Mobile network operators expressed their support for the government’s decision to bring in mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) at the open house discussion organised by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 16 June.

MVNOs or sub-operators will not own any radio frequency, although they can offer mobile services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated radio frequencies to mobile network operators (MNOs) such as Airtel. The MVNOs will offer voice and data services to their customers through a subscription arrangement with the MNOs.

The open house also discussed why it was important to bring in MNVOs. Other topics included a regulatory model for MVNOs, eligibility criteria for MVNOs, and the basis on which spectrum should be shared by MVNOs and MNOs for their business.

TRAI's final proposal to the DoT will include the stakeholders’ views. TRAI chairman Nripendra Misra said that the introduction of MVNOs would offer a wider choice and help make the most of the existing extra bandwidth with operators.

Madhav J Joshi, corporate head of the legal and regulatory division of Tata Teleservices, said that the decision would also benefit latecomers and those with lower tele-density. X