MVNO in India: Not Truly MVNO Failed in Most Cases

Though MVNO is not legally approved in India, there are several trials of MVNO-like operations. World’s one of the most popular MVNO, UK-based Virgin Mobile tied up with Tata Docomo, the telecom arm of legendary Tata Group. Virgin Mobile was selling CDMA & GSM voice and CDMA data over dongles; concentrates on GSM only now – offers voice & 2G internet.

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Tata Docomo has another tie up with Future Group – Talk24 Mobile (GSM). It is more like a royalty program for Future’s retail customers. We can’t say it’s flop as no confirmed data available.

Aircel has made similar type of agreement with Blyk Mobile, a popular MVNO in UK. Simpossible was another such service over Aircel, promised to offer some free voice, text & data to its customers.

In 2008 there were some companies incl. some foriegn companies wanted to be roll out MVNO based mobile services in India. Orange was rumored to make a deal with RCom.

RCom has been exploring the MVNO based business opportunities. In 2008 RCom want to provide global roaming at a very affordable range by entering into 57 countries via MVNO route. In May 2008 RCom’s subsidiary Reliance Globalcom acquired UK-based MVNO Vanco.

Vodafone Netcruise – powered by MTS EvDO is the only MVNO- type initiative that is limited to data services. The website reads, ‘Vodafone Mobile’ branded services are being offered by MTS through a brand franchise with Mobile Commerce Solutions Limited (MCSL). MCSL will provide MTS with designing, marketing and servicing of ‘Vodafone Mobile’ branded products being powered by MTS.