MVNOs for Beginners - How to become an MVNO - How to successfully launch an MVNO

MVNO / MVNE Billing

MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) and MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler) billing involves the billing and revenue management of mobile services for virtual network operators. This includes managing customer accounts, charging for services, and generating invoices.

An MVNO is a company that provides mobile services to customers without owning the underlying network infrastructure. Instead, an MVNO partners with a network operator to provide mobile services using the operator's network. An MVNE, on the other hand, provides the technical infrastructure and services needed to operate an MVNO.

An MVNO billing system typically includes the following components:

1.      Customer management: This includes managing customer accounts, customer data, and customer support.

2.      Service provisioning: This involves setting up and configuring customer services, such as voice, messaging, and data services.

3.      Usage tracking: This involves tracking customer usage of mobile services and generating usage reports.

4.      Rating and charging: This involves calculating charges for mobile services based on usage and customer billing plans.

5.      Invoicing and payment: This involves generating invoices for customers and processing payments.

MVNO and MVNE Billing Systems are typically integrated with the network operator's billing and revenue management system to ensure accurate and timely billing for services. These systems may also integrate with other systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and financial management systems, to provide a comprehensive view of customer interactions and financial transactions.

Effective MVNO and MVNE billing is critical to the success of virtual network operators. By partnering with reliable billing and revenue management service providers, MVNOs and MVNEs can improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, and increase profitability.

MVNOs for Beginners

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are companies that offer mobile phone services to customers without owning a physical mobile network infrastructure. Instead, they partner with established mobile network operators (MNOs) to use their network infrastructure and provide mobile services to customers.

Here are some basics to know about MVNOs:

1.      Business Model: MVNOs operate on a wholesale model where they purchase network capacity and services from MNOs and then resell them to customers. MVNOs do not own their network infrastructure, but they do own their branding, pricing, and marketing strategies.

2.      Target Market: MVNOs can target specific customer segments, such as ethnic or niche markets, with customized services and pricing plans.

3.      Cost Savings: MVNOs can offer competitive pricing to customers because they do not have to invest in expensive network infrastructure. However, they still have to pay for the network capacity they purchase from the MNOs.

4.      MVNO Types: There are different Types of MVNOs, including Full MVNOs that have complete control over their services, and light MVNOs that have limited control and rely more on the host operator's systems.

5.      MVNO Benefits: MVNOs offer several benefits to customers, including competitive pricing, customized services, and flexible plans. They also provide more options in the mobile services market and can offer superior customer service due to their more focused and specialized nature.

6.      Challenges: Some challenges faced by MVNOs include the need to negotiate favorable contracts with MNOs, maintain adequate network capacity, and provide differentiated services to stand out in a crowded market.

Starting an MVNO can be a complex process, but it can be a profitable business model for those who do it successfully. It's important to research the market and the competition, develop a sound business plan, and work with experienced partners to launch and grow an MVNO.

How to become an MVNO

Becoming an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) requires several steps, including:

1.      Conduct market research: Identify the target market for your MVNO and assess the competition in the area. Determine what kind of services and pricing plans will appeal to your target audience.

2.      Develop a business plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes your target market, marketing strategy, operational strategy, and financial projections. Your business plan should also include how you plan to differentiate your services from competitors.

3.      Choose a host operator: Identify a host operator with a network that meets your needs in terms of coverage and services. Negotiate a contract with the host operator that outlines the terms of the partnership, including network access, pricing, and service-level agreements.

4.      Obtain regulatory approvals: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain regulatory approvals before launching your MVNO. Research the legal requirements in your jurisdiction and obtain the necessary licenses and approvals.

5.      Develop a brand identity: Develop a strong brand identity that differentiates your MVNO from competitors and resonates with your target market. Your brand identity should be consistent across all marketing and communication channels.

6.      Build your network infrastructure: Set up the necessary systems for billing, customer management, and network monitoring. Choose a billing and customer management system that integrates with the host operator's systems.

7.      Launch your MVNO: Launch your MVNO and market your services to your target audience. Monitor your operations and adjust your strategies as needed.

Becoming an MVNO can be a complex process, but it can be a profitable business model for those who do it successfully. It's important to seek expert advice and guidance at every step of the process to increase your chances of success.

