Hutchison creates global MVNO platform

Hutchison Whampoa has launched a platform which will allow MVNOs access to its networks in 12 markets across Europe and Asia-Pacific through a new unit called Hue.
The announcement comes after reports earlier this month stated that the Hong Kong group…

Hutchison Whampoa has launched a platform which will allow MVNOs access to its networks in 12 markets across Europe and Asia-Pacific through a new unit called Hue.

The announcement comes after reports earlier this month stated that the Hong Kong group is in talks with Google regarding wholesale access as the US giant is said to be planning a global MVNO with universal pricing.

According to Hutchison, Hue is designed to offer its wholesale customers a simple and efficient means of building an international MVNO. In the past, a prospective virtual operator would have had to negotiate with each of Hutchison’s 12 operating units to gain access to all of its networks, but Hue means they only have to deal with one party.

“By giving its customers the ability to access multiple markets via a single enabler, Hue supports the rapid expansion of international MVNO offerings,” Hutchison said.

Beyond network access, Hue will offer customer relationship management, billing and provisioning, and the potential to interact with third-party providers, such as credit management agencies and logistics partners.

Hue will also negotiate with local operators outside of Hutchison’s network footprint to give its wholesale customers broader coverage.

Hue CEO Jarrod Nink commented: “Today’s mobile wholesale market is fragmented and new entrants to mobile are often challenged with needing to understand market nuances and regulations in different countries.”