“Technology is a powerful tool that can help us achieve great progress for the greater good of humanity.” – Ban Ki-moon
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in addressing social issues and promoting social change. However, engaging stakeholders and maintaining their interest in an organization’s mission is a challenge that many NGOs face. One way that NGOs can increase stakeholder engagement is by launching their own branded mobile services, also known as Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). This article will explore how MVNOs can help NGOs increase stakeholder engagement, the benefits of working with an MVNO enabler, and case studies of NGOs that have successfully launched MVNO and 3 unique tips to attract and retain stakeholder attention.
What is an MVNO?
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a type of mobile service provider that uses the network infrastructure of an existing Mobile Network Operator (MNO). In simpler terms, MVNOs piggyback on the backbone of established MNOs, but bring their own unique flair to the mobile services they offer, much like a musical cover artist puts their own spin on a popular tune. These operators purchase network access from MNOs, but then brand and market their own bespoke mobile services to customers. MVNOs can offer a range of mobile services, including voice, messaging, and data services.
How Can MVNOs Help NGOs Increase Stakeholder Engagement?
Personalized Services
NGOs can launch MVNOs to provide personalized mobile services to their stakeholders. By launching an MVNO, NGOs can customize their mobile services to meet the specific needs of their stakeholders. For example, an NGO that focuses on healthcare can launch an MVNO that provides healthcare-related information services to its stakeholders.
2. Cost-Effective
Launching an MVNO can be cost-effective for NGOs. MVNOs can purchase network access from MNOs at wholesale prices, which enables them to offer mobile services to stakeholders at lower prices than traditional MNOs. This can be particularly beneficial for NGOs that operate on limited budgets.
3. Customizable
MVNOs offer NGOs the flexibility to customize their mobile services to meet the changing needs of their stakeholders. NGOs can add or remove mobile services as needed, and can adjust the pricing of their services to meet the financial capabilities of their stakeholders.
4. Brand Recognition
By launching their own branded mobile services, NGOs can increase their brand recognition and enhance their visibility among their stakeholders. This can help NGOs to differentiate themselves from other organizations and promote their mission and services to a wider audience.
5. Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement
Launching an MVNO can help NGOs to enhance stakeholder engagement by providing a direct and personalized communication channel with their stakeholders. Through their branded mobile services, NGOs can provide real-time updates, news, and information to their stakeholders, which can help to maintain their interest and engagement in the organization’s mission.
How Can MVNO Enablers Help NGOs Launch Their Own Branded Mobile Services?
MVNO enablers like Plintron can provide NGOs with the necessary technical support and infrastructure to launch their own branded mobile services. Here are some of the ways that MVNO enablers can help NGOs launch their own branded mobile services:
Network Access: MVNO enablers provide NGOs with access to the network infrastructure of MNOs. This allows NGOs to launch their own branded mobile services without having to build their own network infrastructure.
Platform and Tools: MVNO enablers provide NGOs with a platform and suite of tools to help them manage their mobile services effectively. These tools can include real-time analytics, reporting, and billing services, which enable NGOs to monitor their services, track usage, and manage costs.
Regulatory Compliance: MVNO enablers are well-versed in the regulatory compliance requirements of the telecommunications industry. They ensure that NGOs comply with all relevant regulations, which reduces the risk of non-compliance.
Training and Support: MVNO enablers provide NGOs with training and support services to help them manage their services effectively. They also offer technical support services to address any issues that may arise.
Case Studies of NGOs That Have Successfully Launched MVNOs – across geographies
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider, partnered with a local NGO to launch a mobile service brand in 2006. It was the first MVNO in Afghanistan and has since become one of the leading mobile service providers in the country. The service offers customized mobile services to NGOs, government organizations, and private sector entities. The MNO’s partnership has enabled the organization to enhance its brand recognition and increase stakeholder engagement in Afghanistan.
