It has been more than 20 years since the launch of Virgin Mobile in the United Kingdom, the first true MVNO in the world. Over this period, the industry has reached a respectable level of maturity, with around 1,300 MVNOs serving approximately 250 million subscribers in more than 70 markets worldwide*.
The success of the MVNO model varies across markets, with an average of 70 players per market* in developed economies compared to 3 brands or less per GCC market.
The GCC region’s MVNO space has witnessed a resurgence in the recent months with more than 5 new licenses being offered by telecom regulators in 2 key markets.
The restrictions associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are transforming the world. While the telecommunications sector is not immune to its impact, service providers played a crucial role in keeping people connected and businesses functioning. For the sector’s stakeholders (MVNOs, MNOs, Regulators and Investors), understanding the difference between short-term risks and long-term trends is a multi-million-dollar equation.
The aim of this Report is to help navigate this challenge by clarifying the current market landscape, understanding the current opportunities, and generating a set of recommendations for all stakeholders in the MVNO sector.
- This Report was commissioned by Jawraa, a veteran of the MVNO space in the Arab World.