Mobile Virtual Network Operators 虚拟运营商

Mobile Virtual Network Operators 虚拟运营商

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are companies that buy wholesale telecom services such as wireless call time and data service from telecom operators and then resell them to customers after rebranding. MVNOs do not own wireless networks or facilities, so they offer the services by renting network facilities from traditional telecom companies. A successful MVNO usually attracts users with a strong brand and distribution network. MVNOs first appeared in Europe in late 1990s. The first commercially successful firm was Virgin Mobile UK, which was launched in 1999 in Britain. In China, the idea was proposed in 2004 by experts in hopes of introducing more competition in a market dominated by the Big Three telecom operators. However, it was not until late 2013 that the regulator approved the launch of a pilot program. Nineteen private companies, including e-commerce companies JD.com and Alibaba Group and mobile phone retailer D.Phone have been licensed as MVNOs.

2013年，中国内地正式对移动虚拟网络运营商开闸，这意味着移动通讯市场将向进一步多元化和细分化发展。所谓虚拟运营商，是指不拥有电信基础网络的公司通过租用传统电信运营商的网络并将从运营商处批发来的移动通信服务重新包装成自有品牌并销售给最终用户。虚拟运营商模式最早出现于20世纪90年代的欧洲，源于全球电信监管的反垄断浪潮。英国的维京公司是世界上最成功的虚拟运营商之一。一个成功的虚拟运营商需要具备强大的品牌形象和分销网络，这样才能吸引用户购买其服务，从而完成对移动网络运营商的销售承诺。目前工信部已经批准了19家虚拟运营商，包括拥有电商背景的京东和阿里巴巴的万网， 也包括掌控手机销售渠道的迪信通，天音等。许多人期待这将带动国内电信行业向民营资本开放，注入新的竞争力量。但实际效果尚有待时间验证。（财新 韩薇）

MVNOs in the News

As of January 29, 19 companies have received MVNO licenses from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to participate in a pilot program for telecom resale business.

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