Orange has chosen mobile virtual network aggregator (MVNA) Transatel as a partner to sign-up new mobile virtual network operators (MNVO) on behalf of its UK business. Through this deal, says Orange, companies will be able to launch as an MVNO in just six weeks making it quicker, easier and more cost-effective than ever before. This deal is expected to appeal to SMEs, telecom resellers and brands that want to target niche communities with mobile propositions. It will be available for both pre-paid and post-paid segments.
The partner platform means that a host of new MVNOs will be able to benefit from Oranges GSM network, which reaches 99% of the UK population and Oranges 3G network, which currently covers over 93% of the UK population, which Orange notes is more than any other network. With Transatels speed to market, Orange could theoretically introduce up to 20 MVNOs each year. 
Our overarching ambition at Orange is to become the network partner of choice for new and existing MVNOs, says Orange UK Vice President of New Business, Wholesale and Strategy, Marc Overton. By partnering with Transatel, we hope to achieve this aim by broadening the availability, ease and speed with which companies and brands of all sizes and from all sectors can become an MNVO partner of ours and enter the exciting mobile arena.