June 18, 2025
eSIM, SIM, Connectivity, Communications, IoT SIM, MVNO
Imagine this scenario: A global logistics company is rolling out thousands of connected tracking devices to monitor shipments worldwide. They need reliable, always-on mobile connectivity, but every country has different carriers, different roaming rules and different technology sunset schedules.
Their challenges:
- Managing multiple SIM SKUs, contracts and carrier agreements across dozens of markets.
- Dealing with unexpected network outages, the lack of coverage in rural areas.
- The hassle of switching carriers and dealing with technology sunset.
- Complying with local regulations that restrict permanent roaming.
Understanding the MVNO Landscape
What is an MVNO?
From the end user's perspective, MVNOs function as mobile network service providers, similar to MNOs. The difference lies in the ownership of the radio access networks, commonly known as cell towers. MVNOs do not own these towers, but rather are leased access from the MNOs, such as AT&T or Vodafone.
An MVNO operates as a mobile provider with complete autonomy over service design, customer experience, pricing, and distribution channels — all without having to construct or maintain physical cell tower infrastructure. This operational flexibility enables them to establish partnerships with MNOs across the globe, delivering combined network coverage to their customer base.
According to GSMA Intelligence, there are more than 2,000 MVNOs operating globally, and they come in many different forms. These providers may offer connectivity services tailored to various market segments
- Consumer mobile services: flexible data plans for mobile phones and tablets).
- Business and enterprise connectivity: corporate phone plans, security-focused networks.
- IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity: for connecting smart meters, vehicles, industrial sensors and other IoT devices.
Types of IoT MVNOs: From resellers to full control
Not all IoT MVNOs provide the same service level. Some operate as light or thin MVNOs that simply resell carrier plans, others function as service provider or thick MVNOs offering additional capabilities, while full MVNOs maintain complete control over the network experience.
Reseller MVNOs
- What they do: Act as a middleman, selling MNO services under their own brand.
- Limitations: No control over network switching, pricing or service quality.
- Example: A discount carrier offering prepaid SIM cards.
Service Provider MVNOs
- What they do: Offer their own pricing, billing and customer service while relying on an MNO for core network services.
- Limitations: Still dependent on the MNO for key functions like SIM provisioning and network switching.
- Example: A mobile brand offering unique data plans but using an MNO's core network.
Full MVNOs (the best choice for IoT)
- What they do: Own and operate their own core network infrastructure, SIM management and connectivity platform.
- Benefits:
- Full MVNOs offer cost effective, multi-IMSI SIM for global deployment.
- Multi-ISMI SIM with automatic network switching enables uninterrupted connectivity and simplifies installation.
- Compliance with roaming restrictions via Permanent Local Network Profiles (PLNPs).
- Carrier-agnostic, future-proved connectivity—freedom to change operator without replacing SIMs.
- Example: A full IoT MVNO providing connectivity across multiple networks worldwide.
| MVNO Type | Capabilities | Control Level | IoT Suitability |
| Reseller/ Light MVNO |
Rebrands MNO services with minimal infrastructure |
Low: Limited to branding, marketing, basic support | ❌ Not suitable for mission-critical IoT |
| Service Provider/Thick MVNO | Manages billing, pricing, customer experience | Medium: Controls customer-facing elements but relies on MNO's core network |
⚠️Limited IoT capabilities
|
| Full MVNO e.g. Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless) |
Operates own core network, SIM management, and connectivity platform |
High: Complete control of network experience, multi-carrier switching | ✅ Ideal for global IoT deployments |
Now that we’ve explored the different types of MVNOs, it’s important to understand how they fit into the larger mobile ecosystem. Most MVNOs don’t operate in isolation — they rely on other players to provide core services, network access, and operational support.
This is where MNOs, MVNEs and MVNAs come into play. While light and service provider MVNOs depend heavily on these entities to function, a full MVNO has the independence and infrastructure to operate with minimal reliance on third parties. Let’s break down the roles these players serve and see why choosing a full MVNO gives businesses the greatest control, flexibility and reliability.
|
Entity |
What they do |
Relationship to each other |
|
MNO (Mobile Network Operator) |
Owns the network infrastructure, including cell towers, spectrum and network backbone. Provides wholesale access to MVNOs. |
|
|
MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) |
Sells mobile services to customers but does not own physical network infrastructure. Full MVNOs operate independently, while others rely on MVNEs / MVNAs. |
|
|
MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler) |
Provides backend infrastructure for MVNOs, including billing, SIM provisioning and customer management |
|
|
MVNA (Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator) |
Buys network access in bulk from MNOs and resells it to smaller MVNOs |
|
Challenges and opportunities in the MVNO space
Challenge: Carrier dependence
→ Solution: Full MVNOs reduce reliance on any single carrier with multi-network access.
Challenge: Roaming restrictions
→ Solution: PLNPs allow full MVNOs to provide local profiles in countries that ban permanent roaming.
Challenge: Managing multiple SIM deployments
→ Solution: A full MVNO offers a single global SIM that works everywhere.
The biggest opportunity? As 5G, IoT and eSIM adoption grow, full MVNOs are positioned to offer flexible, scalable and future-proof connectivity solutions.
What to look for in an MVNO:
- Global Multi-Network Access – Can it connect to multiple carriers worldwide?
- Multi-IMSI & PLNP Support – Does it switch seamlessly and comply with regulations?
- IoT Optimization – Is it designed for large-scale IoT deployments?
- SIM Management & Security – Does it provide advanced SIM control and encryption?
Not all MVNOs offer these features. But a full MVNO does.
Why a full MVNO is the right choice for IoT connectivity
- Near 100% uptime with a redundant, carrier-grade MVNO core network.
- Seamless global connectivity with automatic network switching.
- Future-proof IoT connectivity with eSIM and GSMA eUICC compliance.
- One SIM, one contract, one platform — eliminating deployment complexity.
- Global Network Operations Center (GNOC) for real-time incident management.
With a full MVNO, you don’t just get connectivity — you get confidence.
Why Semtech is a great MVNO partner for your business?
Semtech is a full IoT MVNO. Semtech’s Smart Connectivity Premium service runs on the multi-IMSI, multi-profile eUICC-enabled SIM, with a proprietary SIM applet patented since 2015, that allows it to maintain a resilient connection through over 600 networks in more than 190 countries and territories. Backed by our GNOC and proactive AI-enabled network monitoring, we offer reliable network services with at least 99.95% availability. We’ve been helping enterprises in the utility, asset and people monitoring and physical security segments to connect their critical applications. We offer cellular LPWA, LTE and 5G technologies, that support the latest eSIM standards from SGP.22, and are offering SGP.32 trials. To simplify global operations, we provide a unified platform to manage SIMs and IoT devices from Semtech and third-party suppliers. With more than 30 years of experience as a full IoT solution provider, our experts can help enterprises deploying IoT devices, industrial sensors or other global monitoring solutions to go to market quickly, eliminate typical connectivity headaches and future-proof your deployment.
Looking for a reliable connectivity partner?
Contact us to learn how Semtech can power your IoT success.
Semtech®, and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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