Georgia to introduce mobile virtual network operators in 2021
An MVNO is an operator that does not have its own radio network, and relies on the radio network of another operator to provide mobile communication services to its users. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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The Communication Commission of Georgia is working to introduce mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in the country in 2021.
An MVNO is an operator that does not have its own radio network, and relies on the radio network of another operator to provide mobile communication services to its users.
At the Internet Governance Forum of Georgia held last week Veronica Bocarova, principal analyst of independent regulatory intelligence provider Cullen International said that while the telecommunications market is mature, investments have already been made, the market is fully saturated and competition is not growing, regulatory commissions should make it mandatory to allow the introduction of mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
Bocarova said that the mobile virtual network operators do not threaten the market, on the contrary, according to her the international practice shows that MVNOs bring new opportunities.
In case of switching to MVNO operator, there is no need to change the network, users remain on the old network again and MVNO operators still retain wholesale revenue, while new players use the resources of existing operators, but they will be able to offer better service terms to customers", Bocarova said.
Bocarova says she studied the Georgian market and can say that 'there are niche markets that might better serve new players'.
Fiber-optic cables of international importance that provided Poti-Tbilisi-Bolnisi-Dmanisi-Armenia with internet were damaged, however the internet supply is now restored and Dmanisi and Marneuli police divisions under Kvemo Kartli Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have already launched an investigation.
Georgian National Communications Commission has responded to claims of local internet and mobile telecommunications operator MagtiCom, which had claimed the entry of mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) in Georgia planned for February 2021 will 'endanger personal data and cyber security'.
Georgia is continuing to develop high-speed internet infrastructure in the country's regional areas, making the internet accessible for the rural population.
Consumption of fixed internet doubled in the last six years and amounted to 914,000 households in the first quarter of 2020 which is 82 per cent of households in Georgia.