2. Kenya
A non-profit organization that works to promote the use of the internet in Africa launched an MVNO 2019. The MVNO service offers low-cost mobile services to the organization’s stakeholders in Kenya, including internet access and voice and messaging services. It has made it possible to increase the NGO’s brand recognition and stakeholder engagement in Kenya, and has also helped the organization to promote the use of the internet in the country.
3. Myanmar
A global NGO that works to support older people partnered with a major MNO to launch an MVNO in Myanmar in 2018. The MVNO offers mobile services to older people in Sagaing region, including health and wellness services, social networking, and emergency services. The partnership with MNO has enabled the NGO to expand its services in Myanmar and increase stakeholder engagement among older people in the country.
4. Bangladesh
MVNO launched by a major NGO in Bangladesh provides information services to rural communities, including healthcare, agriculture, and education. The NGO has reached over 12 million people, and the Foundation has reported a 50% increase in stakeholder engagement since the launch of the MVNO service.
5. Latin America
As part of an initiative by a major MNO, an MVNO service was started that provides free services to NGOs and social enterprises, including voice, data, and messaging services. The MVNO has partnered with over 100 NGOs, and the NGO has reported a 40% increase in stakeholder engagement since the launch of the MVNO.
3 Unique ideas that NGOs can consider to attract & engage stakeholders
Create a loyalty program for stakeholders: NGOs can offer a loyalty program for stakeholders, where they can earn rewards and benefits for their engagement and contributions. For example, stakeholders who sign up for the NGO’s mobile services through its MVNO can earn loyalty points that can be redeemed for discounts on future services or merchandise from the NGO. This can be a unique way to incentivize stakeholders to engage with the NGO and its mission.
- Host virtual events and webinars: NGOs can host virtual events and webinars that are accessible to stakeholders via the NGO’s mobile services. By becoming an MVNO, the NGO can offer discounted or free access to these events to stakeholders who use its mobile services, making it easier for them to participate and engage with the organization’s initiatives. This can be a unique way to build a sense of community among stakeholders and enhance their engagement with the NGO.
- Create a personalized content platform: NGOs can create a personalized content platform that is tailored to the interests and needs of its stakeholders. By becoming an MVNO, the NGO can offer a mobile app or platform that curates content and resources based on stakeholders’ preferences and engagement with the NGO. This can be a unique way to deepen stakeholders’ engagement with the organization and keep them informed and involved in its mission.
Securing Funding by onboarding an established MVNA
As it is already known, that an entity like NGO is run with funds that are sourced through well-meaning philanthropists and channels. NGOs can utilize MVNA (Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator) platform providers to seek and arrange funds for becoming an MVNO. Here are some ways they can do this:
- Collaborate with MVNA providers: NGOs can collaborate with MVNA providers like Plintron who specialize in providing turnkey solutions for MVNOs. These providers have established relationships with investors and can help NGOs secure funding for their MVNO project.
- Leverage MVNA provider networks: MVNA providers have extensive networks of partners and investors who may be interested in supporting social ventures like NGOs. NGOs can leverage these networks to connect with potential investors and secure funding for their MVNO project.
- Use MVNA provider tools: MVNA providers like Plintron offers tools and platforms that can help NGOs manage their MVNO venture and attract investors. NGOs can use these tools to create compelling business plans and financial models that showcase the potential impact of their MVNO project.
- Explore revenue-sharing models: MVNA providers may be willing to partner with NGOs in revenue-sharing models. NGOs can explore these opportunities to generate revenue and fund their MVNO project.
Conclusion
Launching a branded mobile service can be an effective way for NGOs to increase stakeholder engagement and promote their mission and services to a wider audience. MVNOs offer NGOs the flexibility to customize their mobile services, enhance their brand recognition, and provide personalized communication channels with their stakeholders.
Working with an MVNO enabler like Plintron can provide NGOs with the necessary technical support and infrastructure to launch their own branded mobile services. Case studies of NGOs that have successfully launched MVNOs demonstrate the potential benefits of this approach for organizations looking to increase stakeholder engagement.
“The advancement of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life. Technology can and should be used for the greater good.”
– Richard Branson.