It's Getting Easier To Launch An Mvno In South Africa

Huge NXTGN - pronounced "next gen" - has built a platform it calls a digital VNE, based in part on parent Huge Group's acquisition of key assets of now-defunct MVNO Virgin Mobile South Africa, to make it simpler for businesses to launch these virtual networks.

An MVNO is a business that offers telecommunications services usually mobile to its clients by piggybacking on the infrastructure of a mobile network operator. In South Africa, the two main players in this space are Cell C, the market leader, and MTN. Vodacom and Telkom are also in the process of building platforms to support MVNOs but are late to the party.

Now Huge NXTGN has built a platform that it says will make it much easier to onboard new MVNOs, a move it thinks will lead to many more players entering the space. Already Huge NXTGN is working with Pick n Pay to build a new platform for its MVNO offering.

Harmsen said Huge NXTGN provides prospective MVNOs with a 'seamless entry into the space without significant spend, allowing them to test the waters" using a turnkey approach.

The company is network agnostic, meaning it will work with any of the mobile network operators that open their networks to MVNOs. Its primary engagement for now, though, is with MTN South Africa.