ARCEPs MVNO page defines Mobile Virtual Network Operators and publishes an indicative, non-exhaustive directory of major MVNOswhile also setting boundaries around which arrangements qualify for the list.
The regulator frames MVNOs as operators in their own right: no own radio network, but responsibility for the mobile communications service delivered to customers.
MVNO fundamentals: hosting MNOs, wholesale communications, full operator responsibility
ARCEP describes MVNOs as operators that do not have their own radio network and instead provide mobile communications services to subscribers by relying on one or more mobile network operators, buying wholesale communications.
Even without their own radio network, ARCEP says MVNOs are full-fledged operators that control the design and launch of their commercial offers and remain fully responsible for providing mobile communications services to their customers.
Brand license agreements and who stays responsible for services
ARCEP also distinguishes brand license agreements signed between a mobile operator and a third-party company. Under these agreements, the operator can market an offer or range of offers using the partner companys brand, and may add specific services linked to the partners activity (including access to enriched content such as music and banking services).
In the same framework, ARCEP states that the network operator remains responsible for the provision of mobile communications services to clients.
What the MVNO list includesand what it excludes
ARCEP says the MVNO directory can change as commercial strategies and host agreements with network operators evolve. It publishes an indicative, non-exhaustive list limited to MVNOs that have a direct host contract with one or more mobile network operator(s).
ARCEPs page further notes that MVNOs relying on MVNE partners are not listed in this directory. ARCEP also says that MVNOs owned by more than 50% by a mobile network operator are counted with network operators in the market indicators it publishes.
Directory examples: MVNO hosts across Bouygues Telecom, Orange, and SFR
The directory lists MVNO brands with their hosting operator(s) and customer type. Examples include Airmob, hosted by Bouygues Telecom, Orange, and SFR for enterprises; Akeo, hosted by Bouygues Telecom and Orange for private consumers; and Alphalink, hosted by Orange and SFR for enterprises.
For enterprise and M2M use cases, ARCEPs list includes MVNOs such as Coriolis Telecom (Altice), hosted by SFR with customer types including private consumers, enterprises, and MtoM, as well as Cubic, hosted by Orange for MtoM. For IoT connectivity solutions-labeled entries, Regle Mobile (Afone Mobile – Altice) is listed as hosted by SFR, with customer types including private consumers, IoT, and MtoM.
MVNEs: the enablers behind MVNO activity
ARCEP defines MVNE as Mobile Virtual Network Enabler: companies that provide MVNOs with the services or equipment needed for mobile operator activity. MVNEs are often also aggregators (MVNAs).
ARCEP describes the aggregator role as buying wholesale services (voice, SMS, and data) from one or more network operator(s) and reselling them to virtual operators, without requiring virtual operators to sign contracts directly with a network operator.
In ARCEPs MVNE section, it lists entities such as Airmob Infra Full and Alphalink as MVNEs hosted by Orange and SFR, and IP Directions and Legos as MVNEs hosted by Orange. Transatel is listed as an MVNE hosted by Orange.