Understanding mobile network operators: a guide for IoT decision-makers

Mobile network operators (MNOs): the infrastructure owners

 

MNOs own and operate the physical network infrastructure - from radio towers to spectrum licenses. For IoT deployments, this means they have complete control over network quality, coverage, and services. While this level of control is impressive, it also comes with limitations. Most MNOs operate within specific geographic regions, which can create challenges for IoT devices that need to work across borders.

 

MNOs continue to evolve their network infrastructure to support emerging IoT needs, though their offerings are often bound by their specific regional presence and strategic focus.

 

Basic MVNOs: the service resellers

 

Basic Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) resell network services using an MNO's infrastructure. For IoT deployments, basic MVNOs typically offer straightforward connectivity solutions with limited technical control. While they can be cost-effective for simple deployments, they might not provide the flexibility and control needed for complex IoT projects, especially when dealing with global deployments or specific industry requirements.

 

Many basic MVNOs have evolved their offerings to include simplified connectivity management platforms, making them more attractive for certain IoT use cases. However, they typically still operate within the constraints of their host network's capabilities and geographic coverage.

 

Full MVNOs: the flexible middle ground

 

Full MVNOs represent an interesting sweet spot for IoT deployments. While they use MNOs' radio networks, they maintain their own core network infrastructure. This setup offers several advantages for IoT projects:

 

• Greater control over connectivity management

• Ability to switch between different host networks

• More flexibility in crafting IoT-specific solutions

• Better handling of international deployments through multiple network partnerships

 

Today's full MVNOs have significantly enhanced their offerings with multi-IMSI solutions that allow devices to switch operator profiles over-the-air. This means a single physical SIM can contain multiple operator identities, enabling devices to connect to different networks without hardware changes. This has become particularly valuable for IoT deployments that operate across multiple regions or require connectivity redundancy.

 

Full MVNOs are also leading the way in providing access to specialised IoT-focused network technologies including Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) such as NB-IoT and LTE-M. These technologies are specifically designed for IoT applications that require low power consumption, extended coverage, and the ability to connect a massive number of devices. By partnering with multiple MNOs, full MVNOs can offer these specialised network technologies across broader geographic regions, giving IoT deployments requiring minimal data transmission and long battery life the benefit of purpose-built networks with greater international reach.

 

The emergence of eSIM and iSIM technology

 

A major development transforming the IoT connectivity landscape is the adoption of embedded SIM (eSIM) and integrated SIM (iSIM) technologies. Unlike traditional physical SIMs, these technologies are built directly into device hardware, offering several advantages:

 

• Remote provisioning and management of connectivity profiles

• Simplified logistics and manufacturing (no physical SIM handling)

• Enhanced durability for devices in harsh environments

• Ability to switch operators without physical access to devices

• Reduced form factor, allowing for smaller IoT devices

 

Many full MVNOs and forward-thinking MNOs now offer comprehensive eSIM services, allowing IoT deployments to benefit from greater flexibility and future-proofing. This technology is particularly valuable for global deployments or devices with long lifespans that may need to change connectivity providers over time.

 

Private networks and network slicing

 

With the expansion of 5G technology, private networks and network slicing have emerged as important options for enterprise IoT deployments, with full MVNOs playing a crucial role in making these technologies accessible:

 

• Private networks: Dedicated cellular networks deployed on-premise for an organisation's exclusive use, offering enhanced security, reliability, and control. Full MVNOs can simplify deployment across multiple locations by providing consistent management interfaces while leveraging different MNOs' infrastructure in various regions.

• Network slicing: Virtual networks built on shared infrastructure but with dedicated resources and specific performance characteristics. Full MVNOs excel at implementing network slicing solutions by integrating with multiple underlying MNO networks, creating tailored slices that span different physical networks while providing a unified connectivity management experience.

 

These advanced networking approaches, often orchestrated by full MVNOs, are particularly valuable for critical IoT applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors where reliability, security, and specific performance parameters are essential across diverse geographic locations.

