MVN-X, which is led by ex-Virgin Mobile boss Steve Bailey, is interested in buying an Internet Service Provider (ISP) as part of its growth strategy that includes looking for mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) opportunities in other parts of Africa. By Gugu Lourie
The Durban-based firm, led by Bailey and instrumental in the launch of me&you Mobile, iSmart and mrpmobile, is targeting ISPs for acquisitions around the country.
MVN-X, which was founded 18 months ago, aims to form mutual beneficial partnerships with leading retailers and brands diversifying into the mobile space. It acts as a middleman between the mobile phone operators and MVNOs by offering the technology, infrastructure and operating systems.
MVNOs, which piggyback on Cell C’s network to offer mobile data and voice services, remains a niche market for existing and new players.
“We would like to buy an ISP, when a right opportunity presents itself,” Bailey told TechFinancials.co.za
When asked how big the ISP that MVN-X wants to acquire is, Bailey said: “We are actually not looking to acquire customers, but skills and technology. It doesn’t have to be any particular size.”
Asked whether the company will entertain floating the business on the JSE, Bailey said the company is not in need of cash.
“We run a nimble business.”
The African market is also slowly catching up to the growth of MVNOs.
Bailey told TechFinancials that MVN-X was watching the African market and was keen to take opportunities in the MVNO space as they arise.
