7 Essential Features of Great MVNO Providers

MVNOs, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are a fantastic consumer option. Rather than owning their own wireless network infrastructure, MVNOs maintain relationships with infrastructure owners and then resell access to the end user. As middle-men, MVNOs handle the difficult negotiating and are able to provide advantageous packages to consumers based on the bulk pricing they receive. 

If you are considering working with an MVNO, make sure that you look for these 7 essential features. These are the things that make an MVNO provider great. 

1. Agreements with multiple networks for high speed access wherever their clients are. Some MVNOs have agreements with just one network, but great ones have agreements with multiple networks. This ensures coverage and redundancy, so that the end user never goes without the service they need. Working with an MVNO that maintains multiple agreements means better pricing, more coverage, and higher speeds.

2. Advantageous pricing since MVNOs do not need to pay to maintain their own wireless networks. Most people assume that MVNOs mark-up wireless communication access in order to make money off of their contracts. Amazingly, the opposite is true. Since MVNOs do not have to maintain their own wireless infrastructure, their business costs are significantly less than the companies that do own their own networks A great MVNO will then pass those savings along to the consumer, making MVNOs the more economical choice.

3. Provide perks like hotspot data, free gifts, and pricing promotions. Most people come to MVNOs for wireless network access, but some perks and incentives can change a satisfied customer to an elated customer. A great MVNO will offer their customer more reasons to love them. Things like hotspots, pricing promotions, and free devices can really move the customer satisfaction needle.

4. Customizable packages to meet consumer needs. The big wireless access providers that own their own networks tend to provide the same services to everyone, regardless of their individual needs. Their packages are rigid, and if they don’t work perfectly for you, you are expected to adapt as the consumer. MVNOs enjoy more freedom than that, and good ones will offer customizable packages.

5. Fantastic customer service. Large companies can be frustratingly hard to get in touch with when support is needed. It is not uncommon for consumers to sit on hold for hours on end before ever speaking to a rep. Since MVNOs do not have to maintain their own infrastructure, good ones choose to put their resources into fantastic customer support so that their customers can always quickly and easily reach out with frustrations and questions.

6. Easy to use online service. Most people today prefer to handle everything online, which is why the most successful MVNOs invest in online services rather than brick and mortar stores. The easier online services are to use, the happier the customer.

7. Strong marketing. Finally, great MVNOs make sure that the marketplace knows who they are! The biggest name in the industry are the companies that own their own networks. Most consumers do not even realize that MVNOs are an option. Great MVNOs market their advantages, and market them a lot in order to convert and maintain more customers.

Make your Wireless MVNO an Instant Success with Better Billing Software

A lot of times, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) struggle in implementing their strategies because of their lacking billing software. A wireless MVNO, which is a new entrant, does not really understands the value of online billing software until it is too late. You see, nowadays, the number of telecom services that need to be delivered are large. And you cannot send different invoices for all types of services that you are providing to the customers. It is important that you consolidate billing charges by using the best billing software that is powered by a real-time Online Charging System.

Convergence in Billing: An Essential Requirement

To get the best out of current billing software, you need convergence as an essential feature. A real-time OCS can charge every service at the same spot, which allows it to generate fully convergent invoices for prepaid, postpaid, broadband and IoT service users. Convergence also expedites service plan creation, so you are able to monetize your services right after conceptualizing them.

Diameter Billing: Proper Authentication for Every Transaction

To ensure every charge is authenticated, you need next-gen diameter billing software. It is vital for revenue assurance and keeping customers happy.

Futureproof and Backward Compatible Solutions

The number and type of services will increase with passing time. There will be need for amendment in the existing software. However, customization of billing software is a costly affair. It is better to use the services of a vendor that offers APIs for adding new functionalities. Also, if you are using different software now and want to move to a new one, backward compatibility is very important. Telgoo5 offers one of the best online billing software that integrates well with an existing billing system.

Security of Customer Account Information

As the threat of hackers increases, it is vital that you have secure and well-protected billing platform. The account balance management function should be protected, so that hackers could not steal the database that holds customer account information. Telgoo5 billing system is extremely secure and ideal for current scenario.

