What is GSM ?

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is an open,

digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice
and data services. GSM differs from first generation wireless
systems in that it uses digital technology and time division
multiple access transmission methods. GSM is a circuit-
switched system that divides each 200kHz channel into eight
25kHz time-slots. GSM operates in the 900MHz and 1.8GHz
bands in Europe and the 1.9GHz and 850MHz bands in the
US. The 850MHz band is also used for GSM and 3GSM in
Australia, Canada and many South American countries. GSM
supports data transfer speeds of up to 9.6 kbit/s, allowing
the transmission of basic data services such as SMS (Short
Message Service). Another major benefit is its international
roaming capability, allowing users to access the same
services when travelling abroad as at home. This gives
consumers seamless and same number connectivity in more
than 210 countries. GSM satellite roaming has also extended
service access to areas where terrestrial coverage is not
available.

GSM-Global System for Mobile Communication

CDMA-Code Division Multiple Access
GPRS-General Packet Radio Services

First Network -Invented by US defense named as ‘arpa (Advanced

Research Projects association)'Network

SS7 is a means by which elements of the telephone network exchange

information. Information is conveyed in the form of messages. SS7
messages can convey information such as:

"I’m forwarding to you a call placed from 212-555-1234 to 718-555-5678.

Look for it on trunk 067. Someone just dialed 800-555-1212. Where do I
route the call? The called subscriber for the call on trunk 11 is busy. Release
the call and play a busy tone. The route to XXX is congested. Please don’t
send any messages to XXX unless they are of priority 2 or higher. I’m taking
trunk 143 out of service for maintenance."

SS7 provides a universal structure for telephony network signaling,

messaging, interfacing, and network maintenance. It deals with
establishment of a call, exchanging user information, call routing, different
billing structures, and supports Intelligent network (IN) services.

MVNO:A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a mobile

operator that does not own its own spectrum and usually does not
have its own network infrastructure. Instead, MVNO's have business
arrangements with traditional mobile operators to buy minutes of use
(MOU) for sale to their own customers

SCP: Service Control Points (SCP)

MSC: Mobile Switching Centers (MSC)

MVNE: Whereas a MVNO is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, an

MVNE is a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler. A MVNE does not have a
relationship with end-user customers. Instead, a MVNE provides
infrastructure and services to enable MVNO’s to offer services and
have a relationship with end-user customers.

What MVNE’s do

An MVNE offers infrastructure and related services ranging from

network element provisioning, administration and operations to
OSS/BSS support. MVNE’s often provide the “middle-ground”
between MVNO’s that do not want to have any control over network
elements and those that want complete control.

Some MVNO’s want to completely rely on the underlying wireless

network infrastructure of the host mobile network operator whereas
other MVNO’s want to own and/or control their own network
elements. MVNE’s provide the middle-ground in the sense that they
can provide options to MVNO’s for what they bring in-house versus
what they rely on the host carrier. For example, a MVNE can provide
HLR, SMSC, MMSC, as well as more advanced network elements
such as GGSN, OSS/BSS, and other systems.

Benefits of the MVNE

The benefit that the MVNE can provide to the MVNO is deferral of
capital expenditures and/or cost reductions while allowing the MVNO
to focus on the customer relationships rather than operations. At the
same time, the MVNO is afforded the opportunity to customize its
offerings arguably further than an MVNO that is totally reliant on the
host mobile network operator.

Everything considered equal, the host operator is satisfied to sell

unused capacity, but is not interested helping the MVNO
differentiates itself, which could cannibalize host carrier customers.

With a MVNE, a MVNO could literally use the host mobile network for
only radio and switching infrastructure, outsourcing everything else to
the MVNE.