Simon Sherrington of Information Observatory has published an article discussing the various ways that MVNOs can differentiate and compete, and the role that billing and charging systems play in allowing them to do that.

He argues that one of the most important questions you should ask is concerning "what your billing, charging and customer care system is going to be able to deliver, and whether you want to invest in your own, or use the services of a mobile virtual enabler (MVNE)."

Simon continues: "The choice of billing, charging and customer care system will be a critical determinant of competitiveness for a new MVNO. The market for mobile services is tough, and changing fast. Service providers need to innovate and create new tariffs, and tariff structures, and sell new types of services, at a rapid pace."

He then presents a model for answering these questions along 7 dimensions. 

Read the full article here.