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Hutchison Whampoa launches Hue wholesaling for mobile virtual network operators

Hutchison Whampoa launches mobile wholesaling business Hue to help mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) expand internationally

Alex Scroxton
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Published: 17 Apr 2015 12:30

Hutchison Whampoa has launched a business called Hue to help mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) expand internationally.

Hutchison Whampoa – the Hong Kong-based communications conglomerate behind UK mobile network Three – describes Hue as an “operator-led end-to-end mobile wholesale enabling business”.

Hutchison Whampoa said Hue will exploit its networks across Europe and Asia to help MVNOs create international coverage quickly and easily.

Besides basic access to networks in the UK and Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, Italy and Sweden, the Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) platform will offer customer relationship management (CRM), billing and provisioning, and could collaborate with third-party providers such as credit management agencies and logistics partners.

For MVNOs wishing to establish a footprint in markets outside of Hutchison Whampoa’s purview, Hue will negotiate on their behalf with local operators and partners.

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Route to market for MVNO entrants

Hutchison Whampoa claimed the venture would offer a simple and efficient means of building an MVNO.

“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,” said Jarrod Nink, CEO of Hue.

“Hutchison Whampoa’s industry-wide credibility provides our customers with the reassurance that they will be able to connect users to the latest 4G technology and robust networks.”

Consumer customers of Hutchison Whampoa’s Three network can already use their mobile devices abroad in a number of countries, including France, Germany, Spain and the US, under the terms of a service known as Feel At Home.

The service could give MVNOs – whose customers often include transient and migrant worker populations – the opportunity to offer customers options for keeping in touch with friends and relatives in their own countries.

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