In this blog post we are going to focus on Sponsored Roaming.
We have been talking about the 14 very solid value propositions for MNOs to use Comfone’s IPX Signalling Services.
Building an international roaming footprint takes Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) many years of hard work. This includes negotiating, implementing, operating and maintaining contractual and technical arrangements with hundreds of other Mobile Operators around the world. This is the world of wholesale roaming. Once two MNOs enter into such an arrangement, they become Roaming Partners.
Monetising years of hard work
An international roaming footprint with extensive global coverage and favourable wholesale rates is a valuable and coveted asset.
Start-up Mobile Communications Services Providers, such as MVNOs and Greenfield MNOs need this global wholesale roaming coverage. It allows them to offer retail roaming to their subscribers from day one of launch, but they can’t spend years building it.
However, they can lease it from MNOs who have spent those years building such a coverage – through Sponsored Roaming.
That’s how MNOs can monetise this valuable asset.
Sponsoring and leasing
To do this, MNOs actually act as sponsors by leasing their IMSI ranges to MVNOs, who in turn use these IMSI ranges on their SIM cards to offer international retail roaming services to their subscribers.
To facilitate the interaction between the lessor (sponsoring MNO) and the lessee (MVNO), a number of things are needed.
Apart from an agreement, the Mobile Core Network elements of both parties need to be connected for subscriber and device authentication as well as for the exchange of usage information.
Thus, the integration is multi-layered in nature and allows the MVNO to use the valuable roaming network coverage of the sponsoring MNOs and offer it to the roaming subscribers.
Often the integration is complex, bespoke and time-consuming.
Comfone’s multi-layered integration between the lessor and the lessee
This is where Comfone comes in. We are the perfect facilitator of this integration between the sponsoring MNO and MVNO.
Comfone integrates the two networks via IPX Signalling and Data Clearing Services using standardised procedures, performed by engineers and service experts.
The integration is done very quickly and is fully supported by our 24/7 network support organisation. We help the sponsoring MNOs to generate new revenue streams and give them a faster time-to-market for each of their MVNO partners while at the same time serving the MVNO with the services that they need to offer international roaming.
International roaming for MVNOs and Greenfield MNOs
The MVNOs and Greenfield MNOs are happy because they can concentrate on launching their new business without needing to worry about building a roaming coverage worldwide.
MVNOs and Greenfield MNOs require the wholesale roaming services for an immediate day-one rollout and support of retail roaming. They need full transparency, integration with the sponsoring MNO, operational support, validation of the charges from the sponsoring MNO and a long-term strategic path to building and owning their own roaming footprint one day when they are ready to do this.
Many MVNOs and Greenfield MNOs, who are leasing international roaming coverage, will often look to start building their own international roaming coverage over time. Comfone supports with this gradual transition from Sponsored Roaming to direct roaming and makes it appear seamless.
We do this with our expertise in supporting our customers with their requirements. We know how important a fast time-to-market is and we guarantee this. Full transparency and visibility through our reporting tools are also critical for success.
And Greenfield MNOs will typically be building their own radio network and will therefore be ready for inbound roaming. Here it is very important to have a partner, which can help with securing those very important roaming agreements with MNOs who will be sending subscribers and IoT devices to their home country.
That is why Comfone’s expertise in addressing these requirements is essential for MVNOs and Greenfield MNOs.
We provide the full suite of international wholesale roaming services, including IPX and Data Clearing Services as well of course as the Roaming Hub Service Key2roam and a Roaming Relations Management Service.
Comfone – Experts in international roaming
So, whether you are a Sponsoring MNO, who wants to monetise your roaming assets effectively or whether you are an MVNO or Greenfield MNO, who needs to launch and operate roaming, without all the operational overhead that is normally involved in doing so, do not hesitate to reach out to Comfone.
