Launching a new mobile operator in a highly competitive market is no small task, but by focusing on the right things, it is possible to succeed as a challenger if you take the right steps.
“Many people dream of starting a mobile company these days,” says Jostein Engen, CEO of Billity. He is in weekly contact with new entrants who need advice and hands-on help to get started. “There’s a lot to think about, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated to start a mobile operator as people might believe,” Jostein explains.
Below, Jostein shares a few strategies that can help ensure a successful launch:
1. Understand the market and your customers
A thorough market analysis is crucial for success. You need to understand who your potential customers are, what they need, and what challenges they face with their current providers.
Research your competitors and find out what services and benefits they offer. This insight forms the foundation for developing a unique value proposition.
A report from Tefficient, commissioned by the Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance, shows that Norwegian mobile users pay more for mobile services compared to other Nordic countries, while data consumption in Norway is the lowest.
Does this mean you should win the market by competing on price? Or should you focus on delivering services and user experiences that customers are willing to pay more for? This is the kind of research you need to do thoroughly.
2. Offer something truly unique
To stand out, you need to offer something unique. This could be lower prices, better customer service, innovative subscription models, or targeting specific niches such as youth, seniors, or business customers.
Billity can help you with all of this. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re considering starting a mobile operator—we’re happy to share insights and answer any questions.
“To succeed, you need a clear and simple story about why customers should choose you,” says Jostein Engen.
3. Find a partner who ensures a strong technical infrastructure
A reliable service is essential for a mobile operator’s success. “If there’s one thing customers can’t stand, it’s technical failures and network downtime,” Jostein explains. “That’s why it’s important to invest in modern technology and build partnerships with skilled, customer-oriented suppliers.”
It’s also important to have a partner who can help you scale. Smart and flexible solutions that let you handle as much as possible yourself – rather than having to hire IT consultants – directly contribute to better profitability.
4. Be great at marketing
To succeed as a new mobile operator, you must have a solid marketing strategy. Using digital channels is a given when selling services online. The advantage of digital marketing is that you can measure results continuously and adjust budgets up or down depending on what works.
Tell your story and be clear about why customers should choose your mobile company. Be creative!
5. Customer comes first
Once you’ve invested heavily in acquiring customers, you need to keep them. Customer loyalty is one of the most important factors for long-term success. High churn rates are something you must work hard to avoid.
Deliver a customer experience that exceeds expectations by offering efficient support, transparent terms, and easy access to self-service tools via an app or My Page on the website. By listening to customers and adapting your services to their needs, you can build a loyal fan base.
6. Never stop measuring and optimizing
Keep control of your numbers! It’s easy to get excited about weekly sales records while forgetting that customers may be churning out almost as quickly as they arrive.
Make sure you have strong analytics tools and dashboards that give you the insights you need at all times. Understand customer behavior and identify what works – and what doesn’t. This will help you improve your services and strengthen your competitive position.
Key KPIs:
- Number of new customers
- Customer satisfaction
- Churn rate
- Revenue
Take the first step
To succeed in the mobile market, you need strong insights, a solid strategy, reliable technical infrastructure, and a genuine desire to take care of your customers.
Billity can help you with all of this. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re considering starting a mobile operator, we’re happy to share knowledge and answer all your questions.
