Maxroam has launched its own virtual mobile network in the United Kingdom, after reportedly signing an operator agreement with Vodafone UK. As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Maxroam can offer its global customers domestic rates while in the UK.
Maxroam’s current service is based around special global data SIM cards, allowing customers to enjoy standardised and cheaper roaming rates across 230+ countries. Now, customers based in the UK (or visiting the UK) will be able to enjoy domestic data, voice and text message rates, while having the benefits of Maxroam’s competitive roaming rates in other countries.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators have become a lot more common in recent years. In 2007, Tesco Mobile launched as a MVNO on O2 Ireland’s network. Similarly, in 2009, An Post, Ireland’s national postal service, launched a MVNO known as Postfone with Vodafone Ireland.
The Maxroam service is provided by mobile communications company Cubic Telecom who are based in Dublin, Ireland. While the UK is the first country that Maxroam has launched a virtual mobile network, we’re promised that “lots more” are to come.
With the London 2012 Summer Olympics only months away and millions expected to travel to the games from abroad, timing for such a launch could not be better.
More details concerning Maxroam’s announcement will surface in the coming hours as they make their official announcement.