A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) provides telecoms services, but it doesn’t have its own wireless network. It instead partners with mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide services to end users.
Usually, MNOs offer wholesale access to MVNOs on a commercial basis.
In some cases, however, MNOs must provide access to MVNOs on regulated terms, which can be the result of:
- ex ante remedies imposed in a market analysis;
- a condition in a spectrum licence; or
- a competition law commitment.
In 13 countries, MVNOs can use a regulatory basis to demand access to some or all mobile networks (Cullen International)

Cullen International’s benchmark studies these cases in 32 European countries. The study does not consider commercial agreements.
The benchmark also analyses in which countries wholesale mobile access prices are regulated.
For more information and access to the benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Telecoms service.
more news
20 March 26
Authorities in the Americas rely on existing competition law frameworks to address the market power of online platforms
This new benchmark covers how countries in the Americas address the market power of online platforms. It examines recent legislative developments, as well as selected competition law cases in which authorities assessed the conduct or mergers of major digital platforms.
18 March 26
Global trends in 5G and beyond
Our latest Global Trends benchmark covers 5G policies and regulations and their evolution towards 6G across 20 jurisdictions around the world.
16 March 26
Africa tightens oversight of IoT connectivity as roaming and SIM rules diverge
Cullen International’s latest benchmarks assess the regulatory frameworks affecting IoT and M2M services in Africa. The research examines three core areas: whether permanent roaming is permitted, requirements for authorisation and notification, and whether and how SIM cards should be registered.