Mobile virtual network operator

This document introduces the main MVNO solutions. It attempts to identify what are the strategic elements in the network architecture. The general trend is most probably an evolution towards an MVNO owning the whole core network architecture and buying access service to an MNO. A cost oriented pricing mode for these access services should be put in place, more systematically driven by regulation agencies promoting competition for mobile data services via the MVNO operating mode. A simple global economic model is proposed for MVNO and MNO. It explains why the activity of mobile network operator is limited to a small number of players and how an MVNO mode makes possible extending the viability of the mobile operator business to other actors.