About MVNO Europe

Independent operators, working together for open mobile markets

We represent Mobile Virtual Network Operators and Service Providers active in Europe’s mobile and Internet of Things markets.

Who we represent

Different business models. One European voice.

Created in 2012, MVNO Europe represents the interests of Mobile Virtual Network Operators and Service Providers active in European mobile and Internet of Things markets. Our members have negotiated wholesale access to the networks of host Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

MVNO Europe brings together a variety of business models serving retail consumers, business users, the public sector, machine-to-machine (M2M), Internet of Things (IoT) and Connected Mobility markets.

Our goal is to create a more openly accessible market for all MVNOs and Service Providers, enabling them to offer mobile communications and bundled solutions that meet the needs of different customer segments — from consumers and businesses of all sizes to IoT and Connected Mobility — on a national, multi-country and pan-EU basis.

Our members believe that MVNOs stimulate innovation in the telecom sector and contribute to the competitiveness of European businesses of all sizes.

What is an MVNO?

Mobile services without owning radio spectrum

The acronym MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. These telecommunications service providers are called “virtual” because they do not own radio spectrum. As a scarce resource, spectrum can be granted only to a limited number of operators: Mobile Network Operators, or MNOs.

MVNOs therefore use MNOs’ radio spectrum-based transmission services and related wireless network infrastructure, such as masts and antennas, to provide services to their own customers.

MVNOs can take different forms — ranging from a branded reseller to a Full MVNO — depending on the operational components they manage, including telecom networks and interconnection resources.

Organisation