How to successfully launch an MVNO

Launching an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) can be a complex process, but there are several key steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to successfully launch an MVNO:

1.      Develop a solid business plan: Your business plan should include a clear strategy for how you will differentiate your services, target your customers, and generate revenue. It should also outline your marketing and operational strategies, as well as your financial projections.

2.      Choose the right host operator: Your success as an MVNO depends on having a reliable and high-quality network operator partner. Research your options and choose a host operator that offers a network that meets your needs, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.

3.      Choose the right technology partners: Choose technology partners that offer billing and customer management systems that integrate with your host operator's systems. This will help you manage your operations more efficiently and provide better customer service.

4.      Develop a strong brand identity: Your brand identity should be unique and resonate with your target audience. Develop a clear brand message and communicate it consistently across all marketing and communication channels.

5.      Launch with attractive offers: Launch with attractive pricing plans and promotional offers that will help you attract and retain customers. You can offer discounts, free trials, or other incentives to encourage customers to sign up.

6.      Provide excellent customer service: Focus on providing exceptional customer service to differentiate your MVNO from competitors. Train your customer service representatives to handle customer inquiries and complaints promptly and effectively.

7.      Monitor and adjust your strategies: Monitor your operations closely and adjust your strategies as needed. Use analytics and customer feedback to identify areas for improvement and make changes to improve your services and customer experience.

Launching an MVNO can be a challenging process, but by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and create a profitable business.

Adapting to changes in the MVNO industry

Why the MVNO Game is Changing

Immediately after the first appearance of the MVNO model, many experts predicted that a number of non-Telcom business to consumer brands were going to take advantage of the opportunity and diversify into mobile. With very limited exceptions this new wave never came to realization.

Many organizations have faced various challenges including the dependency of an unpredictable relationship with the host network. Other challenges faced included the complexity that was involved in managing and building the systems required to make the services work.

Knowledge of the challenges

For many years, our team has monitored the MVNO market and analyzed outlooks and new trends. Our team has a detailed understanding of the various challenges that MVNOs face while striving to customer expectations and the fast-changing customer usages.

Our team are constantly in touch with MNOs with the goal of aiding new MVNOs. Our deep knowledge of the MVNO ecosystem in turn allows us to not only participate but also propose several tailor-made solutions in line with a proven methodology.

Service offering for MVNOs and MNOs

Telgoo5’s offering is centered on positioning and strategy, partnership and negotiation and performance and development. As an experienced enabler our main goal is to assist MVNOs to develop both their operational efficiency and their business. We study the specific needs of all clients, and then determine the type of support needed.

On top of that we also allow multiple services within the same service. For instance, thanks to our technology, users can use our platform without having to experience any type of challenges. This is because our OSS solutions have been built in a way which does not require any type of special technical skills to be operated.

Furthermore, our software has been developed to offer a vast and ever-growing number of features within a single platform. From billing of content, to tracking customer usage to monitoring service performance, our software allows users to execute all kinds of functions through the OSS software.

Flexibility and Analytics

With the game constantly changing, it’s important to settle for a software that will allow you to optimize operations. For instance, you have the ability of launching global services without requiring any form of support from us.

Our OSS will allow you to incorporate new functionalities without any hassle. On top of that, it’s also supported by many vendors and platforms, thereby ensuring that we are able to meet the needs of our clients at all times.

With market trends constantly changing, MVNOs should have platforms that not only report information but also allow users to be able to analyze data related to things like subscriptions, revenue and retention rates. Telgoo5’s OSS not only collects data, but also processes the data to report such that MVNOs can be able to view and analyze these sets of data.

Revenue Management and Billing

When choosing an MVNE, it’s important to choose one that has an efficient billing system. As a leader in the telecom industry, Telgoo5 has a billing software that ensures that users are billed for the services that they are using. On top of that, the software also ensures that any revenue leakage and fraud is detected at all times.

Telgoo5: The MVNE You Never Knew Your MVNO / MNO Needed

With 15 years in the industry, (v)WeCare is very well aware of the ever-changing landscape the telecommunications industry is facing today. That’s a decade-and-a-half of providing BSS, online charging, MVNE, Diameter and other expert technical and sales support, and as you’ll see, much more.

We’ve partnered with countless telecom organizations to transform their MVNO/MVNE by optimizing operations, expanding their reach, and growing their subscriber base overall. Furthermore, (v)WeCare has empowered companies just like yours to globally launch their MVNO/MVNE in a matter of weeks instead of months, and we even provide dedicated account managers as well as 24/7 NOC Support.

