‘MVNO in a box’ approach won’t work, says local enabler MVNE
Summary
MVNE warns that a large share of South African MVNOs fail to reach sustainable scale and criticizes the notion that a turnkey ‘MVNO in a box’ approach is sufficient. The enabler says regulatory shifts and MNOs moving to wholesale models lower entry barriers, creating opportunity, but stresses that commercial and operational discipline is the real determinant of success. MVNE and industry consultants highlight common failure modes—weak value propositions, poor ecosystem integration, thin margins and high acquisition costs—and list success factors like a large existing customer base, strong loyalty programs and clear digital propositions. The article argues brands should view connectivity as a strategic extension of their offering, not a stand-alone differentiator, and choose long-term partners rather than quick-launch platforms.