Ability to Provide Attractive Discounts

Discounts pull subscribers in your direction. The billing software system should be flexible enough to offer attractive and imaginative discounts. For example, cross-product discounts can be very effective in creating a market for a lesser-known service.

Telgoo5 offers all the cutting-edge technologies via its revolutionary telecom billing system. Access it an attractive price to reimagine your wireless MVNO.

Why Wireless MVNO Should Target Specific Markets?

A wireless MVNO is an important part of the telecom industry. It fills certain important gaps and ensures most people are able to avail MVNO mobile services. When it comes to an MVNO’s operation, the MVNO model and MVNO type matters a lot. For example, a full-scale MVNO has its very own infrastructure, but an MVNO reseller only focusses on branding and marketing. Regardless of the MVNO operators finances and resources, it would be wrong to expect them to compete with bigger MNOs.

The Difference Between Targeting Specific or General Customer Base

Targeting specific customer base is a better option for MVNOs. If they are going to target the general population, they would have to compete with the bigger players. The larger MNOs can offer a wide range of expansive services to the customers. So, financially rich customers prefer their services.

If an MVNO decides to compete with an MNO, then it would have to provide a wide catalogue of services. But due to its limited resources, it would be stretched to the limit and hardly be able to make any profit.

On the other hand, if the wireless MVNO targets a specific group of customers, it has the freedom to choose and stack different services as per the interests of a specific customer base. For example, if it targets gamers, it can focus on providing them better data connectivity. Rest of the services like calling and online streaming can take a backseat.

With such an approach, it can provide much better niche-oriented services and make a profit.

The Role of Telecom Billing Platform in MVNO Success

Telecom billing lays down a strong foundation for an MVNO’s day-to-day operations. As most MVNOs do not have extensive technical knowhow, they should use the services of a competent telecom support platform like Telgoo5. Some important features of such a platform are:

·       Accurate billing: When the billing is accurate and comes with revenue assurance, it becomes easier to win customers’ trust.

·       Credit limit enforcement: MVNO have limited resources, and they need to implement credit limits flawlessly. A billings system powered by a real-time Online Charging System (OCS) is a minimum requirement for eliminating disputes.

·       Quick monetization: The service plans conceptualized should readily transform into actionable business strategy. Therefore, the billing system should be able to provide quick monetization.

·       APIs: To enable new partnerships and integration with new databases, APIs are a minimum requirement.

At Telgoo5, we offer all the above-mentioned functionalities as part of our telecom billing platform that is specifically designed for modern-day MVNOs.

Best Practices to Building a Reliable MVNO Network

The massive infrastructural developments in the telecom sector have given way to many new business models. Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, tracking services, and automated charging are just a few of the aspects that come to mind. But perhaps none of them are as impactful in their influence as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).

Since an MVNO network brands itself as a new network while using the infrastructure of current telecom providers, it brings a lot of competition to the telecom sector. Racking up existing prices, providing new services, and establishing a new brand is all part of building a scalable MVNO service.

But as easy as it sounds in writing, it can be quite tricky when you are putting all of this into practice. That is why if you are currently in the process of developing your own MVNO platform, it is extremely beneficial to have assistance and guidance.

Understanding this need, we have put together the most crucial aspects of building a successful MVNO. By keeping these best practices in mind, you will be able to develop your own MVNO network with ease.

Keep Your Competitors in Mind

Market Research is vital in every business model. But it is perhaps the most relevant when it comes to a reselling business such as an MVNO service.

That is why the first step towards building an MVNO platform comes in the form of knowing your competitors. Researching factors such as their pricing, their subscription models, their brand, and their marketing strategies will help you get an idea of what your competitors are doing. At the same time, it will also let you know what they are not doing well.

This awareness will help you build a compelling brand that steers clear of being a mere copycat. On the contrary, you can shape your own MVNO Network to have a distinctive yet appealing image that speaks to your target audience.

