Hutchison launches international MVNO enablement platform

Hong Kong-based telco Hutchison Whampoa, parent company of mobile operator Three, has launched a mobile virtual network operator enablement (MVNE) platform, dubbed “Hue”. According to Hutchison, Hue acts as a single point of entry for MVNOs looking for a global footprint and will have access to Hutchison’s networks across Europe and Asia.

With the international MVNO burgeoning, Hutchison claims the platform will also provide a comprehensive suite of services for MVNOs to operate from, which includes mobile network access, CRM, billing and interfaces for third-party suppliers, such as credit management agencies.

Speaking about the launch of the MVNE platform, the CEO of Hue, Jarrod Nink, sees international 4G roaming and a knowhow of international regulatory nuances as the key for international MVNO success.

“Today’s mobile wholesale market is fragmented and new entrants to mobile are often challenged with needing to understand market nuances and regulations in different countries,” he said. “Hutchison Whampoa’s industry-wide credibility provides our customers with the reassurance that they will be able to connect end users to the latest 4G technology and robust networks.”

The telco is expected to announce its initial MVNO roster in the coming months, upon the completion of partnership agreements.

The international MVNO market is fairly niche, with two primary players operating in the space, LycaMobile and Lebara, both primarily focusing on Europe to Africa or India. Hutchison Whampoa operates in a number countries across Europe (namely the UK, Italy, Ireland and Austria), but also in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia. That said, Hue’s entry into the MVNE business as a single point of access could lead to a rise in MVNO activity bridging the gap between Asia and Europe.