How to Evaluate a Core Network Vendor for MVNO Projects

To evaluate a core network vendor, leaders need to understand why this choice is crucial. The core network is the backbone of service quality, playing a significant role in the company’s growth and fostering innovation. Selecting the right partner can lead to tangible results. Here’s how:

A reliable method to evaluate a core network vendor involves adhering to trusted industry standards and asking insightful questions. Leaders who follow these steps can maintain customer satisfaction and ensure the business remains robust over the long term.

Key Takeaways

• Picking the right core network vendor is very important for good service and business growth.

• A strong core network helps customers by making calls clear and data fast.

• Scalability matters; cloud-native cores help MVNOs grow and change quickly.

• Good vendor support and quick help can lower customer loss and make people happier.

• Check vendors for their experience, what services they offer, and how well they work with MVNOs.

• Clear pricing helps MVNOs plan money and avoid surprise costs.

• Security and following rules are important; pick vendors who keep data safe and follow laws.

• Real-world tests show how well a vendor works and how good their service is.

Why the Core Network Is Critical for MVNOs

Core Network’s Role in MVNO Success

The core network is the base of every mvno. It handles important jobs like authentication, billing, and service delivery. If the core is weak, an mvno cannot promise good connections or smooth experiences. The mvno solution provider and mvne help decide how the core supports business goals.

• MVNOs use wholesale access from mobile network operators. This affects how much money they make.

• Different mvno models, like full mvno, branded reseller, and light-mvno, have different control over network services. This changes how well they work and how they compete.

A full mvno with its own core network can change services, make connections better, and react fast to market changes. The right mvno solution provider makes sure the core network matches the mvno’s goals and helps the business grow for a long time.

Impact on Customer Experience and Monetization

The core network affects how happy customers are and how much money the mvno makes. Good connections and strong service keep subscribers happy and stop them from leaving. Studies show network quality is very important:

A strong core network means fewer problems, which helps keep customers. Good customer support, managed by the mvno solution provider or mvne, also helps mvnos stand out. For example, Consumer Cellular got high customer satisfaction even though it used the same network as AT&T. This proves that both core network performance and support matter for good results.

• Good network performance means fewer problems, which helps keep customers.

• Good customer support helps mvnos stand out and make more money.

Strategic Agility and Innovation

A flexible core network lets mvnos change quickly and try new ideas. The right mvno solution provider or mvne helps launch new services fast and supports creative business plans.

1. New mvnos focus on services that help customers.

2. They use technology to make joining easier.

3. Bundling products in new ways helps get and keep subscribers.

MVNOs can be more flexible by working with vendors who offer advanced platforms. These platforms let mvnos use different charging and rating models, which are needed for special offers and discounts. Top vendors like ZTE, Huawei, Mavenir, and Affirmed Networks give scalable and creative core solutions. This flexibility helps mvnos give more value, improve connections, and stay ahead.

• MVNOs are becoming wholesale partners, so they need strong and flexible charging models.

• New technology lets mvnos give more value, not just lower prices.

• Focusing on joining and bundling products helps keep subscribers.

How to Evaluate a Core Network Vendor

Industry Expertise and Track Record

A strong track record means the vendor knows what mvnos need. Leaders should check if the core network vendor has real experience with mvnos. Vendors who win awards or get certifications, like Best MVNO Middle East, show they can do a good job and help companies make more money. Salam, for example, made more ARPU than most others. This shows why picking a vendor with known skills is important.

Tip: Ask the vendor for stories or proof from other mvno projects. This helps you see if they have real experience and give good service.

A table can help you look at the main things mvnos check when picking a core network vendor:

Industry expertise means the vendor can handle mvno problems. A vendor with lots of experience in core networks can help mvnos avoid mistakes and keep connections working well.

Questions to ask:

• How many mvno projects have you worked on?

• What awards or certifications do you have?

• Can you give us proof from full mvno projects?

Comprehensive Services and Connectivity

A good mvno needs more than just basic tools. Leaders should check if the core network vendor gives all the services an mvno needs. These include billing, customer management, provisioning, and strong connectivity. An mvne with many services can help an mvno start faster and work better.

Good connections are very important for service quality. The vendor must give strong connections, good coverage, and support for different tech. This helps the mvno give a great experience to its users.

Note: Having all services in one place means you need fewer vendors. This makes things easier and can save money.

Questions to ask:

• What core network features do you give right away?

• How do you make sure mvno customers get good connections?

