The MVNO model, global footprint and outlook
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Mobile network operators (MNO) host over a thousand cellular service providers worldwide as of May 2012, according to GSMA Intelligence, comprising 812 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and 224 MNO sub-brands.
Our research shows that MVNOs are most prevalent in mature markets where market penetration has surpassed 100%. Europe is home to two-thirds of global MVNOs, followed by Asia-Pacific (125 MVNOs) and North America (90 MVNOs). By contrast, regulatory measures have held back the growth of MVNOs in markets such as the Middle East and Latin America.
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