Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Reseller to Full MVNO

To become a full mvno from a reseller, a business must run its own network and manage how customers are treated. Full MVNOs get full control over how they give services. They also own their customer connections and can make their brand special. Reports show full MVNOs have more freedom and can grow faster.

Picking the best core network partner, like IPLOOK, helps businesses grow strong. This guide helps resellers, telecom startups, and leaders who want to build value for the future by changing their network.

Key Takeaways

• Moving to a full MVNO lets businesses have more control. They can manage services and customer relationships better.
• Full MVNOs can change fast when the market changes. This helps them grow quickly and offer special things.
• Picking the best core network partner, like IPLOOK, is very important. It helps build a strong base for your business.
• Knowing how reseller and full MVNO models are different helps businesses choose wisely.
• Following rules is needed to stay legal and keep customer data safe.
• Good billing systems and customer tools are needed for smooth work. They also help keep customers happy.
• Strong marketing and onboarding plans bring in new customers. These plans also make their experience better.
• Checking performance often and listening to customers helps make services better. It also helps your business stay ahead.

Reseller vs. Full MVNO

Key Differences

Knowing how reseller and full MVNO models are different helps businesses pick what works best for them. The biggest differences are in who controls the network, who manages services, and how money is made. The table below shows these differences:

Full MVNOs run and control more parts of mobile services. They can change things easily and make special offers. Reseller MVNOs use their own brand but do not own the radio spectrum or the main network. They mostly work on branding, selling, and getting their plans to customers.

The next table shows how the ways they earn money are not the same:

Why Transition

Many companies switch from reseller to full MVNO to make more money and have more power. Full MVNOs can set their own prices, make special bundles, and take care of customers by themselves. This freedom helps them react fast when the market or customers change.

Note: Full MVNOs keep more of the money they make because they own the main network and do most things on their own. This means they can earn more and be stronger in the market.

Companies that want to stay in the mobile business for a long time often pick the full MVNO model. They can build their brand, offer new things, and be different from others.

Market Opportunities

The MVNO market is getting bigger all over the world. Studies say the global MVNO market will grow from USD 88.06 billion in 2024 to USD 137.31 billion by 2030. It will grow at a rate of 7.7% each year from 2025 to 2030. The USA market will also grow as more people want cheaper mobile services and as 5G networks get bigger.

• MVNOs will offer more types of data services to meet what people want.
• Enterprise and IoT/M2M areas will help create new chances.
• Businesses can find special markets and help customers with unique needs.

Full MVNOs can use these trends to do well. They can start new products, get more customers, and change fast when technology changes.

How to Become a Full MVNO

Moving from a reseller to a full MVNO takes many steps. Companies need to make a good plan for this change. They must pay close attention to business, rules, and technology. Each step helps the company get more control over its mobile services.

Define Your MVNO Model

First, companies pick the MVNO model that matches their goals. This choice decides how much they own and control network parts. The table below lists common MVNO models and what they do:

A full MVNO model gives the most ownership. The company runs its own core network, billing, and customer care. This model lets the business become a full mvno and be different from others. Owning network parts helps the company make special plans and react fast to what customers want.

Tip: Companies should check their resources and long-term plans before picking a model. Full MVNOs need more money but give more control and freedom.

Regulatory Steps

Following the rules is very important for any company that wants to become a full mvno. The process has some main actions:

• Sign up with the national telecom authority.
• Follow rules for keeping customer data safe.
• Learn about permanent roaming limits.
• Store SIM cards the way local laws say.
• Finish basic checks to meet legal rules.

A strong BSS/OSS stack helps with these needs. Billing, SIM management, and usage alerts keep things running well and legal. Companies must keep up with rule changes to protect their ownership and avoid trouble.

Note: Rules are different in each country. Companies should ask local experts to make sure they follow all rules.

MNO Agreement

Getting an agreement with a Mobile Network Operator is a big step to become a full mvno. This agreement says how the company can use the radio network and what the rules are. Most agreements have these parts:

The agreement should help the company become a full mvno and own its network work. Companies must make deals that let them run their own core network, billing, and SIM cards. Owning these parts gives freedom and helps them make new things.

Sequential Steps to Become a Full MVNO:

1. Make a roaming deal with an MNO for radio network use.
2. Build a core network that does not cost too much.
3. Set up a billing system for customer accounts and payments.
4. Get SIM cards to give service.

Each step gives the company more control and ownership. Companies that do these steps can become a full mvno and grow stronger in the future.

Companies should read each deal closely. Owning network parts helps give better service and make more money.

Core Network Deployment with IPLOOK 5GC

To become a full MVNO, you need a strong and flexible core network. IPLOOK’s 5GC helps operators build a modern network for 3G, 4G, and 5G. The platform uses cloud technology, so it is easy to grow and works well with other systems. This part explains the main steps to set up a full MVNO core network using IPLOOK 5GC.