However, these partnerships actually evolved into a bit of symbiotic relationship as well. As our clients learned from us, we learned a lot more about their operation’s deeper needs.

That’s where Telgoo5 comes in. An end-to-end billing support system (BSS) and Online charging system (OCS) that is tailored to fit the specific needs of telecom companies.

The Telgoo5 Difference

There’s no denying that the ever-changing environment of the telecommunications industry can make proper management more than a bit of a challenge. With Telgoo5, that becomes a whole lot easier.

Imagine having the ability to provision and activate features on the fly, monitor service performance, track customer usage, bill for content, ensure revenue capture, and so much more. And we really, really mean so much more.

With Telgoo5’s BSS, you get a subscriber management system that is efficient, quick, responsive, and provides subscribers with excellent customer service. You also gain the ability to setup custom sales chain based on your business needs with sales chain management that supports 3 levels and has the ability to be customized for more.

Furthermore, with Telgoo5 and the BSS features, you have access to the following:

• A config and admin panel that facilitates effective user management and enables you to define permissions, create plans, and gain greater control overall.

• Reporting and analytics that provide in-depth subscriber data, giving you further insight and helping you manage and monitor your sales more easily and efficiently.

• Expanded abilities to manage inventory status, reassignment, and reconciliation, spawning more efficient management and distribution of inventory units.

Even if that was the end of the list of benefits of Telgoo5 it would be rather impressive, but as we said above, there’s much more.

The key features of the BSS side of Telgoo5 are not only impressive, they can actually be critical in helping you meet the demands of today’s industry. Efficient billing is key to the survival of any organization but this can be evermore so true for telecom organizations.

Telgoo5’s Postpaid Billing System has a slew of impressive tools that are destined to transform your operations, including:

• Payment gateway integration.

• Real-time or manual invoice generation.

• Postpaid tariff plans.

• CDR rated bills sent in XML.

• CDR mediation process.

• Call barring services.

• Call exception services.

• And More!

Need a wholesale billing system? Telgoo5’s Online charging system has that covered too with additional key features for MNOs/MVNAs:

• API controls.

• Ability to create ‘n’ number of MVNOs.

• Separate logins for MNOs/MVNAs and MVNOs.

• Built-in online user guides that provide instant assistance whenever needed.

• And once again, much more.

Have a little better understanding for why we said that your MVNO/MNO needs Telgoo5? If you’re ready to move forward with transforming your telecom into an entity ready for both today and tomorrow, give us a call at 206-384-4669.

If you still have questions about Telgoo5, you can visit our website or contact us directly and we’ll reply as quickly as possible.

Put years of experience and expertise to work for you with Telgoo5 augmenting your telecom business.

5 Key Aspects of a Billing System

While operating a business it is important to have a great billing system. If the bills are paid on time, then it ensures that the business is running smoothly. Lateness when it comes to the release of funds will not help in keeping the business afloat. Depending on the options that you have available, which may include payments via small installments or monthly payments, it is important to keep track of the funds coming in and out of the business. A good billing system needs to have certain key qualities that will help you keep track of payments. Cellular network operators need to consider the kind the elements the billing system that they will decide to implement possesses. A billing system is key to running a good business. Here are some of the important components of a good billing system.

Aspects of a billing system

1. Does your billing system have billing codes?

It is important for cellular networks to have billing codes since they offer an array of services. They include; data, voice calls, and message among others. When you have a code for each of the services that your business provides you can be able to keep track of the payments. Codes will also help you to be able to determine which services clients prefer most since they will purchase them more than the others. You should have billing codes which are in line with your business and which can help your subscribers pick out product and services easily.

2. A billing system should be able to track payments

Tracking the payment of your clients is a very important aspect of a billing system. If the billing system is operated from a computer whereby all the details are available it will be easy to keep track of the payments. The billing system should have an option which will enable you to send reminders to users a few days to the payment so they can remember to make payments on time. Employees will be able to keep track of clients who do not pay on time and send them reminders to make their payments. If the defaulters have gone past an agreed period the employees can be able to keep track of that and they will be able to impose an extra fee. The system should be able to allow the provider to contact the subscribers who have not made their payments and remind them to pay. This can be done by sending a message or via a phone call conversation.

