Abstract
As competition in the prepaid wireless arena continues to build, the rise of
mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) presents an opportunity to play a
significant role in the mobile services market without becoming actual mobile
network operators (MNO). Over the last few years, MVNOs have made a popular
impact in the industry with some key players such as Virgin Mobile, Amp' d
Mobile, Helio and TRACFONE among others. In its early days, the MVNO industry
comprised of companies with strong brand presences in other industry
verticals. However, over the last couple of years this has changed
dramatically. In North America, MVNOs have now been formed by autonomous
entities, global telecom companies, ISPs and wireless carriers as well.