Jurisdiction(s):
European Union

EU MVNOs: models, MVNO agreements, regulation and wholesale roaming access under Regulation (EU) 2022/612 and BEREC Guidelines

Published by a LexisNexis EU Law expert

Practice notes

Spectrum, mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators

Spectrum (ie the range of wavelengths or frequencies across which electromagnetic radiation exists and extends) is the foundation of wireless communications, eg both mobile voice and data services and wi-fi services for users. A mobile network operator (MNO) is ordinarily allocated particular spectrum bands in order to operate within the telecoms industry and thereby provide the network that allows customers to send and receive calls and texts and to access the internet. Yet spectrum is a limited resource, and questions can arise regarding its utilisation. Accordingly, spectrum licensing, assignment and management are regulated nationally and also at an EU level in practice today.

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a mobile communications service provider that contracts with an MNO so that the MNO supplies wholesale mobile electronic communications services to the MVNO, which it then resells on. In industry terms this is often called ‘piggybacking’, because MVNOs are typically smaller operators that are not licensed to use spectrum and do not run their own networks; instead, they piggyback on the MNO’s spectrum and are treated as customers of the MNO. The operation of MVNOs in the market is generally seen...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Purvi Parekh

Anakiya Consulting

Purvi heads up her own consultancy Anakiya Consulting, specialising on solutions in the communications sector. Previously Purvi headed up international telecoms teams at leading international law firms Olswang and DLA Piper. She works across telecoms, technology and digital work in mature and emerging markets. She has a strong focus in private and public sector procurement, outsourcing and infrastructure innovation. Her specific digital telecoms and technology experience spans all kind of network and platform, including mobile, fixed line and satellite. She has advised on some of the most innovative projects affecting these industries market today, including network sharing (active and passive, light and deep), MVNOs, M2M, mobile payments, convergence and 4G/LTE. She works on strategic policy issues, advising at a senior level on changes on mobile strategy, infrastructure and regulatory developments, including the European wide change proposed by the digital single market and...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...