The Brazilian insurance company Porto Seguro has started mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, providing machine-to-machine connections (M2M) to track 2,000 vehicles owned by current customers. The goal is to reach 450,000 vehicles over the next two years. Â The company also plans to launch mobile telecom services during this same period.
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Under the brand Porto Seguro Conecta, the company was the first in Brazil to unveil MVNO plans and the first to actually  enter the market. Porto Seguro Telecom is  a partnership between the insurance company and the MVNE Datora Telecom, which also became a shareholder of the new subsidiary. TIM Brasil was chosen as the MNO, and management services will be provided by Ericsson.
Trials started on February 24, and in June, Porto Seguro Telecom started to install SIM Cards in vehicles owned by the insurance company’s customers to track them.
The next step includes launching telecom services;  Porto Seguro Telecom aims to offer a differentiated mobile service focusing on customer service while also optimizing its internal telephony cost management. The firm has not released a specific date when it will launch telecom services but did note that initially mobile services will be offered in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro with later expansion throughout Brazil.
The company forecasts that over the next five years, it will reach a million subscribers with its M2M and mobile services.
>>> To better understand how the MVNO roll out is going on across Latin America,  download RCR Wireless’s latest feature report in English or Spanish. It analyzes the current scenario and future possibilities of the MVNO roll out. This in-depth report is based on interviews with some of the most important MVNO players, analysts and vendors, who help explain the regulations, challenges and opportunities companies encounter when launching MVNOs.