MVNEs provide business infrastructure solutions and services to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). An MVNO is a company that piggybacks on another operator's network to provide mobile services.
The deal with Comverse and Mirage Telecom will enable other companies‚ such as banks‚ or retailers to sell their own branded mobile data and voice products and services to customers. This will further stimulate competition‚ investment and provide choice for consumers.
As part of the agreement‚ Comverse will supply its telecommunications software to Mirage Telecom‚ while Cell C will provide network capacity to the MVNE.
Cell C's acting chief executive Jose dos Santos‚ said the partnership would lead to innovative products.
"Through our partnerships with Comverse and Cell C‚ Mirage Telecom is essentially enabling large organisations to offer branded mobile voice and data services to their clients as MVNOs‚" he said.
Cell C has MVNO partnerships with Virgin Mobile and Red Bull.
"The launch of the country's first MVNE is the next step up the mobile ladder. South African mobile users will now see new offerings from some of their favourite and most trusted brands. These brands will have the freedom and flexibility to develop specific products and services for the customers‚" said Prins Mhlanga‚ executive director at Mirage Telecom.
Research firm Informa Telecoms and Media says that globally there are now 120m MVNO subscriptions‚ or just 1.8% of total mobile subscriptions. It forecasts there will be 311m MVNO subscribers by the end of 2017.
Dos Santos said Cell C had grown its customers to 13m from about 9m a year ago.
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
