AN IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR MOBILE VIRTUAL NETWORK OPERATORS (MVNOs)

Abstract

Wireless technology is evolving fast towards Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) to a real wireless world and space roaming featuring 5G networks and beyond. Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is one sector that is cutting a niche into this new technology. Africa and the developing world has relatively low MVNO market share despite a vibrant mobile industry compared to Europe, North America and Asia Pacific countries. Like Africa, Kenya has a low MVNO market share in a vibrant mobile industry. The MVNO sector in Kenya is not performing. The goal of the study is to assess the status of the MVNO sector in Kenya with the aim of proposing a MVNO conceptual model and implementation conceptual framework for evaluating MVNO performance. The study used both survey and case study strategies to collect qualitative and quantitative data from Kenya MNO industry, MVNO sector, government agencies and the general public in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and its environs. Covariance based analysis (CB-SEM) specifically SPSS- AMOS aided by descriptive and inferential statistical tools was used to model, analyze and evaluate the SEM-CFA data set. MVNO conceptual model and MVNO implementation conceptual framework were validated using CFA-SEM methods and Regression Analysis. The study found that, General Public Sourced Barrier Factors, MNO Sourced Barrier Factors, MVNO Sourced Liming Factors, Government Agencies Sourced Limiting Factors, Stakeholders Value Chain Factors and Development Value Chain Factors influenced MVNO performance. The findings from the study, contributes to the performance of MVNOs by improving MVNO’s market share, differentiated services, niche markets and exploration of underserved and untapped markets. It further contributes to the body of knowledge by establishing the factors that influence the performance of MVNO in Kenya and developing countries in Africa in general.