• Can you connect with other systems or tools?

Autonomy and Customization

Autonomy lets an mvno control its own services and react fast to changes. Leaders should ask how much control the mvno will have over its core network and plans. A full mvno gets the most control, but even light-mvno setups can use flexible options.

Customization helps mvnos make special plans for their users. New business support systems let mvnos build their own plans, use self-service tools, and make dashboards that fit them. This helps the mvno stand out and make customers happy.

• MVNOs with control can make special deals for their users.

• Custom dashboards and self-service tools make work easier.

• The right mvno solution provider or mvne helps with both control and customization.

Questions to ask:

• How much control will we have over our core network and plans?

• Can we make our own dashboards and use self-service tools?

• How do you help us launch new services or change old ones?

Callout: Being able to change services and manage the core network helps the mvno do well. It lets them make changes fast, give better service, and earn more money.

By doing these steps, leaders can pick a core network vendor with confidence. They can make sure the vendor has the skills, services, and flexibility mvnos need to succeed.

Performance, Reliability, and Connectivity

Latency and Throughput

MVNOs need the core network to give fast and steady service. Low latency means users get quick answers when they call or use data. High throughput lets many people use the network at once without it getting slow. These things affect how customers feel about their service. MVNOs should ask the mvno solution provider for clear numbers on latency and throughput. They can look at network data and listen to what customers say to find slow spots. Finding network congestion helps the mvno fix problems before users notice.

Key numbers to ask the mvne or mvno solution provider for are:

• Average latency during busy times

• Maximum throughput for each user

• Places where congestion happens a lot

A table of performance numbers helps MVNOs see how they are doing:

Uptime and Redundancy

Uptime shows how much the core network stays up. High uptime means users can count on their service. MVNOs need the core to work all the time, especially for important features. The mvno solution provider or mvne should use multicarrier and multi-IMSI tools. These keep devices online even if one network stops working. Carrier redundancy lets devices switch to a better signal, which makes the network stronger. Multi-IMSI technology stops one problem from taking down the whole network, so users stay online.

MVNOs should look for these things:

• Using more than one carrier for better coverage

• Letting devices switch between 5G, 4G LTE, and LPWANs

• Finding problems and switching to backup connections automatically

Redundant connections stop outages and keep the core working everywhere.

Support and Incident Response

Fast support and good help with problems keep the core network strong. MVNOs should ask the mvno solution provider or mvne how they handle support. Good support means fewer open tickets and faster fixes. MVNOs can watch support tickets to see how well the provider solves issues. A low number of tickets per user means the core works well and the provider helps quickly.

MVNOs should:

• Check support ticket numbers with the mvne

• Ask how fast they fix big problems

• Look at what customers say about support

A strong core network, good connections, and fast support help the mvno do well. These things keep users happy and protect the business from losing money when the network is down.

Real-World Performance Benchmarks

MVNO leaders must check how the core network works in real life. Real-world benchmarks show why a strong core is important for every mvno. These numbers help teams see if the mvno solution provider gives good connectivity and coverage. They also show if the core can grow and keep users happy.

Benchmarks give proof of how the core network works when many users join at the same time. They show if the mvno can keep calls clear and data fast during busy times. Without these numbers, leaders cannot know if the mvno solution provider will meet their needs.

Tip: Ask the mvno solution provider for reports from live mvno projects. These reports should have details about connectivity, coverage, and uptime.

A table helps compare real-world benchmarks:

MVNOs need to know why these benchmarks are important. High average latency means users wait longer for calls or data. Low throughput can make apps and streaming slow. Bad coverage causes dropped calls and lost customers. If the core network cannot keep uptime high, the mvno loses trust. Fast support response means the mvno can fix problems before users complain.

MVNOs should ask for test results from outside groups. These tests show how the core works in cities and rural places. They also show if the mvno solution provider keeps coverage strong when networks change from 4G to 5G. Leaders should check if the core network keeps connectivity steady during upgrades or outages.

A real-world example shows why benchmarks matter. When one mvno started in a new area, they found coverage gaps. The core network could not keep up with more users. The mvno solution provider fixed this by adding more connections and making the core better. After these changes, connectivity got better and customer complaints went down.

Note: Real-world benchmarks help mvno teams pick the right vendor. They show if the core network gives strong coverage, good connectivity, and fast support.

