However, consider that the entrance of the MVNOs to the new network will allow users to have much more accessible offers and packages compared to those being developed by the big operators.
“Without a doubt, these operators can become more attractive (for 5G) because they handle more affordable rates; for instance, Bait from Walmart for 329 pesos it offers you 120 gigabyteswhile if you compare this package with some other mobile operator it can cost you up to more than 1,000 pesos”, he points out.
Although MVNOs can be placed as an option for users and thereby increase their subscriber base, these companies will have the challenge find a way for the new network profitable for your operation.
“Talking with operators like Bait, most agree that the (current) business model is not profitable; that is to say, they are offering you too much for a very low price, which means that they are not being profitable, ”says the analyst.
The Selectra price comparator ensures that the connectivity services of MVNOs are up to 30% cheaper regarding the rates of Telmex, Megacable or Totalplay, because these companies do not invest in spectrum and infrastructure and only lease these services.
Jesús Romo, director of the Telconomia consultancy, says that one option is for these operators to add services not only for users, but now for companies, since the real business of 5G will be in the projects of the industries.
“One of the areas where it could mature is that there were specialized brands or MVNOs focused on providing Internet of Things for some city council, government agency or in agribusiness, also providing services of edge computing“, He says.
As of the first quarter of this year, MVNOs had 7.5 million lines, which means that they hold 5.6% of the total mobile market share, according to data from The Ciu consulting firm.
They depend on Altán Redes
Currently, most of the MVNOs that operate in the country are housed in the infrastructure of Altan Networkswhile eight of these operators are with Movistar, two with AT&T and 12 with Telcel.
For the analysts consulted, the entry of MVNOs to 5G will depend on Altán’s plans for this technologysince the company, having the band of 700MHz, suitable for new technology, can travel more easily. In addition, the company can enter spectrum auctions to add more operators to its operation to give greater efficiency to its network.
“The pressure is going to be on the Red Compartida, because the MVNOs already have several years in which they know that in this market there is no need to be subject to any agreement. In fact, there are already fewer MVNOs that have exclusivity agreements, and as soon as they see greater maturity of 5G, they will obviously try to integrate and not fall behind technologically, “concludes Romo.