For many MVNOs, growth brings new opportunities – but it can also introduce new operational challenges.
Expanding into new markets, building relationships with roaming partners and delivering a consistent customer experience across a growing range of devices all require coordination across multiple organisations, systems and processes. As operations scale, managing that complexity efficiently becomes increasingly important.
Roaming operations at scale
Roaming remains an important part of the service proposition for many MVNOs. Whether supporting customers travelling internationally or delivering services across multiple markets, roaming often depends on relationships with numerous partners and the exchange of commercial and operational information.
As the number of roaming relationships grows, so can the administrative effort required to manage them. Roaming relationships are not only important from an operational perspective, but can also create opportunities to establish new commercial agreements, strengthen existing partnerships and support expansion into new markets.
To help address these challenges, the mobile industry has developed common frameworks and tools that support interoperability and information exchange between organisations. One example is the GSMA’s Roaming Agreement Exchange (RAEX), which enables operators to securely exchange roaming agreement and operational information using a standardised approach.
By reducing reliance on manual processes and supporting consistent information exchange, industry frameworks such as these can help organisations manage roaming relationships more efficiently.
Supporting reliable services across devices
Delivering a strong customer experience also relies on services working consistently across a wide range of devices.
As networks, services and device portfolios continue to evolve, maintaining accurate network settings becomes increasingly important. Features such as voice, messaging and data services all depend on the correct settings being available to device manufacturers and devices.
The GSMA Network Settings Exchange (NSX) provides a central platform where operators can upload and maintain network settings, allowing participating device manufacturers to access the information they need through a single source. With more than 700 device manufacturers on the platform, including many of the world’s largest OEMs, NSX helps support reliable service delivery while reducing the complexity associated with managing settings across multiple device vendors.
Building the right industry relationships
Technology and operational tools are only one part of the picture.
MVNOs operate within a wider ecosystem of operators, technology providers, industry bodies and partners. Building relationships across that ecosystem can support business development, knowledge sharing and collaboration on common challenges.
Working Groups, industry forums and events provide opportunities for organisations to connect with peers, discuss emerging developments and contribute to industry best practices. They also provide a way for organisations to stay informed about changes that may affect their business, from new technologies to evolving industry requirements.
One of the most established GSMA Working Groups is the Wholesale Agreements and Solutions (WAS) Group, which brings together organisations from across the mobile ecosystem to collaborate on areas including roaming, interoperability and commercial relationships. Through activities such as Operator Bilateral Negotiations (OBN), members can engage directly with roaming partners to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
To hear directly from MVNO industry experts on many of these topics, watch the on-demand webinar Tackling Key MVNO Challenges with GSMA WAS, which explores roaming best practices, industry collaboration, operator networking and opportunities to engage with the wider mobile ecosystem.
Keeping pace with a changing industry
The mobile industry continues to evolve rapidly. New technologies, changing customer expectations and increasing operational requirements mean organisations need to balance innovation with efficiency.
Many MVNOs therefore look beyond individual products or services and focus on the wider frameworks, tools and relationships that support long-term growth. Whether simplifying roaming operations, maintaining interoperability across devices or collaborating with industry peers, these foundations can help organisations navigate change more effectively.
How to find out more
These topics are explored in greater detail through GSMA Membership, which provides access to industry tools, frameworks and collaboration opportunities designed to support MVNOs as they grow.
Learn more about GSMA Membership for MVNOs and the resources available to support your business.
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