Every year, a handful of new mobile operators are launched in Norway. To succeed, there are several key factors you need to evaluate before getting started. In this blog post, we outline the most important ones.
At first glance, it might seem like you can start a mobile operator with “empty hands” — but can you really?
“What many people don’t realize is that it takes time to build momentum,” says Jostein Engen at Billity . “In other words, you need financing to get through the initial startup phase.”
“Beyond that, you need a black belt in sales and marketing,” Jostein adds. “And just as important, you’ll need strong partners who can help you grow.”
Jostein Engen, CEO of Billity
To succeed in the highly competitive telecommunications market, you need a solid strategy and a clear understanding of the main factors that will determine whether you win or disappear.
Here are 8 essential factors to consider before starting a mobile operator:
1. Identify your target audience
Many successful mobile operators stand out by focusing on a specific niche. This could be seniors, families with children, businesses, price-sensitive users, and more. Conduct thorough research and understand your audience’s needs so you can tailor your services and pricing to deliver unique value to your customers.
2. Business model and pricing strategy
There are several business models for mobile operators, including full-scale operators with their own network, MVNOs (leasing network access), and hybrid models (such as Ice). Each model comes with its own pros and cons. Your pricing strategy should balance competitive pricing with profitability while covering costs related to network access and operations.
3. Choose the right network partner
As a new operator, you can either build your own infrastructure (which requires massive investments) or operate as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), leasing access from an existing Mobile Network Operator (MNO) such as Telenor or Telia. It’s crucial to choose a reliable partner that offers strong coverage, competitive rates, and flexibility in contract terms. The outcome of your MNO negotiations can directly impact your margins and service quality.
4. Regulatory requirements
The telecom industry is highly regulated under Norway’s Electronic Communications Act (Ekom-loven), and it’s vital to understand and comply with all relevant laws and regulations in your market. These may include licensing requirements, data protection rules, and consumer protection standards. Having a legal advisor or compliance consultant who can guide you through this process helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
5. Technological platform and systems
To deliver a seamless experience to your customers, you’ll need a robust technological infrastructure. This includes SIM management, billing systems, customer support platforms, websites, mobile apps, and integrations with third-party services. Your platform should be scalable and ready to handle future growth.
6. Marketing and brand building
To attract customers, your company needs a well-thought-out marketing strategy. Digital campaigns, partnerships, influencer collaborations, and traditional advertising can all help build brand awareness and convert leads into loyal customers.
7. Customer service and user experience
In a highly competitive market, customer service is a key differentiator. A great customer experience leads to stronger loyalty and lower churn rates.
8. Financial planning and sustainable growth
Launching a mobile operator requires significant investment — especially in technology, marketing, and network costs. A clear financial plan and realistic growth forecasts will help you maintain sustainable growth and attract investors when needed.
Thinking about starting a mobile operator? Contact us – we´ll help you get started!
