Understanding UK MVNOs And Their Signal Strength
A typical country will have about 3-4 licensed MNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). They operate on their own infrastructure including of radio frequency access, towers, backhaul, and core network. However, these are not the only operators in a typical market. Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs constitute a separate class of operator, further expanding the choice for consumers. MVNOs do not own their own network infrastructure, but use the network infrastructure of another operator. This article will delve into the characteristics and classifications of MVNOs, their signal strength and the statistics relating to their market shares, particularly focusing on the UK MVNO market.
“Deep” vs “Shallow” MVNOs
To deliver a mobile communication service, a myriad of technological elements need to be assembled. These include various network infrastructure components like core network, backhaul, radio access, and Operational Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) such as metering and billing, customer service systems, and so on. We can distinguish different types of MVNOs based on how many elements in the technology stack they control. “Deep” MVNOs focus on purchasing the most basic elements from the MNOs and dedicate substantial cost and effort to develop their own elements in other layers of the technology stack. This approach, though cost-intensive, allows them to offer fundamentally differentiated services in the market.
Conversely, “Shallow” MVNOs, with less financial commitment, opt to purchase the majority of the technology stack from the underlying MNO. This limits their ability to distinguish themselves in the market. Regardless of their “depth”, every MVNO ultimately depends on the quality of the network of the underlying MNO.
“Human” vs “IoT”
While we often perceive communication as an interaction among humans, a significant volume of communication occurs machine-to-machine, i.e., between field sensors and central monitoring platforms. This is frequently referred to as the “Internet of Things” (IoT). The industry has developed specific wireless technologies to cater for IoT communications. These technologies, namely LTE-M and NBIOT, offer wider range, lower battery consumption, and lesser data throughput than standard mobile technologies. In support of these services, companies such as Telit, Onomondo, BICS, Ibasis, and Monogoto offer transactional NBIOT and LTE-M connectivity using the infrastructure of local MNOs.
Unlocking Signal Strength: From Deep to Shallow, Human to IoT
To understand the signal strength offered by an MVNO, one needs to assess the signal provided by the underlying MNO. This factor is paramount, irrespective of whether one is working with a deep or shallow MVNO, or a human or IoT MVNO.
MVNOs by the Numbers: An Insight into Market Shares
According to data from Statista and Ofcom, MVNO market shares, as a percentage of total, vary considerably among different countries. For instance, Germany boasts an 18% share, Italy 15%, Spain 9.8%, France 7.5%, and Poland 4.1%. However, the UK outpaces these countries with a whopping 31% share in the MVNO market, with significant contributions from Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Lebara Mobile, and Lycamobile.
In conclusion, understanding MVNOs, their classifications, signal strength, and market shares is integral to comprehending the nuances of mobile network connectivity. The Teragence Signal Strength Checker can serve as an invaluable tool in this process. It provides real-time and accurate information on signal strengths, offering clarity on the service quality of both MVNOs and MNOs.