Guide to regulation on resale of mobile voice services by MVNOs from UK MNOs

Produced in partnership with Purvi Parekh of Anakiya Consulting

Practice notes

Guide to regulation on resale of mobile voice services by MVNOs from UK MNOs

Produced in partnership with Purvi Parekh of Anakiya Consulting

Practice notes

Spectrum, mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators

Spectrum (ie the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends) is the basis for wireless communications, eg mobile voice and data services and wi-fi services. A mobile network operator (MNO) is normally allocated certain bands of spectrum in order to operate within the telecoms industry and thereby provide the network that enables customers to send and receive calls and texts and access the internet. However, spectrum is a finite resource and there can be issues with respect to its use. Therefore, spectrum licensing, assignment and management is regulated nationally and also at a EU level—see Practice Note: Radio spectrum regulation.

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a mobile communications service provider that contracts with an MNO in order for the MNO to provide wholesale mobile electronic communications services to the MVNO, which it then resells. This is often described in the industry as ‘piggybacking’, in that the MVNOs will normally be smaller operators who are not licensed to use spectrum

Purvi Parekh

Anakiya Consulting

Purvi heads up her own consultancy Anakiya Consulting, specialising on solutions in the communications sector. Previously Purvi headed up international telecoms teams at leading international law firms Olswang and DLA Piper. She works across telecoms, technology and digital work in mature and emerging markets. She has a strong focus in private and public sector procurement, outsourcing and infrastructure innovation.

Her specific digital telecoms and technology experience spans all kind of network and platform, including mobile, fixed line and satellite. She has advised on some of the most innovative projects affecting these industries market today, including network sharing (active and passive, light and deep), MVNOs, M2M, mobile payments, convergence and 4G/LTE. She works on strategic policy issues, advising at a senior level on changes on mobile strategy, infrastructure and regulatory developments, including the European wide change proposed by the digital single market and Brexit.

Purvi also specialises in outsourcing and procurement work across all industry sectors, ranging from marketing and telecoms and technology, to financial services and insurance. She has extensive experience in both private sector and public sector where she works with customers and suppliers.

Purvi is recognised for her industry expertise by all of the leading independent legal directories including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 and "The Who’s Who of Telecoms Regulatory Lawyers". Purvi has been recognised as a SuperLawyer 2014 and 2015.

Jurisdiction(s):

European Union

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