- Several local network operators have announced plans to roll out MVNOs, with the latest being Telkom.
- It plans to have its first up and running this year, partnering with companies to join its network.
- The purpose of this initiative is to reach and target underserved communities to access the digital economy.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have been around for a few years now, but they look set to be a significant development in the South African telecommunications and connectivity space moving forward. This as several networks have announced plans in this regard, and the latest to do so is Telkom.
In order to bring more MVNOs to its network, Telkom says that it has leveraged its extensive footprint across South Africa to offer the opportunity to provide digital services to underserved communities and regions.
“Telkom believes partnering with MVNOs will enable them to deliver their propositions to selected target markets effectively,” it noted in a press release sent to Hypertext.
” With a best-in-class network, we believe that such partnerships will help create jobs, create a path into the industry for smaller players, and ultimately contribute to the growth of our digital economy. Telkom is committed to ensuring that MVNOs providing services over its network are sustainable,” added Lunga Siyo (pictured above), CEO of Consumer and Small Business at Telkom.
The company was also careful to stress that its MVNO partnerships are in line with spectrum-license requirements set by ICASA, focusing particularly on benefitting historically disadvantaged groups. Here the company says it plans to take a considered approach to support commercially viable MVNO partnerships.
As for when such a partnership will be up and running, Siyo earmarked the first to be ready sometime this year, but did not offer a more definitive timeframe.
“Through the launch of MVNO partnerships, we look forward to unlocking greater competition in the sector and helping emerging MVNOs provide value for their customers,” he concluded.
