It required me a long time attempting to understand the different sorts of operators and also the variations together. This is a short summary. Don't hesitate to increase the information or correct me where needed

Mobile Network Operator (MNO): The MNO is easily the most generally visible mobile network operator. Examples will be the likes of Vodafone, Verizon, T-Mobile, Orange, Telefonica, etc. These MNO's have the effect of allowing the mobile network. They need to purchase/lease the spectrum in the regulatory body of the nation after which purchase/lease the network equipment in the vendors. They need to then enter into a contract with assorted handset suppliers, do various testing, etc. They have the effect of the daily running from the network and could be blamed should there be problems or maybe the caliber of experience isn't as expected.

The MNO needs to maintain its very own Operation Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS). They have the effect of billing the direct customers and can also result in not directly billing the shoppers of MVNA Service.

Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO): An MVNO depends on the infrastructure and many other activities supplied by the MNO. The MNO may have ample spare capacity that it could be prepared to market in a cheaper cost or perhaps a different rate. They would not do themselves because this may dilute the company. To resolve this they might sell the messages, voice minutes and knowledge in a less expensive cost in wholesale for an MVNO. Types of popular MVNO's include Virgin Mobile, Lyca Mobile, Walmart mobile, Lebara Mobile, etc.

A complete fledged MVNO may have its very own OSS/BSS software and would result in billing its very own customers however a smaller sized MVNO may depend around the MNO to supply usage information because of its customers that it may bill.

Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA): Sometimes, it can make little if any sense to possess many small MVNO's attached to the MNO. Consequently, MNO might wish to only sell the discounted bundles to actually big players. An MVNA can aggregate plenty of small MVNO's and taking advantage of the collective might, have the ability to connect with the operator like a single MVNO. MVNA's will typically not have access to direct subscribers only other smaller sized MVNO's that connect with it. It might typically need to have an own OSS/BSS so that you can provide accurate billing information towards the MVNO's.

Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE): An MNO might wish to delegate all functionality associated with virtual systems for an MVNE. The MVNE may do similar functionality as an MVNA or it might even allow MVNA to connect with the MNO via itself. It might allow MVNO's to connect with MNO's through it as well as in special cases, it might even provide sell services straight to customers. The primary reason behind it being known as an Enabler happens because its enables smaller sized MVNO's to become produced. It may provide services to for example billing, network element provisioning, administration, operations, support of OSS/BSS, etc. to MVNOs. An MVNE typically will not have any relationship with finish-user customers, rather focusing on supplying infrastructure and services to allow MVNO's to provide services and also have a relationship with finish-user brand, customer loyalty and marketing and then leave the rear-finish enablement to MVNE's.