While all eyes are on the 5G plans of the world’s largest mobile network operators, a little-known UK-based player has built up a significant stockpile of valuable 5G-suitable spectrum in a number of key markets globally.
This month saw the 16th annual MVNOs Europe event take place at the Victoria Park Plaza in London.
I was glad to connect with representatives from some of the region’s top virtual operators, network operators, tech vendors, and solution providers.
Here’s what I learned.
The United States boasts one of the largest MVNO markets in the world and has hosted hundreds of disparate virtual operators and sub-brands over the last two decades. As the broader retail telecom market evolves, so does the MVNO sector.
Today we look at the competitive environment and the players shaping the U.S. MVNO industry.
After months of speculation linking Spanish telecom giant Telefonica to a sale of its Central American operations, in January and February 2019 the group agreed to offload all five of its units in the region. Today we look at the deals in question and evaluate how they’ll impact the competitive landscape in Central America.
It’s been a bruising start to the year for the global MVNO market. A number of virtual operators have been squeezed out of the sector or swallowed up by larger rivals.
But after spending a few days with representatives from the world’s top virtual operators, network operators, vendors, and tech developers at the 18th annual MVNOs World Congress in Amsterdam, I left feeling confident about the health of the MVNO industry.
These highlights should explain why.
Mexican telecom giant America Movil (AM) recently struck an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Nextel Brazil from its co-owners, U.S.-based NII Holdings (70 percent) and AI Brazil Holdings (30 percent). They’ll pay $905 million for the business.
When the deal receives regulatory approval, Nextel will likely merge with AM’s existing Claro business. This will make use of Nextel’s substantial spectrum holdings in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Last month Liberty Latin America (LLA)–a new player formed in 2017 following a split-off from Liberty Global–launched a surprise $7.6 billion takeover bid for LatAm-focused Millicom International Cellular (MIC). LLA was clearly looking to create a regional telecom giant with operations spanning South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
After a week of negotiations, the merger talks were abruptly cancelled. MIC’s management was reportedly unconvinced of the merits of the half-cash, half-stock deal.