3. It should be able to verify the users’ information and store their data

A network provider should have the data of its providers in their database. That includes their names, their address, their payment terms as well as any other information that is necessary. After collecting the information of their subscribers, they should also collect information that pertains to the product and services that the subscriber is using. Entering this data will help with easy retrieval of information where necessary.

4. It should be secure

Information entered into the database of any network provider about a subscriber is sensitive. The information should not be shared with anyone else and it should not be easily retrieved by any third parties. It is important for a billing system to be regularly updated in order to avoid access by hackers.  The information should only be accessed by users who have permission to access it. What payment methods are you accepting? If you are accepting payment methods such as credit cards you will have to ensure that you adhere to the standards which have been set by the industry.

5. Affordability

When you invest in a billing system that seems to cost less you are likely to incur technical hitches which involve disconnections. However, thinking long term and investing in a solution that is integrated will cost you less in the long run.

A billing system will help you keep your business on track and you will be able to retrieve information easily when you need it. You should list down some of the concerns that you have as a business providing communication services so you can understand what is most important when you are considering a billing system for your business.

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.

Is Your Billing On Point

Billing is one of those things that businesses sometimes don’t give a lot of thought to, but smart companies in the telecom industry know that consistent and accurate customer billing is one of the cornerstones of a successful MVNO.

Some MVNOs handle billing in-house, tasking one or two staff members with what should realistically be the job of an entire department. The truth is, your if your billing is not on-point, your customers will suffer and look for other MVNO’s to get their service from. Since telecom billing is notoriously tricky, smart companies trust their billing to expert MNVEs.

Look For Flexibility

The telecom industry is always shifting and changing, which puts MVNOs in a challenging situation when it comes to billing, especially if they are poised to start scaling. As you get more end customers, your billing needs are going to adapt to different business situations. You need an MVNE that can adapt with you and offer real-time solutions to your customer’s needs. Smaller organizations simply don’t have the bandwidth to be able to support the level of growth that most MVNOs will experience, leading to customer frustration and annoyance on the part of the MNO.

At Telgoo5, we understand the importance of flexibility and ability to scale. Our sophisticated infrastructure was built to withstand shifting company demands and rapid scaling. What’s more, we can offer all of our MVNO partners CRM and BSS as well as a real-time view of business performance and trends!. Many of our long-term MVNO partners are US based companies that love working with us because they know that they will be able to scale with us and, we will be there to support their needs in a prompt and outstanding manner!

Look For Added Value

If you have an in-house billing department, or if you contract out to a smaller or less flexible MVNE, you won’t necessarily get bare-bones service, but you also won’t get all of the perks that come alongside working with a company that can address all of your needs on multiple fronts. Distribution and inventory management goes hand-in-hand with billing, and if your chosen MVNE doesn’t have the capacity to handle all three, you’ll have to find another one to attend to these services. Anyone who runs a business knows that dealing with multiple vendors can be costly and time-consuming.

Telgoo5 offers distribution and inventory as value added services to their billing plan, so you won’t need to be hopscotching between different vendors to get your customers the services that they need. With us, you can rest easy that it will all be handled in one secure, professional place!

Support Is Key

It’s hard to over-emphasize the importance of quality customer and tech support. You and your chosen MVNE are a team, and it should feel like a partnership. This is especially true if you’re scaling, taking on new customers or dealing with additional products. Customers depend on detailed, accurate and itemized bills for their telecom service, so you need to know that your MVNE has your back. That’s why you should be in regular contact with your MVNE about billing and other areas of your business.

At Telgoo5 we pride ourselves on taking our relationship with all of our MVNOs very seriously. You have an account manager who is responsible for handling your needs, and weekly calls to handle any concerns that might crop up. Additionally, we have an escalation procedure that is specifically designed to get to the root of any problem as efficiently and effectively as possible. We prioritize consistency and organization because we know that they are the cornerstones of a successful MVNO/MVNE relationship.

Anyone in the telecom industry knows that billing can be the trickiest part of the business. When you’re dealing with multiple customers and a host of different services, getting billing down perfectly poses something of a challenge. That’s why it is imperative to make sure that your billing is on point. The best way that you can do that is linking up with a smart MVNE that has your best interests at heart. Let an MVNE like Telgoo5 take billing off your plate so that you can focus on growing your business!