Understanding the Impact of IoT on MVNO Billing

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing market that has the potential to transform the way we live and work. IoT devices are becoming more prevalent in our homes, businesses, and cities, and are generating vast amounts of data. This data needs to be collected, processed, and analyzed, which presents a significant challenge for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) who need to bill for IoT services. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of IoT on MVNO billing and how MVNOs can meet the challenges of billing for IoT services.

What is IoT?

IoT refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, allowing them to connect and exchange data. IoT devices can range from simple sensors that detect temperature or humidity to complex systems that manage entire factories or cities.

IoT devices generate vast amounts of data, which can be used to improve efficiency, optimize processes, and create new business models. However, this data needs to be collected, processed, and analyzed, which presents a significant challenge for MVNOs who need to bill for IoT services.

Impact of IoT on MVNO Billing

IoT presents several challenges for MVNO billing. Here are some of the ways that IoT is impacting MVNO billing:

   Data Volume

One of the biggest challenges of billing for IoT services is the volume of data generated by IoT devices. IoT devices can generate vast amounts of data, which needs to be collected, processed, and analyzed. This presents a significant challenge for MVNOs who need to bill for IoT services.

MVNOs need to have the infrastructure in place to collect, store, and process large volumes of data. They also need to have the technology to analyze this data and bill for the services provided.

Data Variety

Another challenge of billing for IoT services is the variety of data generated by IoT devices. IoT devices can generate data in a wide range of formats, including text, images, video, and audio. This data needs to be processed and analyzed in different ways, which can be complex and time-consuming.

MVNOs need to have the technology in place to process and analyze different types of data. This can include machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence tools that can help to automate the analysis and billing processes.

Data Velocity

The speed at which data is generated by IoT devices is another challenge for MVNO billing. IoT devices can generate data in real-time or near real-time, which requires MVNOs to have the infrastructure in place to collect and process data quickly.

MVNOs need to have the technology in place to handle real-time data processing and billing. This can include edge computing technologies that can perform data processing at the edge of the network, closer to the IoT devices.

   Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

SLAs are agreements between MVNOs and their customers that define the level of service that will be provided. SLAs can include metrics such as uptime, latency, and data accuracy. SLAs are critical for ensuring that customers receive the level of service they expect and for providing the basis for billing.

IoT devices can present additional challenges for SLAs. For example, some IoT devices may require a high level of reliability and uptime, while others may be more flexible. MVNOs need to have the technology and processes in place to manage SLAs for IoT services.

Billing Models

Billing models for IoT services can be complex and may require customized billing solutions. For example, some IoT devices may require a pay-as-you-go model, while others may require a subscription model. MVNOs need to have the flexibility to offer different billing models for different IoT services.

MVNOs also need to have the technology in place to handle complex billing arrangements. This can include the ability to bill for different types of data, such as text, images, and video, and the ability to bill for different data rates.

Meeting the Challenges of IoT Billing

Meeting the challenges of billing for IoT services requires MVNOs to have the right technology in place. Here are some of the technologies that MVNOs can use to meet the challenges of IoT billing:

Big Data Analytics

Big data analytics can help MVNOs to collect, process, and analyze large volumes of data generated by IoT devices. Big data analytics can help MVNOs to identify patterns and trends in the data, which can be used to optimize processes and create new business models.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automate the analysis and billing processes for IoT services. AI tools can help MVNOs to identify anomalies in the data and predict future trends.

Edge Computing

Edge computing can be used to perform data processing at the edge of the network, closer to the IoT devices. This can help to reduce latency and improve the speed of data processing.

       Blockchain

Blockchain can be used to securely store and manage data generated by IoT devices. Blockchain can help to ensure the integrity and security ofthe data, which is critical for billing IoT services.

       Customized Billing Solutions

MVNOs may need to develop customized billing solutions for different IoT services. This can include pay-as-you-go models, subscription models, and tiered pricing models. MVNOs need to have the technology in place to handle complex billing arrangements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IoT is transforming the way we live and work, and is presenting significant challenges for MVNO billing. MVNOs need to have the infrastructure, technology, and processes in place to handle the volume, variety, and velocity of data generated by IoT devices. They also need to have the flexibility to offer different billing models for different IoT services. By leveraging technologies such as big data analytics, AI, edge computing, and blockchain, MVNOs can meet the challenges of billing for IoT services and provide their customers with the level of service they expect.