Be Careful in Setting Your Prices

If knowing your competitors is the foundation of building your MVNO Service, then offering competitive pricing is the very first step.

As mentioned above, in a reselling business model, it is the pricing that matters the most in setting your services apart from others. If your pricing is a lot higher than your competitors, then it will not provide you with potential higher advantages. But if it’s too low, then it might reflect poorly on the quality of your services.

This is why you should ensure that your pricing is set with a conservative perspective in mind. If you are planning to broach the market with low pricing, ensure to justify it to your target audience and design a marketing campaign that clears any doubts in their mind. Doing so will help you attract more customers without giving them any reasons to question the effectiveness of your MVNO Platform.

Keep Data Delivery in Mind

In today’s day and age, mobile data and resulting internet access are just as important as voice service itself. After all, it is the data service that lets customers enjoy video calls, social media, web browsing, instant messaging, and media exchange. In other words, it is what puts the “smart” in the smartphone.

That’s why, if your MVNO Network offers competitive voice services but falters on data plans, then you might as well shelve it on day one.

It is essential to make sure that you are launching your MVNO Service with a focus on data subscription plans. Make them as affordable as possible without degrading the quality of services, and you will be able to attract a wide variety of customers who want to access the internet and its related services on the go.

As evident through these suggestions, they are some effortless yet some very valid points to implement. If followed, these crucial yet straightforward best practices will help you build an MVNO Platform that’s created with success in mind.

If you need further guidance on how to launch your MVNO Network successfully, please feel free to give us a call today. We at Telgoo5 will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you build an MVNO that stands out of the plethora of other services out there.

Does Your MVNO Give You the Best Service?

You have an MVNO that is working. So how do you know if you are getting the best service? There are several factors to consider that will help you know if you have the best service:

Does the MVNO support CDMA or GSM?

So you may be thinking of switching from your carrier to another. Cellular carriers use GSM or CDMA. The majority of MVNOs use both. Most phones work with CDMA or GSM. As an MVNO, you need to find a service that handles both. Take note some Motorola models, and most current generation Google-branded phones and iPhones have antennas that can use CDMA and GSM.

If you want your MVNO business to succeed, you need to connect with a carrier that supports GSM and CDMA. This way, you will ensure you do not lose clients who would prefer both systems.

Is a Mobile Hotspot Included in the Plan?

Longtime subscribers of MVNOs have some issues they would like addressed. For instance, they would like to know if a mobile hotspot is included. Users have tried to game MVNO systems with a third-party hotspot app. The problem is most, if not all, of these apps, do not work.

The truth is that a hotspot option, sometimes referred to as tethering, is not available with many MVNO service providers. Those that offer hotspots do not do so with lower-cost plans. This means you should check if the feature is included to ensure your subscribers get the service at competitive market rates.

Is Visual Voicemail Supported?

If your subscribers rely on or are accustomed to visual voicemail, make sure you can get it from your carrier. A good number of service providers do not offer the same. You may need to do due diligence to find out if they offer visual voicemail. Some subscribers find it tedious dialing into a voicemail archive to listen to one message after another.

Do Advanced Features Work?

Currently, most people have phones that support things like Wi-Fi calling or VoLTE (HD voice calls). They are great features for those who use them. However, most of the time they are network or phone-specific. Some MVNO service providers may not have them at all because advanced calling features are possible with specific phones.

Are You In Need of a Family Plan?

Most MVNOs cater to individuals. As such, a family plan may be a challenge to find. If you are getting into the MVNO business, you need to find a service that offers a family plan. Although most subscribers will not need a family plan, it is a good option to offer them. This way, you will have an extra edge over your competitors.

Bottom Line

These are five of the most crucial factors to consider when you are looking for an MVNO service provider. Not only will these increase the chances of success in your business, but they will also give an upper hand over your competitors. At Tegloo5 we have the best options to ensure the success of your MVNO business. Contact us today to get all of these features and more.

