Launching a new mobile network in a competitive market is a real challenge, but challenges and opportunities are often two sides of the same coin. Entrenched competitors can easily grow a little too comfortable with their perceived lock on customers. That complacency represents a significant opportunity for new Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with the right vision and strategy.
Several recent articles discuss the increasingly crowded and complex reality that Mobile Network Operators exist in and how to pick the best connectivity partner for market penetration.
A new North American MNO recently recognized the opportunities that come with entering a mature sector. They decided that they could disrupt the market with an unparalleled offering for end customers, delivering the fastest speeds, and highest capacity, all at the most affordable prices. The only element missing from their strategy was a connectivity partner that was able to quickly and cost-effectively deploy the end-to-end network they would need to deliver on their marketing messaging.
The Unique Challenges of Entering Established Markets
New entrants in the mobile network industry face several critical challenges that must be addressed to succeed:
- Building End-to-End Infrastructure from Scratch: Constructing a high-performance network without existing infrastructure or connectivity assets requires advanced technology and expertise.
- Overcoming Competitive Pressure: Gaining market share against entrenched service providers demands unique selling points that differentiate the newcomer.
- Ensuring Unmatched Performance: Delivering superior network speed, reliability, and capacity is essential to compelling customers to switch from established providers.
The new MNO aimed to create an agile, innovation-driven communication network that would offer effortless connectivity to its customers. However, achieving this vision required overcoming some significant obstacles.
No Existing Network Infrastructure
Starting from zero, the MNO had no pre-established infrastructure to leverage. This necessitated the deployment of a reliable, low-latency, multigigabit point-to-point microwave (MW) and millimeter-wave (mmWave) solution to transport its 5G OPEN Radio Access Network (RAN) traffic efficiently.
Competitive Environment
Entering a market already served by well-established providers meant that the new MNO needed to offer something extraordinary to capture market share. They’re vision was clear, build the fastest and most advanced network, capable of attracting customers away from legacy operators.
The Strategic Role of Partnerships
To navigate these challenges, the MNO needed to identify a connectivity partner capable of delivering comprehensive hardware, software, and professional services. Ceragon Networks quickly emerged as the ideal collaborator, providing decades of experience in innovative wireless transport solutions.
Ceragon’s End-to-End Solutions
Ceragon's robust suite of services and products was instrumental in the MNO's successful market entry:
- IP-50 Family of 5G-Ready Products: The IP-50FX delivered Disaggregated Open Routing (DOR) coupled with future-friendly flexibility, while the IP-50C and IP-50E radios provided wide channel capabilities and impressive capacity.
- Professional Services: From network design to integration, commissioning, program management, and training, Ceragon’s hands-on approach ensured seamless deployment.
Accelerating Time to Revenue (TTR)
A critical advantage of partnering with Ceragon was the expedited deployment and integration phase. By reducing the number of required radios and enhancing network capacity, Ceragon helped the MNO achieve a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This led to a faster Time to Revenue (TTR), allowing the operator to generate income sooner and reinvest in growth.
Realizing the Vision
With Ceragon’s support, the MNO launched its next-gen wireless network and quickly began capturing market share. The network’s advanced switching and routing solutions facilitated fast, friction-free innovation, reduced costs, and increased flexibility—key factors in outperforming competitors.
Unmatched Network Performance
Combining Ceragon’s IP-50C and IP-50E radios in a multiband configuration resulted in a new network capable of boasting speed and capacity easily eclipsing the competitors offering. The new MNO was able to market itself as ‘the fastest in the Western Hemisphere’. In addition, Ceragon’s wireless connectivity solution enabled the operator to deliver exceptional coverage that had previously been on the other side of the digital divide.
Market Disruption
The rapid deployment and high-capacity connectivity provided by Ceragon significantly disrupted the local market. Customers, attracted by the promise of superior speeds and reliability, quickly adopted the new provider, leading to substantial customer growth.
The Future of Mobile Connectivity
This MNO's journey underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in telecommunications. By leveraging Ceragon’s comprehensive connectivity solutions, new entrants can overcome significant barriers to market entry and establish themselves as formidable competitors.
Future Full of Promise and Possibilities
As the MNO expands into additional markets throughout 2024 and beyond, the possibilities are promising. With a strong foundation and business formula built on Ceragon’s technology and expertise, the operator is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, setting new standards for mobile connectivity in the region.
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