New Wave of MVNOs is Redefining Telecom with Bold Technologies

By
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April 30, 2024
Telecom service providers will have to make a choice soon, to innovate or to stagnate, under the increasing pressure created by a new breed of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), Digital Brands, the unforgiving push for personalised digital-first customer experiences.

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The Digital Transformation Imperative in Telecommunications

As we navigate towards 2030, the global MVNO market size is projected to swollen from $ 84.36 billion in 2023 to $149.13 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.5% (Fortune Business Insights). This growth is underpinned by the relentless innovation in customer experience thanks to technologies such as eSIMs, AI, and machine learning, which are carving out new opportunities for MVNOs and MNOs 2nd Brands to differentiate and thrive.

The Asia Pacific region stands as both the largest and fastest-growing market, heralding a vast array of opportunities for MVNOs ready to embrace technological advancements and innovate. With high mobile penetration and an increasing number of consumers adopting mobile services, the region is ripe for digital transformations that can cater to a diverse and expanding customer base​

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Consumer Expectations: The Heart of the Revolution

The consumer telecom landscape has shifted dramatically, with users now demanding seamless, transparent, and highly responsive services that align with their digital-first lifestyles. But the hightened consumer expectations are not coming only from the digitally savvy users anymore, transparency, efficiency, convenience are standards demanded now by all users, having experienced and enjoyed such services in other industries. Traditional telecom models, burdened by outdated systems, and slow to modernize, are rapidly falling out of favour as they fail to meet these heightened expectations. In response, a new wave of MVNOs is emerging, disrupting the status quo with agile, customer-centric models that promise superior digital experiences and innovative service offerings.

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Technological Innovations Drive Growth, Truer Than Ever for Telcos

Innovations like eSIM technology have catalyzed significant changes in the telecom sector by allowing consumers to switch providers effortlessly, thereby intensifying the competitive landscape. This technology not only offers consumers unprecedented flexibility but also compels MVNOs to elevate their service offerings to retain customer loyalty. The ability to integrate services such as financial tech and travel offers into telecom packages is becoming a critical differentiator that can no longer be overlooked. Recently Revolut announced its entry into the telecommunications market with the launch of its own mobile virtual network operator, offering seamless integration between financial services and mobile connectivity. This strategic move aims to leverage its robust digital platform to provide subscribers with unique features such as integrated international roaming at no extra cost, and real-time transaction alerts directly linked to phone usage. By bundling telecom services with its financial products, Revolut is set to revolutionize how customers manage and use their money on the go. The launch is seen as a game-changer in the fintech and telecom industries, promising enhanced control and convenience for users worldwide.

Empowered by new technology, the new generation of consumer centric MVNOs is transforming what it means to provide "value" to the customer.  It's not just about competing on price anymore; it's about streamlining the customer onboarding experience and creatively bundling products and services to attract and retain millions of subscribers.  Great example is Yoodo, by CelcomDigi, Malaysia, being one of the pioneers to launch fully digital telco in 2018 and onboarding customers digitally in just 3 minutes, now onboards more than 50% of its new customers via eSIM, saving costs while providing unmatched value to its users.

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Economic Contributions and Strategic Collaborations

The economic value generated by mobile technology, which contributed USD 4.5 trillion to global GDP in 2021, is expected to exceed USD 5 trillion by 2025, highlighting the significant economic impact of mobile services. Strategic collaborations, such as those exemplified by Plan.com’s partnership with BT Wholesale, underscore the importance of alliances in expanding service capabilities and reaching new markets​ (Fortune Business Insights)​

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A New Breed of MVNOs: Disrupting the Telecom Landscape

Emerging MVNOs are not just participating in the market—they are actively reshaping it. By leveraging new technology enablers and adopting innovative business models, these MVNOs offer more than just telecommunications services; they provide integrated digital experiences that resonate with contemporary consumer expectations. These operators are distinguished not just by their technological prowess but also by their strategic focus on niche markets, delivering bespoke services that cater to specific customer needs and lifestyles.

An example of particularly disruptive new MVNO that emerged in recent years is Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile has been making waves since its more aggressive market presence in 2022 by leveraging a unique business model based on selling bulk mobile services. This approach allows consumers to purchase mobile services in multi-month packages at significantly reduced rates, which contrasts sharply with the traditional monthly billing model predominant in the industry. This innovative model not only offers substantial cost savings to consumers but also simplifies the billing process, enhancing user convenience and satisfaction. While utilizing T-Mobile's extensive network infrastructure to provide nationwide coverage, ensuring that the quality-of-service matches that of traditional network operators while offering competitive pricing and flexible service packages, Mint Mobile has positioned itself as a formidable player in the MVNO sector, challenging the status quo and pushing other MVNOs and traditional mobile network operators to rethink their service delivery and pricing strategies. This disruptive approach is a prime example of how new entrants in the MVNO market are leveraging innovation and strategic pricing to carve out significant niches in the telecommunications sector.

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Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Telecommunications

As the tlecommunications landscape continues to evolve, the imperative for Telecom Service Providers to modernize and adapt has never been clearer. The future belongs to those who can harness the power of digital transformation to deliver exceptional customer experiences and innovative services.

The journey towards modernization is rich with opportunities for innovation, market expansion, and strategic collaborations. By embracing advanced technologies and fostering a culture of innovation, MVNOs can not only adapt to the changing landscape but also lead the charge in transforming telecommunications for the digital age.

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About triPica

triPica, an innovative SaaS company, enables service providers to offer a breakthrough digital customer experience with the agility of a startup. With our cloud-native, MVNO World Congress tripple awarded solution in 2023 and TM Forum award-winning BSS platform, our customers can launch a digital offer in 4 months as well as scale up to a full transformation of their operations.  

Benefiting from our comprehensive solution – a full stack Catalog & Billing, CRM, Analytics, Marketing, Customer Loyalty suites and a white-label mobile app – service providers can orchestrate a shopless end-to-end digital journey that their customers today demand.    
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Established in 2016, triPica today is a trusted partner globally in the telecom and the utility industries. triPica, a digital BSS for disruptive ventures.

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