MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator)
Updated
An MVNO sells mobile service without owning a radio network: it uses the networks of one or more host operators. A full MVNO runs its own core network and issues SIM cards with its own IMSI range, under a network code assigned according to ITU-T E.212; a light MVNO resells its host’s service.
In practice
For IoT, what matters is whether the provider controls the core network and the SIMs. That control is what makes private APNs, access to several networks and delivery into your own cloud possible.
Reference
Related terms
- MCC and MNC (Mobile Country Code, Mobile Network Code)
- IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)
- EPC (Evolved Packet Core)
- Roaming