Infrastructure Planning

Operators should plan their network setup before starting. They need to think about money, rules, and if the market is ready. The table below shows the most important things to consider:

A full MVNO often needs a lot of money to start. Knowing the rules is also very important for a good launch. Operators should check if people want their service and make deals with MNOs to get good network access.

Tip: Talk to rule makers and MNOs early. This can help you finish faster and avoid problems.

Integration & Interoperability

The MVNO core must work well with the host MNO network. IPLOOK 5GC has open parts that make this easier. Still, operators may face some problems:

• Bad billing systems can cause mistakes and make customers unhappy.
• If the systems do not work together, bills can be wrong and service can stop.
• Old systems may not fit, so testing takes longer and setup is harder.

IPLOOK’s 5GC uses standard rules and lets you set it up in different ways. Operators can connect IPLOOK 5GC to their current OSS/BSS systems. This helps data move smoothly and keeps service working well. The system is built in parts, so you can upgrade or add more later.

Security & Compliance

Keeping the network safe and following the rules is very important. Full MVNOs must protect customer data and follow the law. The table below lists the main areas to follow:

IPLOOK 5GC has strong safety tools and helps you follow all the rules. Operators can use built-in features to keep data safe and check users. This makes sure the network is legal and safe from the start.

Note: Check your network often and update it to stay safe and follow new rules.

By doing these steps and using IPLOOK’s 5GC, operators can build a network that is ready for the future and follows all the rules.

Billing, OSS/BSS, and Customer Management

Billing System Setup

A full MVNO needs a strong billing system. This system helps manage payments and services. The right billing platform lets operators handle many plans. It also helps them track how much people use. Operators should look for important features in their billing system.

• Usage based billing makes charges clear and correct.
• Subscription management helps with many types of plans.
• Customer self-service portals let users check their accounts.
• Integration with other systems makes work smooth.
• Real-time tools give instant balance checks and credit control.
• Flexibility and scalability help support new pricing as the business grows.
• Cloud-native design lowers setup costs and makes scaling easy.
• API-driven integration connects with other tools well.
• Support for new tech like IoT and eSIM is important.
• Advanced analytics and reports help with business choices.
• Strong security and compliance keep data safe and follow rules.

Operators should pick a billing system that fits their business size and goals. A good billing setup makes payments simple and clear for customers.

CRM Integration

Customer Relationship Management tools help operators keep customer data. These tools also track how they talk to customers. When CRM connects with billing and OSS/BSS, operators see all customer info in one place. This makes it easier to fix problems and offer new services.

Operators should link their CRM to their billing system. This step helps teams answer questions faster. It also keeps records up to date. A good CRM helps with marketing and sales by showing what customers want.

Tip: Operators should choose a CRM that works with their core network and supports automation. This saves time and cuts down on mistakes.

Customer Support Tools

Customer support tools help build trust and loyalty. Operators should use tools that collect feedback and track how happy customers are. These tools also help solve problems fast. The table below lists important features for customer support:

Operators who use these tools can make customers happier. They can also fix problems before they get big. Automation and real-time analytics help teams work faster and smarter. Feedback from many places shows what customers like and what to improve.

Note: Training support teams often helps them use these tools well and keep customers happy.

SIM Management and Distribution

A full MVNO needs to handle SIM cards well to give good service. This means buying SIM cards, turning them on, and giving them out in smart ways. Each part helps the company save money, make customers happy, and grow their name.

SIM Procurement

Operators should use smart steps when getting SIM cards. These steps make sure the cards are good and follow the rules:

• Know the MVNO architecture model. Picking Light MVNO or Full MVNO changes what you need to buy.
• Make plans for SIM activation, number moving, and checking things right away. These tools help keep track of SIM cards and give service.
• Use IMEI and IMSI blocking. These tools let operators stop some phones or accounts if needed.
• Pick billing systems that can change. These systems work with many business types and let you charge right away.
• Connect problem reporting and customer help with MNO systems. This makes it easy to fix problems and see how well things work.

Tip: Operators should choose trusted sellers who give safe and changeable SIM cards. This helps with new updates and using eSIM later.

Activation & Provisioning

Turning on SIM cards and setting them up should be easy for customers. Operators can do these things to make it simple:

1. Learn what the SM-DP+ platform does. This system keeps eSIM profiles safe and manages them.
2. Try out remote ways to turn on SIM cards before starting. Testing early makes sure it works for everyone.
3. Give different subscription choices. The system should let you change plans fast to fit what people want.
4. Use machines to turn on SIM cards and let customers do it themselves. This cuts mistakes and gives customers more power.

Doing these things means less work for people and happier customers. Using machines and self-service also saves money on support.

Distribution Strategies

Good MVNOs use many ways to get SIM cards to people. The table below shows ways top brands do this:

Operators should pick ways that fit their customers. For example, selling in stores is good for big brands. eSIM is best for online-first customers. Local events and working with others help reach special groups.

Note: Check how well your ways of giving out SIM cards work. Change your plans when customers or the market change.

