Nowadays, Mobile network operator has become a topic of great relevance and interest in today's society. Since its emergence, Mobile network operator has sparked debates, controversies and reflections in different areas and sectors. Its impact is not only limited to the social aspect, but has also generated repercussions on a political, economic and cultural level. In this article, we will explore the various facets and dimensions of Mobile network operator, analyzing its evolution over time and its influence on our current reality. By delving into its different aspects, we will try to comprehensively understand its significance and the role it plays in modern society.
A mobile network operator (MNO), also known as a mobile network provider, mobile network carrier, mobile , wireless service provider, wireless carrier, wireless operator, wireless telco, or cellular company,[a] is a telecommunications provider of services that sells, delivers and maintains mobile telephony services to an end user.
A key defining characteristic of a mobile network operator is that it must own or control access to a radio spectrum license from a regulatory or government entity, and also that it must own or control the elements of the cellular network infrastructure necessary to provide services to subscribers over the licensed radio spectrum.[1][2] In addition the operator would also contain other elements like the back haul infrastructure and provisioning computer systems.[3]
A mobile network operator typically also has the necessary provisioning, billing, and customer care computer systems, and the marketing, customer care, and engineering organizations needed to sell, deliver, and bill for services. However, a mobile network operator can outsource any of these systems or functions and still be considered a mobile network operator.[3][4]
In addition to obtaining revenue by offering retail services under its own brand, a mobile network operator may also sell access to network services at wholesale rates to mobile virtual network operators (MVNO).[2]