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This paper extends previous research examining wholesale market shares of mobile network operators (MNOs). This study demonstrates that wholesale market concentration has decreased over time because of the increase of competition of MNOs for hosting mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). However, differences in wholesale market shares between MNOs have not disappeared. We propose that those operators that are late entrants in a market and belong to an international group with a proactive attitude towards hosting virtual operators positively influences wholesale market shares of MNOs. The empirical analysis is based on a panel data from 2000 to 2010 corresponding to MNOs and virtual operators in five European countries with high development of the virtual mobile industry. By closely examining KPN we show how being an international mobile group specialising in the wholesale market across Europe has enabled it to exploit complementarities that exist between traditional and virtual businesses.

While mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) increase competition in the mobile telecommunications industry, granting market access to MVNOs may have unwanted consequences. In particular, infrastructure investment by incumbent mobile network operators (MNOs) may be smaller. This paper examines the effects of MVNO entry and access regulation on the investment behavior of MNOs. It uses firm-level data for 58 MNOs in 21 OECD countries during 2000-2008. The results suggest that mandated provision of access is related to lower investment intensity of MNOs, while voluntary access provision has no effect. Although reduced investment incentives do not necessarily correspond to under-investment, this underscores the need for those countries where MVNOs are provided access to address the issue of investment incentives.

In this paper, various equilibria are analyzed according to the leader-follower relationship between vertically integrated incumbents when downstream entries are present. This analysis broadens our understanding of the incentives involved in deciding the wholesale price, which can be applied to explain the different situations of diffusion of mobile virtual network operators in the telecommunications market. Several implications are derived to facilitate effective policy formulation and management.

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer mobile telecoms services by purchasing capacity from mobile network operators (MNOs) and competing with the latter at the retail level. This paper employs a two stage model and analyses to what extent MVNOs may exert a competitive constraint on MNOs. In the first stage MNOs determine both their wholesale and retail capacities. In the second stage MNOs and MVNOs compete in the retail market. It is found that MNOs host MVNOs if and only if the latter do not exert a competitive constraint on MNOs' retail businesses. Thus, absent access regulation, MVNO entry may happen but is unlikely to reduce consumer prices. The results do not depend upon the scarcity of capacity.

Examines the emergence of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in to mobile communications business which has steadily been growing and it will almost certainly grow also in the future. Endow with definition explicate the idiosyncratic features of MVNO. Along with the regulatory background of MVNOs, gives both for and against views on regulatory intervention. Furthermore, enlightens the regulatory environments at EU, European and Asian level regarding MVNOs. As a case study analysis UK MVNO business environment. Concludes with suggesting future prospects and critical success factors for MVNOs.