The MVNO model
Any possible technology solutions to enabling secure mobile communications will benefit from the operational flexibility of the community’s drive toward establishing a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) model to piggyback on commercial networks while providing dedicated management to the end users. Accenture Mobility Operated Services, for example, facilitates the launch of MVNO services through its enabling platform without incurring the high initial costs of IT and infrastructure setup, and without the burden, risk and complexity of managing possible multiple connections to third parties.
MVNO players span a spectrum from basic to advanced providers. Basic providers typically offer pure voice and standard content, up through rich content, focusing primarily on the product and access to services. As they move up to more advanced capabilities, MVNOs drive new services and broader geographic coverage through differentiated partnering agreements.
An MVNO platform is the first step toward establishing a secure virtual network. To manage a secure network, players need an infrastructure, which an MVNO can provide. Billing and correct routing is all packaged within the MVNO service. The service includes standards-based protocols and interoperability, and helps lower cost and strengthen security.
Providing enhanced security capabilities in the MVNO service would provide added assurance of mitigating cyber threats and monitoring for malicious activity. This includes the integration of mobile device management capabilities to verify the compliance health of each mobile device against the organization’s mobility policy and security guidelines (specifically, DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides) while in use and before allowing the device to connect to the enterprise network.
As the US national security community stands up and operates its MVNO for secure mobile communications, it should combine efforts with a provider who has the experience to help the community:
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Balance functionality, cost and timing to support the rapid growth in community needs.
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Minimize total cost of ownership by driving efficiencies through preferred pricing, integrated reporting and open standards-based solutions.
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Leverage the experience setting up other MVNOs knowing the details of your particular needs.
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Enable the MVNO to drive higher levels of customer satisfaction through a reusable core business architecture.
Beyond government
A reliable secure mobile voice network can expand beyond government usage. Organizations within the private sector such as energy companies, financial services companies, medical and pharmaceutical companies—any industry that deals with sensitive data—rely on discreet networks to carry out their business.
Accenture understands the challenges associated with the secure voice market, and we are able to clearly identify the need for a different way of thinking in its design, functionality, usability, cost and scalability. Through our experience and knowledge, we will be able to leverage existing approved technology to provide a timely and effective solution that give users the iPhone-like experience. We can provide a cost-effective solution to our clients that increases service value while obviating the need to repurchase equipment for each new generation of a government-hardened secure voice product.