done individually or in partnership with the host operator, which offers flexibility. Your success will depend on your branding capabilities along with the execution of your customer care. It is essential that you partner with a capable MVNE that can provide you essential tools like CRM, so your customer service department performs consistently.

3.     MVNO as Enhanced Service Provider – As evident from the name, it is an enhanced version of the former. Apart from all the previously mentioned functions, it can procure its own mobile network code albeit not completely free from host operator’s control. It is also possible to add self-selected Value Added Services (VAS), which can help you differentiate yourself from the competitors and attract new subscribers. So, for those business owners who have IT capabilities and some experience of telecom domain, the enhanced service provider MVNO makes good business sense.

4.     Full MVNO – This option is solely for those who want to go all in. As being a full MVNO means you have to perform hardcore telecom operations, you need to be tech savvy and preferably have long-term experience in the telecom industry. Apart from procuring the Radio Access Network (RAN), you would have to execute every function that an MNO does. Below are some of the important functions that a full MVNO performs:

·         SIM card delivery

·         Control of HLR, VLR, GGSN, SMSC, GMSC

·         Perform interconnect and roaming agreements

·         Set tariff for plans and different bundled packages

·         Execute and interpret Big Data analytics

·         CRM management

·         …and a lot more

If all the above mentioned tasks have you puzzled and you feel out of your depth, then being a full MVNO is not for you. But, if you are ready to take the plunge and perform all these tasks diligently, then you can expect to become a major force to reckon in the market.

Conclusion

When you select the right MVNO model for yourself, you would be doing what you actually love to do. This will automatically reduce your struggles and help you conquer the highly-competitive telecom industry. But, regardless of which model you choose, you should use the right telecom services platform, in order to ensure long-term consistency of your operation.

Telgoo5 is one of the best platforms for MVNOs of all sizes. Apart from fulfilling the quintessential needs with its B/OSS and

billing platform

How MVNOs Work

MVNOs work with smaller customer groups compared to traditional mobile operators. This means their income is limited to specific segments. However, any company/individual that engages this business has the advantage of gaining other income sources. It can be a great opportunity when it is aligned with the organization’s core business.

Let’s look at the example of a branded reseller model. In this case the legacy network operator offers technical services such as customer service, billing, network functionality, customer activation and radio access. The MVNO is left to focus on communication, branding, sales and distribution, and marketing.

The model will create value proposition and a new face for clients using an existing network. A full MVNO, on the other hand, handles all functions apart from radio access. It cannot handle radio access since it does not have a license to do so.