MVNA MVNE MVNO – Explained

Decode the intricate ecosystem of telecommunications: Learn how MVNAs, MVNEs, and MVNOs work together to transform mobile services, offering businesses innovative paths to market entry and growth.

In this article, we explain the wording – and meaning behind: Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA), Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) and Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

We also compare MVNA, MVNE, MVNO with shops and shopping malls to get a better understanding of the concept. But first we will start with the wording:

Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)

Taking each word at a time provides a clearer understanding of the MVNO concept.

MOBILE	VIRTUAL
Transportable, transferable, or movable. Relating to mobile devices, and similar wireless technology	Almost, or nearly as described, but not completely

NETWORK	OPERATOR
Connect as, or operate with a network	A person or company that engages in, or runs a business or enterprise.

The MVNO provide mobile services similar to mobile operators. However it does not have its own telecom spectrum, instead it leases access to such, either from a mobile network operator (MNO), or a mobile virtual network aggregator (MVNA) – and then provide its own service offer to its customers, under its own brand and pricing.

Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA)

Aggregate, comes from the Latin verb, “aggregāre” which means, to add to -or to collect into a mass or whole.

The MVNA aggregates a mass amount of voice and data from the mobile operators, and resell it to MVNOs at wholesale rates.

Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE)

Enabler, means one that enables another to achieve an outcome.

The MVNE enables the MVNO to operate telecom related services via the MVNEs technology platform.

MVNA, MVNE, MVNO Compared with Shops & Shopping Malls

In this comparison, think of the traditional mobile operators, and their mobile network, as being similar to landlords with excessive land. In the world of MVNA, MVNE, MVNO – all these aspects are of course virtual.

1. The Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA) lease the excessive land from the landlord as an agent.

MVNA example 1 lease excessive land from landlord

2. The Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), builds a virtual shopping mall on the land.

MVNE Example The MVNE builds a virtual mall

3. The MVNE adds all the necessary infrastructure needed for the shops to operate various businesses in the mall

MVNE adds the infrastructure needed to operate various businesses

4. This enables multiple tenants (MVNOs) to open and operate their business in the shopping mall, paying rent and utility bills to the (MVNA and MVNE).