Operational Readiness & Launch

Testing & QA

Operators need to check every part of their MVNO service before launch. They use different tests to find problems early and keep things running well. Teams run automatic tests to look for mistakes after updates. End-to-end testing makes sure all parts work together. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) uses real people to see if the service fits business needs. Smoke and sanity testing help teams find big problems fast. Load testing checks how the system works when lots of people use it. Regression testing makes sure new changes do not break old features. Compliance checks make sure the network follows the law and keeps data safe.

Tip: Operators should give enough time and people for testing. Good testing helps stop service problems and makes customers trust the company.

Staff Training

A skilled team helps make the MVNO launch go well. Operators spend time on training to help staff work better. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training teaches staff how to make things run smoother. Operational Excellence for Leaders helps managers follow company goals. Kaisen Practitioner Certification teaches ways to keep getting better. Total Productive Maintenance Certification helps teams take care of systems. Business Process Management Certification shows how to manage and improve business steps. Continuous Improvement: Tools and Techniques gives tools for always getting better. Leadership Alignment for Operational Excellence helps leaders work together for success.

Note: Operators should train staff before starting. Well-trained teams fix problems fast and help customers better.

Marketing & Onboarding

Operators make strong ads to get new customers. They use social media, email, and work with local businesses to share their services. Flexible prices and special deals help people join. Technology partners help keep the service working well. Operators follow rules to build trust. Onboarding should be easy and quick. Teams help new customers start and set up their service. Clear steps and support help users begin without trouble.

• Start a marketing campaign to reach new customers.
• Use social media and email to share news.
• Give flexible prices and special offers.
• Work with local businesses to reach more people.
• Use technology partners for good service.
• Follow rules at every step.
• Make onboarding easy with clear steps.

Operators who use good marketing and easy onboarding get happier customers and grow faster.

Post-Launch Optimization

Performance Monitoring

After a full MVNO launches, operators need to watch KPIs. These numbers show how well the service works. Checking KPIs helps teams find problems early. It also helps them make smart choices. Operators should look at how customers and agents do their jobs. They should also check if costs are low. The table below lists important KPIs to track:

Operators should make reports and dashboards often. These tools help teams see changes and act fast. Watching KPIs helps make service better and saves money.

Tip: Teams should check KPIs every week to find problems before they hurt customers.

Customer Feedback

Getting feedback from customers shows what is good and what needs work. Feedback helps connect the business with its users. Operators should use many ways to get feedback:

• Use surveys, social media, and chat to ask for feedback.
• Ask for feedback after someone buys or gets help.
• Make questions easy and clear, with yes/no and open ones.
• Give small prizes to get more people to share ideas.

Listening to customers helps operators know what people want and feel. Looking at feedback helps turn ideas into actions that make things better. Good feedback builds trust and keeps customers coming back.

Note: Customer feedback helps operators find new ideas and fix problems fast.

Service Expansion

When the MVNO works well, operators can try to grow. Service expansion means adding new things or reaching new people. Operators should fix common problems. The table below shows some issues and ways to solve them:

Operators can make billing plans that change, add better network tools, or give better help. These changes bring new users and keep old ones happy. Teams should test new ideas with small groups first.

Operators who grow their services can stay ahead and do well for a long time.

Moving to a full mvno takes good planning and smart teamwork. Companies need to keep coming up with new ideas. Operators who stay flexible and focus on their brand do well. They also need to keep up with new technology. The table below lists key things learned from others:

IPLOOK’s 5GC and MVNO Solution help companies start and grow fast. Experts at RDC and Gamma help new companies at every step. Operators should check if they are ready and ask for help before starting.

Operators who start now can grow as the telecom world changes.

FAQ

What is the first step to becoming a full MVNO?

A company should choose its MVNO model and set business goals. This helps decide who owns the network and who controls services. It also helps plan for rules and laws.

How long does the transition from reseller to full MVNO usually take?

The time it takes is different for each company. Most companies need a few months or up to a year. Planning, getting approval, and setting up technology all change how long it takes.

Does a full MVNO need its own core network?

Yes. A full MVNO must build and run its own core network. This network takes care of billing, customer data, and giving services.

What are the main regulatory requirements for full MVNOs?

Full MVNOs must sign up with telecom authorities and follow data protection laws. They also need to meet local telecom rules. Every country has its own rules.

Can a full MVNO support both physical SIM and eSIM?

Yes. Full MVNOs can give out physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles. This helps them reach more customers and makes digital onboarding easier.

How does IPLOOK help with the MVNO transition?

IPLOOK gives a strong 5GC core network and MVNO Solution. These tools help with connecting systems, following rules, and quick setup for new full MVNOs.

What support does IPLOOK offer after launch?

IPLOOK gives ongoing technical help, watches the network, and sends updates. Their team helps operators fix problems and make services better.

Is it possible to upgrade from a light MVNO to a full MVNO later?

Yes. Many operators start as light MVNOs and move up to full MVNOs. This way, they can invest slowly and learn before taking full control.