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, is a
telecommunications
Telecommunication, often used in its plural form or abbreviated as telecom, is the transmission of information over a distance using electronic means, typically through cables, radio waves, or other communication technologies. These means of ...
provider of services that sells, delivers and maintains
mobile telephony services to an end user.
Overview
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
A cellular network or mobile network is a telecommunications network where the link to and from end nodes is wireless network, wireless and the network is distributed over land areas called ''cells'', each served by at least one fixed-locatio ...
infrastructure necessary to provide services to subscribers over the licensed
radio spectrum.
In addition the operator would also contain other elements like the
back haul infrastructure and
provisioning computer systems.
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.
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).
List of operators
See also
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Internet service provider
An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that provides a myriad of services related to accessing, using, managing, or participating in the Internet. ISPs can be organized in various forms, such as commercial, community-owned, no ...
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List of telephone operating companies
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Mobile phone operator
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Mobile virtual network operator
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Telephone company
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Open-access network
Notes
References
{{Telecommunications, IMEI=865962037209090
Mobile technology
Mobile phone industry