The main mobile network operators (MNOs) in the UK

The United Kingdom has a highly competitive mobile telecommunications market with several major players. The main mobile network operators (MNOs) in the UK include EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. These MNOs own and operate their own network infrastructure, providing coverage across the country. EE, which stands for Everything Everywhere, is the largest mobile network operator in the UK. It was formed from a merger between Orange and T-Mobile and offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services. EE was also the first to launch 5G services in the UK. O2, owned by the multinational telecommunications company Telefónica, is another significant player in the UK mobile market. O2 offers 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services, and it has a strong presence in the country. Vodafone, a global telecommunications provider, operates in the UK with a comprehensive network infrastructure. Vodafone offers 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services and has a wide customer base. Three…

Continue reading

What’s a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)? And what is piggybacking?

A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the United Kingdom, is a company that provides mobile services to customers without owning the physical infrastructure of a mobile network. Instead, MVNOs lease network capacity from established mobile network operators (MNOs) and then offer their services to customers under their own brand. MVNOs typically buy bulk airtime and data from MNOs at wholesale rates and then package and sell these services to their customers at retail prices. They have the flexibility to offer customized plans, pricing, and services, catering to specific target markets or niche segments. MVNOs handle customer support, billing, and marketing, while the underlying network infrastructure is managed by the MNO. Piggybacking: also known as network sharing or wholesale access, is a practice where an MVNO utilizes the network infrastructure of an established MNO. The MVNO essentially piggybacks on the MNO’s network to provide mobile services to its customers. This…

Continue reading