 

What this means for your IoT deployment

The choice between these operator types can significantly impact your IoT project's success, with full MVNOs offering distinct advantages for many deployment scenarios:

 

Global coverage and regulatory compliance

For IoT deployments spanning multiple countries—such as smart meters, connected logistics, or global asset tracking—full MVNOs offer superior solutions compared to regional MNOs. Their established international partnerships and ability to switch between networks ensure your devices maintain connectivity across borders.

 

Importantly, full MVNOs are uniquely positioned to address regulatory challenges like permanent roaming restrictions. Many countries now limit how long foreign SIMs can connect to local networks, potentially disrupting long-term IoT deployments. Full MVNOs with multi-IMSI solutions effectively navigate these regulations by enabling devices to adopt local network identities while maintaining centralised management—something basic MVNOs and regional MNOs struggle to provide.

 

Industry-specific requirements and advanced connectivity

Full MVNOs excel in sectors like automotive telematics, healthcare monitoring, and logistics, where devices move across regions and require specialised connectivity. Their ability to provide seamless network switching, LPWAN access across regions, and purpose-built IoT platforms delivers clear advantages over basic MVNOs and regional MNOs.

The deep integration with cloud services has become essential for sophisticated IoT deployments. Full MVNOs typically offer robust direct integrations with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, creating streamlined data pipelines from devices through connectivity layers to analytics and application environments—all managed through unified interfaces.

 

Technical control and specialised management

When implementing industrial IoT applications requiring specific network configurations, private network integration, or specialised security protocols, full MVNOs deliver superior technical control compared to basic MVNOs. Their ability to implement network slicing and provide access to LPWAN technologies across diverse regions makes them ideal partners for complex deployments.

 

The advanced connectivity management platforms offered by full MVNOs provide comprehensive capabilities beyond what most MNOs or basic MVNOs can offer:

 

• Real-time connection monitoring across multiple underlying networks

• Sophisticated automated rules and alerts with cross-network intelligence

• Unified security policy enforcement spanning different physical infrastructures

• Detailed analytics and reporting with multi-network visibility

• Comprehensive API access for seamless integration with enterprise systems

 

Edge computing and network innovation

The shift toward edge computing—processing data closer to where it's generated rather than in centralised cloud locations—is reshaping IoT connectivity requirements. Full MVNOs are pioneering in this space by creating flexible edge computing solutions that work across multiple underlying network infrastructures, offering consistent capabilities regardless of which physical network a device connects to.

 

This unified approach to edge computing is particularly valuable for use cases requiring real-time processing, such as industrial automation, connected vehicles, and smart city applications. Full MVNOs can implement these capabilities more consistently across geographic boundaries than single-network operators, creating seamless experiences even as devices move between different physical networks.

 

Security considerations

Network-level security has become increasingly important for IoT deployments. Modern connectivity providers offer enhanced security features including:

 

• Private APNs and VPNs

• Network-level firewalls and intrusion detection

• Traffic filtering and anomaly detection

• End-to-end encryption options

• SIM-level authentication and security

 

When evaluating providers, it's important to assess these security capabilities alongside traditional factors like coverage and cost.

 

Looking at the bigger picture

When evaluating connectivity options for your IoT deployment, consider factors like:

 

• Geographic scope of your deployment

• Required level of technical control

• Specific industry requirements

• Device management needs

• Security requirements

• Budget constraints

• Data sovereignty requirements

• Integration needs with existing systems

• Expected device lifespan and future connectivity needs

 

The right choice depends on your specific needs. While MNOs offer the most control over network infrastructure, full MVNOs often provide the flexibility and global reach needed for modern IoT deployments, and basic MVNOs can be suitable for simpler, localised projects.

 

Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision that aligns with your IoT project's requirements and goals, whether you're developing smart city solutions, industrial automation systems, or connected vehicle applications.