A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) provides telecoms services, but it doesn’t have its own wireless network. It instead partners with mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide services to end users.

Usually, MNOs offer wholesale access to MVNOs on a commercial basis.

In some cases, however, MNOs must provide access to MVNOs on regulated terms, which can be the result of:

• ex ante remedies imposed in a market analysis;
• a condition in a spectrum licence; or
• a competition law commitment.

In 13 countries, MVNOs can use a regulatory basis to demand access to some or all mobile networks (Cullen International)

Cullen International’s benchmark studies these cases in 32 European countries. The study does not consider commercial agreements.

The benchmark also analyses in which countries wholesale mobile access prices are regulated.

For more information and access to the benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Telecoms service.