In my opinion, the MVNO model has lots of promise… However in the dog-eat-dog world of telecommunications, there are very few barriers to entry to protect innovative MVNO business models from the carriers who provide access to the network.

This has been proven by exit of the MVNO marketplace by organizations like Disney ( …and if there is an organization who understands marketing and intellectual property better than Disney and ESPN, i am not sure it exists… ) and Virgin.

However it is entirely possible that telecom service providers, who’s main strength is voice, have met an opportunity that they do not understand, or at least do not understand enough currently, to capitalize upon and are prepared to allow MVNO to take the initial risks – Mobile Data Services.

With a heavy accent on hardware and content, Mobile Data Service MVNO opportunities are growing.  ABI Research in a recent research report puts the numbers at 1.5 non handset devices ( … think e-Readers like Kindle and GPS mapping devices… ) and 505m customers by 2014.

How long do think that telecom service providers will “allow” MVNOs for data services to take the lead? Or is this a bridge to far for telecom service providers to master?

Post your comments below or email (John.Myers@BlueBuffaloGroup.com) / twitter (JohnLMyers44) me directly.