The Difference between an MNO and MVNO

MNO and MVNO are both mobile operators who provide communication services to their clients. The biggest distinction between the two is that MNO can operate independently while MVNO will need MNO so it can fully function. Both MNO and MVNO being mobile networks, they are able to provide services such as voice calls, billing services, and customer care services (among other services) to end-users. An MNO can be able to provide these services to end-users on its own, but since an MVNO cannot be able to use its own frequency, MVNO results to buying radio spectrum from Mobile network operators. Below are the features of both of these communication services.

Features of an MNO vs those of MVNO

1. MNO operates from its own radio spectrum and has a license from the government to operate through it. When it comes to the assets that the MNO requires in order to provide services to its end users the MNO owns them all.

When it comes to the MVNO assets; MVNO either owns some of these assets – it ends up getting a lease for some of the assets from the MNO. There is also the possibility of an MVNO owning none of the assets and it ends up leasing all of the assets from MNOs. When MVNO leases assets from an MNO it is either in bulk or at a wholesale price. The MVNO has the option of letting the MNO provide customer care and billing services for them or MVNO provide the services themselves.

2. MNO buys its Network equipment from willing sellers and uses them to set up their own cellular or mobile network.

MVNO on the other hand purchases bulk packages at wholesale prices; these packages include data and minutes. MVNO basically acts as a reseller. After buying the packages they are branded and the services now offered belong to the MVNO. The communication services are then offered to users by MVNOs.

3. MNO offers support and customer care services to subscribers. MNO can offer customer care services to MVNOs subscribers. However, MVNOs can also offer customer care support services of their own and offer their own subscribers the support that they need, this includes answering any questions that they are likely to have in regards to the services being offered by the MVNOs.

4. Before making the equipment available MNOS first tests them to see if they are working and if they are in good condition. MVNOs being resellers do need to test if any equipment is working since they buy bulk packages to sell to their own end users. The types of equipment that they use for their own network coverage are already tried and tested.

5. Since MNOs have to bear the cost of putting up their own towers and so they can ensure that their clients have access to network coverage they are likely to charge more compared to MVNOs.

MVNOs will give cheaper services to its end users since it does not have to bear with the cost of putting up any equipment. They lease the equipment of the MNOs at a certain cost and they are able to give their services to subscribers in the same way.

Advantages and disadvantages of both network providers

Advantages of MVNOs

• Since the MVNOs do not have to bear the cost that comes along with putting up towers, they can be able to offer cheaper services compared to those offered by the MNOs.

Disadvantages of MVNOs

• As a subscriber using MVNO you are likely to have a low reception if you are in a place that is crowded. This is because postpaid customers are likely to get priority from towers compared to clients using MVNOs or those using prepaid services.

Advantages of MNOs

• Since they have their own towers on the ground they have wide coverage and can offer high-speed connection.

Disadvantages of MNOs

• Due to the cost associated with the putting up of towers their services are likely to be more expensive.

There are people who see MNOs and MVNOs as competitors; however, they are not – they both need to work together. Both network providers with their differences, advantages, and disadvantages can only work together successfully if they maintain a strong partnership with one another.

Billing for MVNOs and MNOs

Both MVNOs and MNOs offer communication services to their subscribers even though MVNO have to buy bulk minutes and data from MNOs in order to cater to their users. MVNOs and MNOs perform similar functions such that most users do not know that MVNOs need to purchase bulk packages from MNOs in order to cater to them.  They perform functions such as;

• Issuing and activation of Sim cards

• Have branding and marketing

• Billing

• They set their own tariffs

• Offer customer care and support to subscribers

Due to the services offered by the two network providers to their subscribers, it is important for them to have a billing system. MVNOs rely on MNOs interconnect billing services.

Interconnect billing system for MVNOs

A majority of the MVNOs depend on the MNOs Interconnect billing system because they do not have their own. The interconnect billing system keeps track of income and spending as well as the demand in the price for airtime. Since the MNO will have a part in the operations of the MVNO, they can outsource an independent vendor. The vendor who will keep track of how data is being processed will help to ensure that both the MNOs and MVNOs get a fair share of their earnings.

