Historically, the telecom sector has been resilient in the face of economic unrest. But with new levels of financial uncertainty making the rounds, I tip my hat (literally) to key market players that are embracing innovation and the drive to digitization. This episode focuses on the next phase of the MVNO industry and how to best dial-in to new opportunities!

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A Throwback to What Happened

Service providers played a crucial role in keeping everyone connected through trying times. The GCC region’s MVNO space witnessed a revival in the recent months with more than 5 new licenses being offered by telecom regulators in 2 key markets complementing the relatively limited MVNO offering in the market.

Two decades ago, Virgin Mobile was launched in the United Kingdom as the first true MVNO in the world. Over this period, the industry has reached a respectable level of maturity, with around 1,300 MVNOs serving approximately 250 million subscribers in more than 70 markets worldwide.

MY Guests

Junaid Muhammad - Advisor, Product Marketing, Meditari
Jonathan Fiske - Advisor, Competition & Regulatory, Meditari
Yasser Alobaidan - CEO, JAWRAA

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MVNOs in the GCC

With Oman leading the MVNO subscriber share at 15% through Renna, Red Bull mobile and Friendi (later merged with Virgin Mobile), the brand landscape, however, is not the same across the region. Saudi Arabia hosts an 11% share in the GCC after launching Lebara and global network provider Virgin Mobile in 2014. Interestingly, to compete with Virgin Mobile, UAE’s Etisalat launched Swyp, a youth-oriented brand.

What's Next?

As evident through the brand transformations and maturity over the past years, disruption is key. It’s time to raise the bar for existing value propositions and match the growing customer expectations for newer, seamless digital experiences. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT.

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MVNOs: Accelerating the Future of Telecom