A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) provides customers with wireless communications services obtained from a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE). The MVNE acts as a wholesaler, and the MVNO sets its own retail rates, under its own branding. The MVNO can provide its own customer service, billing support systems, marketing, and sales personnel, or it can employ the services of its MVNE.

MVNOs are subject to a number of laws, regulations, and rules at the federal and state level.  Moreover, MVNOs face various state and federal tax burdens nationwide.

These obligations include:

• Section 214
• E-911 Mandates
• CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act)
• CPNI (Customer proprietary network information)
• 499 Registration
• USF Contributions
• CVAA (Communications and Video Accessibility Act)
• TRS Contributions
• NANP Contributions
• LNP Contributions
• FCC Regulatory Fee Contributions
• Hearing Aid Compatibility
• International Traffic Report
• Network Neutrality
• Outage Reporting
• Discontinuance Rules
• Truth in Billing Rules
• Collection, reporting and remittance of applicable transaction taxes

Non-compliance with these requirements can result not just in administrative hassles, but fines of thousands, tens of thousands, or even – in the case of CVAA violations, one million dollars (As much as $100,000 per violation or each day of a continuing violation up to a maximum of $1 million.)

The CommLaw Group’s experienced attorneys can guide you through the highly complex process of compliance with federal and state regulatory and tax obligations, and safeguard your telecom business from potentially devastating penalties and fines.