When MVNOs receive incoming calls they charge the MNOs an amount of money that is less compared to the airtime charge. The fee charged can be termed as an interconnect termination fee. The termination fee of both the MNO and the MVNO is similar to the fee which the operator is charged.

In case of an outgoing call, the MNO will receive an imposed payment that is less than the airtime charge by the terminating operator.

MNOs

In the present day for any business to be able to maximize the profits that it is making day in and out, they need to have a billing system that will help in the charging of prepaid services. More and more people are purchasing smartphones and using them for data. Previously, a lot of mobile users would spend a big amount of their funds on voice calls as well as messages; however, there has been a change. In the era whereby everyone is on their laptops, tablets, smartphones as well as other internet devices, data is likely to be what most users are highly spending on.

That is why network operators put up good billing systems that help them in keeping track of their earnings and as well keep a record of their client’s information. Cloud-based systems and the Internet of things help when it comes to billing operations.

MVNOs

MVNOs have been in operation for several decades now and even though there have been speculations that they would be run out of the market they are still growing. In certain countries, MVNOs are dominant. MVNOs still depend on MVNEs to act as intermediaries. Those who can be able to predict the future based on their own careful analysis speculate that MVNOs are moving towards a huge digital transformation whereby they will be able to have control over their own data by owning it and being able to manage their own billing systems.

MVNOs can either choose to;

• Buy bulk services at wholesale prices from MNOs, brand them, and then resell them to their subscribers.

• Brand their services and make them available for users to purchase with MVNEs helping them to provide the services to end-users at a fixed commission.

• Sell their products and services and pay the MVNE based on the profits they get from their end-users.

Regardless of the options that MVNOs choose they will still be expected to pay a deposit to MVNE followed by monthly payments.

Since both of these network operators offer a variety of services, billing is not an option but a requirement. MNOs can be able to carry out their own billing hence they can be able to keep track of the progress that their business makes. MVNOs, on the other hand, will require MVNEs to act as intermediaries between them and the end-users. MVNOs should be able to choose which option will work best for them when it comes to their billing requirements.

Fast Track Your Telecom Offerings with the Latest MVNE Solutions

Fortunately, Telgoo5 is a seasoned MVNE that has the ability to scale with the needs of your MVNO or MNO by specializing in fixed, IoT, fiber, ISP and other types of billing. We process hundreds of millions of transactions each day and work with many different companies in all levels of growth. We have the resources and infrastructure to grow with your customer demands, and we are skilled at allowing you a platform to scale rapidly and seamlessly. With a comprehensive audit trail and top-notch accounting, Telgoo5 is on top of its game at all times. We pride ourselves on being the best in class, and we keep our clients in the loop at all stages of the game.

Is your MVNE slowing you down or not able to grow as fast as you would like, Telgoo5 offers both flexibility and ease of use. With so many options built in your time to market will be extremely short.

At Telgoo5 we pride ourselves on being more of a partner than a vendor. As such, we make sure that we schedule regular calls with our telecom partners to make sure that they are apprised of everything that we are doing at every stage of the game. Each MNO or MVNO is assigned a representative that has an intimate knowledge of their business and ultimate goals. This allows us to help them from the ground up, and be able to assist with any scaling needs in real time. We know that scaling is one of the most challenging times for any business, and we pride ourselves on providing out-of-the-box solutions and a flexible and robust platform to help businesses scale with ease.

With CDR-based billing and charging that performs both offline and in real-time, Telgoo5’s telecom billing system was designed for the specific needs of MVNOs and MNOs. Furthermore, we always account for taxation in billing and can aid businesses in navigating complex telecom taxation matters.

This consideration allows you to rest easy and know that everything is taken care of for you. We have hundreds of different billing profiles and get set up to over one thousand unique combinations of billing, so you can tailor our products to fit your specific needs. You never have to use what doesn’t work for your company. We are all about streamlining the process, making it easier on you, and excelling at our mandate of amazing customer service.