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.

Become a Data MVNO to Meet Urgent Work-From-Home Requirements

The value of internet data services is rising with each day. Work-from-home setups have necessitated employees and business owners to invest in Internet data. Whether it is through a stationary broadband connection or mobility, each type of data has its own value. Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a business model that fulfills the void left by MNO services. When it comes to data, an MVNO can dramatically increase its business revenue if it starts focusing specifically on clients’ immediate requirements. Nowadays, there are a variety of customers with different purchasing power, and a data MVNO is in the best position to fulfill their requirements.

Which MVNO Business Model is the Best Suited for Data MVNO?

There are different types of MVNO business models in the market. Without going into the real technicalities, we can categorize them into thick MVNO (with their own network setup), reseller MVNO who use MNO/MVNE network infrastructure and software solutions and thin MVNO who are a hybrid between thick MVNO and reseller mode. Although there are other models as well, the ones mentioned before are the most common.

Considering the exigent need of customers for data, each type of MVNO model can excel at data services, given it has a solid network platform, B/OSS and telecom billing solutions. Even the reseller MVNO can excel at data services with the right kind of software support and APIs. Providing customers self-care option where they can create their very own data plans, set the data limit and upgrade their plans is very much required for success as an MVNO.

Important Characteristics of MVNO Software in 2021

In 2021, you need to have a next-gen telecom support platform if you want to be successful. With an MVNO platform that has the following characteristics, you can serve customers’ data-related needs easily:

Online Charging System

Revenue assurance is very much needed in 2021 as you need to forge a bond of trust with your customers in these testing times. An Online Charging System (OCS) charges every service in real-time and ensures complete revenue assurance at every step. It also helps you monetize services quickly and enforce credit limits. Therefore, you customers never have to pay more than what is necessary.

CRM

The MVNO software needs to come with a CRM that is tailor-made to the requirements. If your customer care reps can access customer data quickly and resolve their queries in time, it becomes that much easier to foster customer trust.

As employees start working from home, you can expect a lot of amateurs to call support for help. A quality CRM like the one provided by Telgoo5 can really improve the entire process of customer services.

Unlocking the Secrets to the Success of Data MVNO amidst Competition

Competition is a two-way street. On one hand, it diminishes profits as telcos are required to reduce the price of their offerings, but at the same time it pushes them to innovate. The situation is especially difficult for a data MVNO that does not have ample resources at its disposal. 

Challenges faced by Small-Scale MVNOs

MVNOs have become an integral part of telecom operations. Depending on the types of MVNOs, they can be divided into the following categories:

• Branded reseller

• Service provider

• Enhanced SP MVNO

• Full MVNO

While full MVNOs have control over every service except from network and spectrum (which they get from MNOs), the other three MVNOs depend on MNOs and MVNEs for performing different functions like:

1. Delivering applications and services to the users

2. Billing

3. Activation of customers

4. Marketing

5. Customer services

6. Management of SIMs

7. Distribution and sales

8. Management of devices like smartphones, tablets etc.

Due to their dependence on other entities, they work in restricted capacities. Hence, it is important for a data MVNO to choose an MVNE that offers a platform that is conducive to modern-day telecom operations.

How to Unlock Success for Data MVNO?

A small-scale data MVNO cannot change the dynamics of its operations, but it can maximize its outreach by choosing a partner that has the following functionalities:

APIs for different business use cases

An MVNO does not have the financial clout to purchase new software or customize an existing platform to accommodate for new services. As telecom industry is always evolving, it won’t be possible for a data MVNO to keep up with the requirements. For such scenarios, APIs serve as the best resort. A partnering MVNE that offers APIs for different functionalities can help an MVNO to fulfill ad hoc requirements without spending exorbitantly. APIs can help businesses in tasks like:

• Instant partnerships with new vendors e.g. install an API and access the services of a shipping vendor without going through the red tape.

