| NOTAS: | "As mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) grow and diversify, their need for a range of enabling services creates a new opportunity for mobile wholesalers. The majority of these services are being supplied directly to MVNOs by distinct MVNEs (mobile virtual network enablers) or by other third-party vendors. Mobile operators benefit by offloading the costs and time associated with supporting MVNOs, but the MVNO value chain is shifting. Just as in the retail business, mobile operators face the possibility that they will be left supplying only the low-margin pipe while third-party platforms take on increasingly valuable roles as enablers. To counteract this, mobile operators need to build more effective enabling services that open up more valuable revenue streams from MVNOs.
Enabling services can be profitable for operators, but only if they build a complete offering. Basic aggregation and business support system (BSS) enablement delivered through legacy systems or a self-standing platform is not enough to compete with effective MVNOs. Operators are best served working with an MVNE unless they can leverage sub-brand or machine-to-machine (M2M) BSS platforms to be more competitive; offer advanced value-added services (VAS) such as mobile money; and/or integrate a telco capability such as analytics with third-party systems, for example retail loyalty programs." |