Telgoo5’s platform is sophisticated and integrated; able to handle plenty of demand. Even though we have plenty of satisfied clients, we make sure that each of them is able to choose a customized solution that fits them perfectly. We understand that every business has different needs and will join us at various stages of their development. As such, we treat each and every business as a unique partner that we are committed to serving. This commitment from us keeps your business free to do the important work of attracting new customers, building your brand, and making your business the best it can be. Think of Telgoo5 as a solid platform that allows you to focus on the crucial work growing your business.

MVNE’s are the core of your business, choose Telgoo5 which is associated with the biggest MVNO’s and most successful aggregators.

If you are a new MVNO or MNO, you need an MVNE partner that has your back. Telgoo5 is that partner!

How MVNOs Can Increase the Bottom Line of a Mobile Network Operator?

Customer churn is a major problem associated with telecom business nowadays. Due to an increase in competition amongst CSPs (Communication Service Providers), customers are receiving newer and better options with attractive pricing and features. Hence, they are changing their telecom service providers faster than ever before. This trend has made the task of making profit for an MNO (Mobile Network Operator) extremely challenging. However, evolving technologies and development of MVNO platform has provided an innovative way to increase the bottom line for a telecom company.

Utilizing MVNO and MVNE for Triple Advantage

For a large scale MNO, it is hard to create customized services that meet the requirements of every mobile user in a particular area. Hence, some subscribers feel left out and show their anger by terminating their subscription. This directly influences the revenue generation of the MNO. All the effort it has put into buying frequency spectrum, procuring infrastructure and creating alliances with mobile phone manufactures is offset by subscribers’ decision to move out.

The MNO is left with vast resources that are underutilized due to customer attrition. It cannot sell the frequency spectrum and infrastructure to competing companies as it will dilute his brand. Also, it is not a wise decision to rest on its laurels and watch its business stagnate due to customer migration. In this situation, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) come as a ray of hope for such an MNO.

Not only an MVNO can help an MNO in sustaining his business, it also offers a triple
advantage, if utilized carefully. Have a look at the three advantages below:

First advantage: Revenue from customers who have left you

For an MNO, a partnership with an MVNO is like selling your resources such as voice minutes, data, SMS etc. in wholesale. In actuality, you are allowing an MVNO to use your spare spectrum and infrastructure, so you get consistent revenue through resources that otherwise would have been unused.

So, when you forge a partnership with an MVNO that covers the same region as yours, a major share of the customers that leave you go straight to that MVNO and subscribe to its services. When this happens, you indirectly profit from the same customers that have left you in the form of the revenue generated by your partner MVNO.

Second advantage: Revenue from customers who have left your competitors

If your competing MNOs’ customers also decide to leave them, then your MVNO can become an option for them. A major share of such customers will join your MVNO and indirectly provide revenue to you.

Third advantage: Revenue from new customers

With new mobile users entering the market, your MVNOs income will grow and so will your revenue.

The abovementioned example brings to light the advantages offered by a single MVNO. However, the same advantages can be leveraged by partnering with multiple MVNOs. The best way to accomplish this is by using an MVNO and MVNE platform.

Role of MVNE in MVNO Service

An MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler) is directly related with an MVNO’s performance and service. MVNE is called an enabler of services because it plays a vital role in creation of smaller MVNOs. An MVNE provides OSS/BSS solutions to the MVNOs along with setting up their virtual network. While bigger MVNOs have their very own OSS/BSS software and are generally responsible for billing their own customers, it is the smaller MVNOs that profit the most from MVNEs. Some of the major benefits of MVNE with regards to MVNO service and performance are listed below:

Better negotiations for pricing – An MVNE can be considered as a common link between multiple small MVNOs and an MNO. It has the responsibility of buying resources in bulk from an MNO. And we all know, bulk buying is considerably cheaper than buying a small amount. Hence, MVNEs are able to negotiate better deals with MNOs and procure resources e.g. calling minutes and SMS at a lower price. This helps an MVNO greatly and it is able to survive in the competitive telecom world.

More time to handle customer-facing tasks – With network setup, accounting and  billing-related activities handed over to an MVNE; an MVNO is able to focus more on offering day-to-day services and building its brand image.