What is an MVNO? A Guide for IoT Customers

Quick summary of MVNOs

A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a company that provides mobile connectivity services without owning the physical network infrastructure. Instead, MVNOs lease capacity from traditional Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and resell mobile services under their own brand, often with specialized features, pricing, or support.

MVNOs play a critical role in enabling flexible, scalable, and cost-effective connectivity, particularly in IoT (Internet of Things) deployments, where tailored connectivity is often essential.

What is an MNO?

An MNO (Mobile Network Operator) is a company that owns and operates its own wireless network infrastructure, including radio spectrum licenses, cell towers, and core network equipment, to provide mobile communication services (like voice, SMS, and data) directly to customers.

 MVNO vs. MNO: What’s the Difference?

While MNOs build and operate cellular infrastructure (towers, base stations, spectrum), MVNOs:

• Buy wholesale access to an MNO’s network.

• Operate their own core network elements, such as HLR/HSS, GGSN/PGW, and billing/OSS systems (in the case of a Full MVNO).

• Package and deliver connectivity services to customers, typically with added value such as multi-network SIMs, cloud integration, flexible billing, global reach, and centralized management platforms.

How an MVNO works

While MNOs build and operate cellular infrastructure (towers, base stations, spectrum), MVNOs:

• Buy wholesale access to an MNO’s network.

• Operate their own core network elements, such as HLR/HSS, GGSN/PGW, and billing/OSS systems (in the case of a Full MVNO).

• Package and deliver connectivity services to customers, typically with added value such as multi-network SIMs, cloud integration, flexible billing, global reach, and centralized management platforms.

MVNOs are essential enablers in the IoT ecosystem, bridging the gap between the rigid infrastructure of mobile networks and the dynamic needs of connected devices. For companies deploying IoT at scale, whether in agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, or healthcare, working with an MVNO can mean the difference between a fragmented, costly deployment and a streamlined, global, and secure solution.

Types of MVNOs

• Full MVNO: Owns most of the core network infrastructure and can offer deep customization.

• Light or Thin MVNO: Uses more of the MNO’s infrastructure but focuses on brand, billing, and customer service.

• Aggregator MVNOs: Act as intermediaries offering pre-packaged access to MNOs for smaller providers or specific verticals.

Benefits of working with an MVNO for IoT customers

IoT use cases often have very different needs than traditional consumer mobile services. Here’s how MVNOs can deliver a superior experience:

1. Global connectivity with a single SIM

MVNOs often offer multi-network or roaming SIMs that connect to multiple MNOs in different regions. This avoids the need for negotiating separate contracts with local carriers and simplifies logistics for global IoT deployments.

2. Tailored network behavior

MVNOs can offer customized APNs, QoS, and security policies, enabling tighter control over how data is routed, prioritized, and secured—ideal for critical applications like remote healthcare, asset tracking, or smart metering.

3. Flexible commercial models

Unlike rigid MNO contracts, MVNOs tend to provide usage-based, pooled, or tiered pricing tailored for low-data or bursty IoT traffic, reducing costs and improving ROI.

4. Centralized device management

Leading MVNOs provide management portals for SIM provisioning, diagnostics, usage monitoring, and remote troubleshooting, all of which are crucial for managing thousands or millions of IoT devices.

5. Faster time-to-market

MVNOs specialize in removing barriers to entry. They streamline provisioning, regulatory compliance, and network access, helping you deploy connected products faster and with less friction.

How can Pelion can support your business with MVNO

At Pelion, we operate as a full MVNO purpose-built for IoT. Our mission is to provide effortless, secure, and scalable cellular IoT connectivity that meets the evolving demands of IoT projects, whether your deployment is local or global. Ready to get started?

Discover how Pelion helped transform Sensize's global supply chain

Sensize partnered with Pelion to overcome global connectivity challenges, gaining access to 600+ networks, simplified SIM management, and real-time visibility. Pelion’s IoT platform enabled Sensize to scale efficiently, improve reliability, and deliver smarter, data-driven supply chain insights.

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