MVNO – what is it and how does it differ from traditional mobile telephony? How do virtual operators work in Poland? These are relatively new and unknown waters you can sail into with Mobile Vikings. Before you decide, let's bust some myths together about how MVNO GSM operates in our country.
Myth 1: MVNOs operate on unproven, small telecommunication infrastructure
MVNO, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator, is an alternative to standard GSM operators, also known as MNOs (Mobile Network Operators). Virtual operators in Poland are not a new phenomenon, but over the years, many myths have arisen around them.
Virtual operators use infrastructure owned by large telecommunications companies. Based on negotiations and a subsequent agreement, a long-term cooperation is established, with terms agreed upon by both parties. By using the transmission towers of GSM operators, MVNO operators offer their customers their coverage. Customers of virtual operators are in this case treated the same as those using the services of the MNO providing its infrastructure. For example, Vikings can enjoy the same coverage as users of the Play network. This is guaranteed by the agreement between the companies. Play is our network operator. The maximum transfer speed is 300 Mbps (download) and 20 Mbps (upload).
See also: Perfekt Match Pay As You Go Offer
Myth 2: MVNOs operate on different legal grounds than MNOs
The Telecommunications Law covers all operators, including virtual ones. This means that MVNOs and MNOs have the same obligations, and their operations are governed by the same rules. Both types of operators have been treated equally from the very beginning – to start operating as an MVNO, you need to do exactly the same as an MNO, which is to submit an application to the Office of Electronic Communications. The next step is to sign an agreement with an existing telecommunications service provider who will provide their infrastructure. The terms of such a contract are not treated leniently by the law – each of them is subject to appropriate restrictions and rules.
Myth 3: Virtual operators are unstable in the market
Virtual operators have been present on the Polish telecommunications market for many years. The first MVNO in our country appeared in 2008 and is still operating today. The number of operators sharing infrastructure is constantly growing, and the number of customers is increasing. Currently, 21 virtual operators operate in the Polish market, including Mobile Vikings. Competitive offers make virtual mobile operators MVNOs considered strong players with a significant chance of taking over a large part of the market.
Myth 4: The operating costs of MVNOs are higher than MNOs, resulting in high prices
Virtual operators in Poland do not own their transmission towers, and consequently, they do not incur the costs of building them. This is one of the biggest expenses that GSM operators have to cover. Thanks to the network sharing agreement, MVNO operators are significantly relieved of financial burdens, which translates into the prices of their services. Moreover, virtual operators do not have to invest in points of sale. They usually have a few offices where a team of employees oversees all operations and comprehensive customer service. Due to their virtual nature, MVNO operators can boast the best and most financially advantageous offers on the market.
Myth 5: MVNOs have a limited offer because they are small
MVNO operators may be smaller than MNOs, but this does not mean they have a narrower or worse offer. As we wrote earlier, their maintenance costs are much lower than those of GSM operators. This is precisely why MVNOs can offer a very good deal. Often, as in our case, the main focus of their business is a prepaid card, which does not require signing a contract and paying a monthly fee. Most MVNO operators do not offer monthly plans at all, and therefore, they can offer very favorable prepaid packages. What's the connection? Large GSM operators find it more profitable to tie a customer to a seemingly good contract plan rather than offer them a truly cost-effective prepaid package. Seemingly good, because after some time, the terms the user agreed to are no longer as great as they were at the beginning. However, the customer has to see the contract through – after all, they signed it themselves. We know from our own experience that with virtual mobile operators, you can get really good terms for little money, with no hidden catches.
Myth 6: Contact with virtual operators is difficult
Points of sale of telecommunications giants are always crowded. To get to a consultant, you usually have to spend a lot of time waiting in line. How many times have you lost half a day waiting for your turn? It's often better to just call or send an email, but with large operators, even that is a problem. Waiting idly on the hotline, having to select multiple numbers to be transferred to the right department… Sound familiar? The customer service offered by MVNO telephony is infinitely better – service centers here focus on telephone and online communication, which have been perfected. An additional, very popular communication tool recently is also Facebook, where your question is answered instantly – regardless of whether you ask it in a private message or in a comment under a post. Virtual operators place great importance on contact with customers, which is their undeniable value. Our helpdesk is a cohesive team that can handle even the biggest problem. Our response to emails takes an average of 21 minutes, and solving problems takes 3.5 minutes, which is the average length of a phone call. You can ask us questions without leaving home. We are here for you!
It doesn't take many arguments to debunk the myths that have taken hold of the topic of differences between MVNO and MNO operators. Both groups have their pros and cons, but it cannot be said that one is better or worse than the other.
Large telecommunications companies can boast free access to various music or movie services included with their monthly plans, but not everyone wants to use ready-made, imposed solutions. Perhaps it's better to simply choose for yourself – a cheaper offer without a contract, prepared by an MVNO operator, and separately, services tailored to your needs? The telecommunications market is so diverse that everyone will find an offer suitable for them. After all, the satisfaction of the customer is the foundation of any business.
