New MVNA launches; student MVNO is first customer

London-based x-Mobility have just announced the launch of their new Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA) service, and at the same time tipped everyone off about a new student Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

So here’s the deal. x-Mobility have an agreement with 3, all the backend (BSS/OSS) systems, a customer care service, plus SIM and handset fulfilment. In theory you don’t have to do anything – apart from give them some cash and a copy of your brands logo. 120 days later and voila – have your very own MVNO. No months of negotiations with the mobile operator over radio access contracts, and no large outlay on equipment.

That’s what Uni-Tel Mobile did, and they’re now about to launch a new UK student-targetted service. Details on exactly what their offer is – when it’ll be available, etc – is a little sketchy, but their Operations Director, Mike Hall, is quoted as saying ‘We think that we have a very compelling offering to the student market and we’re extremely excited about the possibilities.’

Anyway, back to x-Mobility. The company claims they’re working with a number of brands to launch some more MVNO’s soon. But is there room in the market? Many MVNO’s have come, failed and gone. Differentiation against the traditional operators is the key – it’s not just a case of slapping on your brands logo and hoping for the best; a fact that was a little lost on Marks & Spencer a while back.

I’m currently arranging some time with both Uni-Tel and x-Mobility for a chat – if you’ve got any questions you want putting to them please drop a comment on this post.