According to a recent study by ABI Research, MVNOs are in a second phase of growth because of 3G mobile phone data services. In the past, lower prices or brand identity drove the MVNO trend since CAPEX and running costs for MVNOs are much lower than traditional carriers. But low prices and brand identity are no longer hot-button issues for MVNOs. The new wave of 3G data services is creating a niche market for users looking for 3D real-time gaming, constant sports updates, adult content or any other service that is data intensive. ABI concludes that the US will remain the most successful MVNO market, but by the end of the decade Europe will have more MVNO customers than the US.
For more on ABI's MVNO, 3G study:
- check out this press release