Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a company that provides mobile phone services but does not have its own licensed frequency allocation of radio spectrum, nor does it necessarily have all of the infrastructure required to provide mobile telephone service.^[1] A company that does have frequency allocation(s) and all the required infrastructure to run an independent mobile network is known simply as a mobile network operator (MNO). MVNOs are roughly equivalent to the "switchlessresellers" of the traditional landline telephone market. An MNO that does not have a frequency spectrum allocation in a particular geographical region may operate as an MVNO in that region.

An MVNO's roles and relationship to the MNO vary by market, country and the individual situations of the MNO and MVNO. In general, an MVNO is an entity or company that works independently of the mobile network operator and can set its own pricing structures, subject to the rates agreed with the MNO. Usually, the MVNO does not own any GSM, CDMA or other core mobile network related infrastructure, such as mobile switching centers (MSCs), or a radio access network. Some may own their own home location register, or HLR, which allows more flexibility and ownership of the subscriber's mobile phone number (MSISDN)—in this case, the MVNO appears as a roaming partner to other networks abroad, and as a network within its own region. Some MVNOs run their own billing and customer care solutions known as business support systems (BSS). Many use an MVNE.

There is a distinction between MVNOs and service providers, who purchase wholesale mobile minutes and resell to end-users. Normally they do not have their own SIM cards and the services provided by service providers depend on the services of the hosting MNOs or MVNOs.^[2]

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