Articles

Last time I wrote about Things to Know Before Starting an MVNO. Now I’m going to take you through the process of actually starting one. A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a wireless company that does not have its own wireless network infrastructure, like the towers owned and operated by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. MVNOs enter into a business agreement with a mobile network operator to buy access to the network at wholesale cost, then they set their own retail prices independently for talk, text and data. … Continue reading “How To Start Your Own MVNO”

I have written articles for BestMVNO on the MVNO space, discussing what an MVNO means for the carriers, dealers and customers; why should I buy from an MVNO, what differentiates MVNOs from each other (and the carrier) and what markets the MVNO serves. With all of your feedback, the one question that surprised me was a very simple one: Why Start an MVNO? There is an old joke in the wireless industry that goes like this: if you want to eventually exit the wireless business … Continue reading “Things You Must Know Before Starting Your Own MVNO”

As previously discussed, MVNO’s need to Differentiate themselves to best serve their dealers and customers.  This brings us to the concept of Alignment.  Alignment is the agreement between two parties with regards to goods or services that are to be delivered.  Knowing what your supplier (in our case, what the carrier or MVNO is capable of delivering) can do and depending on a steady flow of product, information and backroom services is critical for the dealer’s success.  For example, you … Continue reading “Are You in Alignment With Your Dealers?”

What’s my niche? Who am I going to target? Where can I generate more sales by having a laser focus on a specific target audience? These are questions that every MVNO should be asking themselves so they don’t wind up as a “me-too” provider or continue to fuel the price race to the bottom. If you’ve ever had the discussion with your management team on Strategy vs. Tactics, look at finding your niche as your strategy and using your differentiator (that word just keeps … Continue reading “To Niche or Not to Niche? That is the Question MVNOs Must Ask!”

What ARE The 4 P’s Of Marketing? Any of us that took an Intro to Marketing class, or learned the hard way by learning how to attract customers through trial and error, know that there are four P’s in Marketing: Product, Pricing Promotion, and Placement. For most of us in the wireless business, our Product is wireless devices, rate plans, and accessories. Pricing, while in many cases is dictated by the carrier, allows us to attract a customer and offer a fair price that in … Continue reading “MVNOS, What’s Your Distribution Strategy?”

Thank you to BEST MVNO for the nice mention on their article about how 4 MVNOs used differentiation to their advantage. You can read the article here.

Differentiator: Verb. Recognize or ascertain what makes someone or something different. There are dozens upon dozens of MVNOs in North America. True, the big national guys hold the majority of market share. But for every Tracfone, Boost Mobile, and Consumer Cellular, there are some small, and mostly efficient MVNOs that have carved out a niche for themselves. With well over 40 million subscribers, MVNOs are an important distribution channel for the three major carriers. But why should a customer buy from … Continue reading “Differentiator: Verb. Recognize or ascertain what makes someone or something different.”