A mobile network operator (MNO) is a type of telecommunications service provider who operates in the mobile (wireless) phone space. MNOs primarily provides wireless voice and data services to smartphones. 

MNOs have many other names, including cellular company, mobile network carrier, wireless carrier, and wireless service provider. These operators manage every task involved in providing cellular service, including hosting the wireless network infrastructure, broadcasting at the right frequency, handling billing, and providing customer service. 

Are there variations of mobile network operators? Yes, similar organizations provide telecommunication services but don’t fit into the primary definition of a mobile network operator. 

• A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), unlike an MNO, does not own the infrastructure related to cellular networking. It rather procures wholesale access through a mobile network operator and sells the services as its own. 
• A mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) supports an MVNO by providing the infrastructure and related services to an MVNO. It does not contact the end users directly but rather enables an MVNO to sell services under their own brands. 
• A public network operator (PNO) is an organization that a government authorizes to provide cellular network services. PNOs may serve either commercial or residential clients. 

The mobile virtual network operator deserves special attention due to its unique position in the telecommunications market. 

How do mobile virtual network operators work? These providers purchase network services from MNOs, have the agency to choose which services to bundle together to sell to customers. They can set their own retail prices and take advantage of market segments with special needs, such as: 

• Travelers in need of flexible data plans as they roam 
• Enterprise clients with high demands for cellular service 
• Internet of Things engineers who need to install multiple cellular devices at once 

The primary disadvantage of larger MNOs is that they tend to aim for general, one-size-fits-all packages which don’t always appeal to every type of subscriber. Some commercial and residential clients might want more flexible pricing or a more tailored experience overall. 

A mobile virtual network operator answers this demand with a less rigid cellular service offering. This way, its customers won’t pay for data or services they aren’t planning to use. 

MVNOs also come in two varieties: light and full. A light MVNO relies heavily on its host MNO to handle operations and provide the actual service. It mainly looks at other aspects of reaching end users, from marketing to customer service and sales support. Light MVNOs can get started quickly to cover untapped portions of the market, and larger brands often start these services to diversify their offerings. 

A full MVNO takes a more active role in managing the network infrastructure. It manages call and data traffic more comprehensively by building its own core infrastructure, while still relying on the main MNO for basic connectivity. A full MVNO makes sense for companies pursuing more in-depth telecommunications solutions. 

Why should you care about mobile network operators? 

MNOs own a full end-to-end network for generating wireless services to telecommunication customers. The infrastructure includes the base stations, the transmitters, and all the software enabling these components to work together.  

MNOs also have legal recognition from regulatory authorities to broadcast within a radio spectrum. All these tools combine to provide calling and data services to end users’ devices (generally smartphones). 

Each mobile device has a unique code called the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) specifically for MNO use. These identifiers ensure only subscribers with appropriate contracts receive the services for which they pay.  

Mobile network operators also issue subscriber identity module (SIM) cards on the users’ devices to allow for connections with the service provider’s base stations. Should the device be traveling, the closest base station automatically connects, and the device will change stations whenever necessary to maintain a strong connection. 

The SIM card contains the above mentioned international mobile subscriber identity code. The IMSI helps identify the device, including its associated home location register (HLR) or visitor location register (VLR), and uses this information to connect to the right network. 

Virtual network operators, who purchase network services from MNOs, have the agency to choose which services to bundle together to sell to customers. They can set their own retail prices and take advantage of market segments with special needs, such as: 

• Travelers in need of flexible data plans as they roam 
• Enterprise clients with high demands for cellular service 
• Internet of Things (IoT) engineers who need to install multiple cellular devices at once 

The primary disadvantage of larger MNOs is they tend to aim for general, one-size-fits-all packages which don’t always appeal to every type of subscriber. Some commercial and residential clients might want more flexible pricing or a more tailored experience overall. 

A mobile virtual network operator answers this demand with a less rigid cellular service offering. This way, its customers won’t pay for data or services they aren’t planning to use. 

What are the benefits of Mobile Network Operators? 

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) play a pivotal role in the telecommunications landscape by offering end-to-end solutions for wireless voice and data services. MNOs boast extensive infrastructure, including base stations and transmitters to ensure reliable connectivity, manage billing processes, and provide customer service. Their flexibility also benefits virtual network operators, allowing them to design services for specific market segments, from flexible data plans for travelers to customized solutions for enterprise clients and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. 

How does Sinch work with Mobile Network Operators? 

Sinch is an industry-leading provider of voice solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our tier-1 network has over 140 million active phone numbers and 600+ direct mobile operator connections. 

Are you looking for the best voice services on the market? Explore our voice solutions today!