Scalability and Adaptability

Handling Subscriber Growth

MVNOs need to think about getting bigger from the start. When more people join, the core network must handle it. If the core cannot grow, users may get slow service or lose connections. This can make customers upset and cause the business to lose money. A strong core network helps MVNOs add more users without problems. The right vendor gives tools that help with this growth.

These features show why MVNOs need a core network that grows with them. Control over network elements lets MVNOs change things as they get more users. End-to-end IoT services help MVNOs reach new places. Multi-network partnerships keep service strong, even when more people join.

Support for New Services

MVNOs must add new services to stay ahead of others. The core network is important for this. A flexible core lets MVNOs add features fast and follow trends. The best core networks use cloud-native designs. These make it easy to launch and update services. Open APIs and vendor-agnostic integration help connect with other systems. This means MVNOs can offer new services before others do.

• Cloud-native architectures help launch new services quickly.

• Open APIs and vendor-agnostic integration make connecting easier.

• AI integration helps predict problems and fix them automatically.

• 3GPP-compliant network slicing lets MVNOs make special networks for different needs.

• Real-time analytics give information to make services better.

MVNOs that use these tools can launch products faster. They can also change services for different groups. This helps the business stay strong.

Flexible Deployment Options

MVNOs need choices for setting up their core network. Not every business wants the same thing. Some want to use public cloud spaces. Others like private data centers. Cisco’s Programmable Core solution gives MVNOs these choices. The design works with many cloud platforms. It uses virtualization to fit what each customer needs. This means MVNOs can put the core where it works best.

A flexible core network helps MVNOs change with new technology and market needs. They can move services, add more space, or change locations without starting over.

MVNOs that pick a core network with flexible options can grow faster. They can also save money and find new chances.

Security and Compliance

Data Protection and Privacy

Security and privacy are very important for every mvno’s core network. Customers trust mvnos with private things like call records and payment info. Vendors must keep this data safe to stop leaks and make people feel secure. Security audits help find weak spots and keep systems strong. Backup systems and data copies stop data loss during problems or attacks. Vendors set clear rules for handling data, like how long to keep logs. Internal traffic stays away from the public internet, which lowers risks. Strong encryption keeps private data safe from hackers. PCI compliance protects payment actions. Only the right people can see or use the data because of secure access controls.

MVNOs who focus on data protection and privacy keep risks low and keep customers’ trust.

• Do security audits often.

• Use backups and extra copies of data.

• Make rules for handling and keeping data.

• Keep inside traffic away from the public internet.

• Use strong encryption for all data.

• Make sure payments follow PCI rules.

• Set up secure access so only the right people get in.

Regulatory Compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Laws like GDPR and CCPA have strict rules for personal data. MVNOs must pick vendors who know these laws and follow them well. Vendors use encryption to hide personal data so only people with a key can read it. Access control means only allowed workers can see private info. Audit trails keep track of who looks at or changes data. Data minimization means collecting and keeping less personal data. Pseudonymization hides who people are, which helps with reports and finding threats. Lawful interception lets vendors answer legal requests but keeps tight controls. Safe data storage stops hackers from getting in. Clear rules tell customers how their data is used.

MVNOs who choose vendors with good compliance steps stay out of legal trouble and keep a good name.

Security Certifications

Security certifications show vendors follow high rules for keeping networks and data safe. ISO 27001 is a top certification for core network vendors who work with mvnos. This shows vendors follow strict rules for keeping information safe. Vendors with ISO 27001 have strong ways to handle risks, protect data, and fix problems. MVNOs get more trust when they work with certified vendors because these vendors care about security.

• ISO 27001 makes telecom and network security better.

• Certified vendors use the best ways to handle risks.

• MVNOs feel safer working with certified vendors.

Picking vendors with known security certifications helps mvnos meet industry rules and makes customers feel safe.

Pricing and Transparency

Competitive Pricing Models

MVNOs need to know why pricing is important. The way vendors price their services affects how much money MVNOs make. It also affects how fast they can grow and what services they can offer. Vendors use different ways to set prices for MVNOs. Leaders look at these choices to find what works best for their company. Good pricing helps MVNOs get more customers and do better than others.

The main pricing models are:

MVNOs pick the pricing model that fits their customers and budget. Vendors who give flexible choices let MVNOs change plans when needed. This helps MVNOs try new ideas and start new services fast.

Transparent Cost Structures

Clear pricing helps MVNOs trust their vendors. When costs are easy to see, leaders can plan better. Vendors who show all fees make it simple for MVNOs to manage money. Hidden fees can cause problems and slow down growth.