• Integrate new databases e.g. APIs from Telgoo5 can be used to access NLAD database.

Convergent billing with OCS

An Online Charging System (OCS) performs real-time convergent charging. This allows MVNOs to send descriptive invoices with the mention of all service charges in a single bill. True real-time convergent charging prevents customers from exceeding data limits, lets them know exactly how much data/calls they have used and hence, promotes transparency between virtual operators and their clients.

Complete reporting and analytics

For an MVNO to be successful, it needs to create new and interesting plans that evoke subscriber interest. A data MVNO needs all the information about its subscribers e.g. their preferred roaming locations, data pack size, income group etc. At Telgoo5, you get access to a slave database that is directly updated by a master database located at the MVNE site. You also get analytics that are integrated into the billing system. With analytics capability, you can receive timely insights about your subscribers’ behavior and immediate needs.

Support for new services

New technologies in telecom industry like IoT and 5G are quite complex to deliver for a small-scale MVNO. But, with the right telecom services platform that offers complete scalability and multi-tenancy, you can handle the voluminous requirements created by the new tech with ease.

Telgoo5 is one of the best MVNEs in the telecom domain because it always updates its platform according to the industry changes. It has many years of experience in the field, and can help you deliver telecom services that are in line with modern-day subscribers’ requirements and preferences.

5 Key Trends in MVNO Service Providers

New research shows that by 2025 the global MVNO service market will reach about $95 billion, growing annually at 7.6 percent. The continued growth in mobile users worldwide and the rise in demand for data services has created a large market opportunity for MVNO providers. The expansion of services, such as mobile cash, M2M (machine to machine) and cloud is driving the demand further for MVNOs.

Here are five evolving trends that MVNO operators should recognize in order to enhance their scope of services industry-wide.

Innovators will Seize Leadership

While there is going to be a market for the conventional MVNOs for the type of consumer-oriented services they provide, innovation will create new challenges and lead to the emergence of new market leaders. MVNO network connectivity is no longer the critical differentiator. The new model of connectivity and a gamut of packaged offerings must now center around data-driven capabilities, vertical integration, super specialization, and improved customer experience.

Moving Data to Deliver Superior Customer Value

Unlike the traditional MVNO mobile model, the new model will focus on moving data in ways that provide greater value for customers, both individuals and businesses. Process automation could assist in moving of the data. It could move from business to consumer, consumer to business, or machine to machine – to and from multiple endpoints, delivering useful information and driving targeted actions.

Focus on Niche Market Segments and Specific Value Propositions

MVNOs are increasingly recognizing the need to offer customized value propositions for targeted client segments. This allows them to widen the subscriber base by bringing new segments without diluting the brand focus of the host operator network. In a sense, the MVNO serves as the operator’s “sub-brand” to enable them to provide mobile services to wider and diverse populations.

Service offerings of MNVOs are moving away from voice and text and becoming increasingly data-centric. Some are even trying to differentiate their value propositions by integrating with other products and services, such as enterprise cloud or gaming.

Technology Enablers to Expand MVNO Opportunity

Cutting-edge technology enablers are set to drive unprecedented market opportunities for MVNO providers. These include:

• e-SIMs

• NFV and SDN (Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networks)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with data analytics

• Blockchain

• Edge Computing

These technologies will support more personalized services for customers, help provide data related to IoT device performance, apart from boosting reliability and efficiency in areas such as supply chain management, mobile banking, mobile payments, and microloans.

Next Generation MVNOs will be Enabled with 5G

Network slicing getting enabled through 5G deployment is likely to be another game changer for MVNOs. A new breed of MVNO service providers will emerge with a focus on verticals offering AI, big data, and cloud solutions, creating new opportunities for enterprises looking to take advantage of these advanced technologies.

Telgoo5 is Here to Help!

Whether you are an MVNO/MVNE or looking to launch one, Telgoo5 has the perfect solutions to augment your business. For any inquiries you can send us an email at sales@vcaremail.com or contact us online.