MVNO Directory

MVNO Directory (www.mvnodirectory.com)
Ireland
Ireland currently has five licensed MNOs; Vodafone, O2, 3, Meteor and Smart (yet to be launched).
Eircom are among many hopeful MVNOs who are unable to find a 3G MNO who will allow them to utilise
their network.
The Irish telecommunications regulator, ComReg, has ruled that there is insufficient competition in the
market. Vodafone and O2 hold a 90% market share. However, ComReg has failed to force the opening of
the market to MVNOs, even though it has issued MVNO status to several organisations and provided
these MVNOs with ‘089’ mobile numbers for the use of their prospective customers. It is worth noting that
Ireland’s population is just over 4,000,000 and is a market already shared by 4/5 MNOs. This is a
significant factor preventing the regulator from forcing MNOs to open their networks to MVNOs, unless
collusive practices can be proven to be hindering competition in the Irish market.
Italy
Fastweb are currently negotiating with Italian MNOs to facilitate a mobile operation. However, Italian
MNOs are not permitted to host MVNOs until 2011; this is part of their 3G license agreements and has
been closely monitored by the Italian authorities.
Italy is one of the most heavily penetrated mobile markets in Europe, with reported penetration levels
exceeding 100%. If Italy is to stay in line with EU policies it may find itself having to reconsider its current
decision of not allowing MVNOs before 2011.
Japan
MVNOs are not active in Japan, this follows suit with the rest of Asia. Jupiter Telecommunications
(J:COM) are the only MVNO we have found to be operating in Japan. Their mobile offering is part of a
quad-play service, therefore a value-add to the mobile market. The market is yet to see a full MVNO
operation which adds a real competitive edge to the market.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country located in the heart of the EU, with a population of less than 500,000
citizens. Our research found one GSM MVNO operation; VOX Mobile, who are also a UMTS MNO.
Additionally there are two other GSM MNOs, P&T Luxembourg and Tango. VOX Mobile is also
responsible for the Kiss brand. With such a small overall market, MVNO activity is unlikely to become a
major activity in Luxembourg, unless ARPU levels can be significantly increased to make niche customer
segments attractive propositions.
© 2006 Blycroft LTD 7