MVNOs want vendors to show every part of the price. This means setup fees, monthly costs, extra charges, and support fees. Leaders ask for sample bills to see how prices change as they grow. Vendors who explain prices help MVNOs avoid surprises and build trust.

Tip: MVNOs should always ask for a full price list before signing a contract. This helps them compare vendors and pick the right one.

Managing Budget and Avoiding Surprises

MVNOs need to watch spending to make money. They must know all costs and plan for more users. Vendors who give tools to track usage and costs help MVNOs avoid big bills. Leaders use smart ways to keep spending under control.

Some common ways are:

MVNOs use these ideas to keep budgets safe and avoid surprises. Vendors who help with tracking and billing make it easier for MVNOs to handle changes. Leaders who care about clear prices and good deals build strong businesses and give more value to customers.

Industry Expertise and Support

Proven MVNO Experience

Industry expertise is very important for mvno success. Vendors with lots of experience know the special problems mvnos face. They can handle hard technical jobs and give good solutions. When vendors have worked in telecom before, they can spot problems early and fix them fast. Vendors who helped mvnos before can teach teams with practice and role-play. This means fewer support tickets and better teamwork. These vendors also give full MVNE services, like network access, core management, and customer help. Because of this, mvnos get high customer scores and grow quickly.

Building a core network is hard work. It uses a lot of resources, takes time, and needs deep telecom skills.

A vendor with many successful mvno projects brings useful knowledge to each job. They know telecom details and can help mvnos with tough steps. Working with good MVNE partners helps mvnos grow fast and keep customers happy. Picking an experienced vendor makes sure the mvno gets the help it needs to do well in a busy market.

• An MVNE partner handles hard network jobs, so mvnos can focus on their brand and customers.

• Important tech tools, like billing and customer support, are needed for mvno work.

• Special help from skilled vendors stops mistakes and keeps the network strong.

Ongoing Support and Partnership

Ongoing support and strong partnerships are key for mvno success. Vendors who give account managers and help all day and night make things run smoothly. These services help mvnos fix problems fast and keep networks working well. Extra services, like fraud checks and usage reports, help mvnos do more and try new things.

Good partnerships last a long time, not just for quick wins. Vendors make deals with network operators to get the network space mvnos need. Talking early with business teams helps everyone understand the market and plan together. Help with setup lets mvnos focus on growing and making customers happy.

• Real-time checks help vendors fix problems fast.

• Partners give steady service and tech help as mvnos grow.

• Working together for a long time builds trust and helps new ideas.

A vendor who gives ongoing support and cares about partnership helps mvnos handle changes in the market. This support lets mvnos give great service and keep customers happy.

A step-by-step plan helps MVNO leaders pick the best vendor. Leaders should look at skills, services, reliability, scalability, security, and pricing. A checklist helps make sure nothing important is missed. Leaders feel sure by asking good questions and checking real-world results. Testing in small areas lets teams see what works, get feedback, and change plans. This way, MVNOs can grow strong and succeed for a long time.

FAQ

Why does MVNO core network vendor selection matter?

Picking the right vendor helps service quality, growth, and new ideas. The vendor’s technology and support affect how happy customers are. It also affects how quickly the business can change. If you pick the wrong vendor, there could be outages. Service might get slow, and the business could lose money.

Why should MVNOs demand real-world performance benchmarks?

Benchmarks show how the network works in real life. They help leaders compare vendors and find weak spots. Good benchmarks stop surprises and make sure the network works for users.

Why is vendor experience with MVNOs important?

Vendors with MVNO experience know the special problems. They can fix issues faster and give good answers. This knowledge lowers risk and helps MVNOs start and grow well.

Why do MVNOs need flexible deployment options?

Flexible deployment lets MVNOs change with the market. They can use public cloud, private data centers, or both. This helps them grow and keeps their money safe.

Why is transparent pricing critical for MVNO projects?

Transparent pricing helps MVNOs plan budgets and spot hidden fees. Clear costs build trust and make it easy to compare vendors. This stops money surprises and helps the business last.

Why must MVNOs focus on security and compliance?

Security and compliance keep customer data safe and follow laws. Strong rules stop leaks and fines. Customers trust MVNOs that protect their information.

Why does ongoing vendor support matter for MVNOs?

Ongoing support means problems get fixed fast and the network stays strong. Vendors who help all the time keep services working well. This support helps MVNOs keep customers happy.