Iran’s Communications Regulatory Authority has granted 24 permits for offering Mobile Virtual Network Operating services.
The CRA issued a call for registration last winter, following which the applications of 51 firms were processed and they had to submit the required documents by the Aug. 21 deadline.
These firms will have to sign agreements with one of the three major mobile phone operators in Iran, namely Mobile Telecommunications Company of Iran, Irancell or RighTel, Mehr News Agency reported on September 9.
The CRA has predicted that the list of approved firms will be finalized by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2017) and the firms will begin selling SIM cards shortly after.
Reportedly, one of the 24 firms has already signed a contract with one of the three mobile operators.
However, the deal was not confirmed by CRA and the company has accordingly been given a second opportunity to amend its contract, though no reason was given for its re-appeal process.
A provider of MVNO extends wireless communications services, but does not own the wireless network infrastructure involved.
The virtual operator usually enters into a business agreement with a mobile network operator to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail prices independently.
The industry has grown considerably in other regional markets with even banks offering their own telephone networks.
