Mobile virtual network operator Market Size was valued at USD 76.7 Billion in 2022. The Mobile virtual network operator market is projected to grow from USD 85.4 Billion in 2023 to USD 151.3 Billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.51% during the forecast period (2024 - 2030). Competitive pricing, flexible service plans, brand recognition, technological advancements, and regulatory changes drive market for MVNOs.
Figure 1: Mobile Virtual Network Operator Market Size, 2023-2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Competitive Pricing from Retail network operators boost market growth
Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are companies that provide mobile services to customers by leasing network infrastructure from other mobile network operators (MNOs). In recent years, the market for MVNOs has been driven by the increasing demand for competitive pricing from retail network operators.
Retail network operators, such as supermarkets, department stores, and electronics retailers, have started to offer mobile services to their customers by partnering with MVNOs. These partnerships allow retail network operators to offer mobile services under their own brand name, without the need to invest in expensive network infrastructure.
One of the key advantages of MVNOs for retail network operators is the ability to offer competitive pricing. MVNOs can negotiate favorable wholesale rates from MNOs, which allows them to offer lower prices to customers than traditional MNOs. This competitive pricing has proven to be a major selling point for retail network operators, as customers are increasingly looking for ways to save money on their mobile bills.
In addition to competitive pricing, MVNOs also offer flexibility and customization. Retail network operators can work with MVNOs to create mobile plans that are tailored to their customer base, offering unique features and benefits that are not available from traditional MNOs. This customization allows retail network operators to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and attract new customers.
Overall, the market for MVNOs is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by the demand for competitive pricing and flexible mobile plans. As retail network operators continue to expand their mobile offerings, MVNOs are likely to play an increasingly important role in the mobile industry.
Figure 2: Penetration Rate of MVNOs by Region
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Based on product type, the mobile virtual network operator market segmentation includes business, discount, M2M, media, migrants, retail, roaming, and telecommunications. The discount segment dominated the market with a share of 18.3% in 2022 and is also anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.02% through the forecast period. The increasing deployment of cellular connectivity in devices ranging from automobiles to vending machines is likely to lead to significant development in the M2M segment for the MVNO market. Its expansion is attributed to the quick adoption of digitization, increased customer engagement, and growing demand for MVNO solutions among small businesses or general users looking for reasonably priced mobile virtual network operators that offer robust and advanced networks to speed up processing and enhance operational models. It increases the size of the MVNO market ly.
This is attributed to factors including quick digitization, growing consumer interaction, a surge in the demand for MVNO solutions among small and mid-sized businesses, and falling telecom service costs as a result of increased industry competition.
Figure 3: Mobile virtual network operator Market, by Product Type, 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
On the other side, the M2M segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.95% through the forecast period. Due to the increasing acceptance of cell availability in equipment ranging from automobiles to vending machines, the industry is expected to experience enormous growth in the M2M sector. The main drivers of the expansion of MVNOs in the M2M market include specialized advancements in the 3G M2M markets, an increase in mobile network coverage, and efforts by MNOs to broaden their service offerings. As would be expected to spur interest in the deployment of mobile network elements by sending in M2M apps during the anticipated term, there has been a significant increase in the number of MNOs collaborating with M2M application service providers.
February 2023: With the impending introduction of four new mobile virtual network operator brands, Plintron, the biggest provider of MVNA/E services, is increasing its footprint in Colombia. The entire solution consists of a variety of integration choices, branded SIM cards, a technology platform, adherence to Colombian laws, over 200 adaptable APIs for system integration with the brand, top-up and payment gateway interfaces, and go-to-market consultancy.
February 2023: Amdocs, a top supplier of software and services to media and communications firms, today revealed that Melon Digital, a brand-new, South African-based mobile virtual network enabler, has chosen its Digital Brands Suite as a Service to offer customer support and monetization capabilities in a SaaS-based solution powered by Amazon Web Services.
Based on the operational model type, the mobile virtual network operator market segmentation includes full MVNO, reseller MVNO, and service operator MVNO. The full MVNO category dominates this market with a share of 45.34% in 2022 and is also estimated to propel the market at a CAGR of 9.05% through the forecast period. Additionally, customers can call abroad at much-reduced rates when a full MVNO network architecture is implemented because it requires less upfront capital and offers total call control. The development of MVNOs is the result of MNOs' strategic decisions and regulatory actions to remove entry barriers and eventually promote competition.
On the other hand, the reseller MVNO segment is also projected to boost market growth in the future with a CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2030. A reseller does business under their own or a joint brand with the MNO. It is in charge of marketing, sales, and distribution expenses. Additionally, it splits the profits with the MNO. Alternatively, the infrastructure for the radio spectrum is not owned by the service provider either. It still has platforms for customer service and billing, though. Yet, MNOs are working with MVNOs and focusing on particular markets to diversify their operations and client base.
MVNOs are concentrating on providing unique services to avoid being in direct competition with MNOs. They want to take advantage of roaming service opportunities by offering particular services to visitors and young people.
Based on end-user type, the mobile virtual network operator market is segmented into consumer and enterprise segments. The consumer segment dominated this market with a share of 60.4% in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% during the forecast period. Internet browsing and video streaming are two examples of data applications that are growing thanks to faster networks and the use of more complex hardware. The adoption of MVNO in this market is boosted by the expanding use of mobile devices and rising demand for high-speed mobile broadband. Also, one of the key drivers in the communications sector is technology advancement, and mobile services are developing for both the B2B and consumer industries. Due to improved deploy ability, improved sales capabilities, and a growing customer base, businesses in the telecom industry favor individual and home clients.
Along with enhancing customer benefits, managing linked life, personal information, and growing online company activities, it is anticipated that these activities will provide crucial learning experiences to important participants searching for mobile virtual network operators. The increased productivity of the corporation is facilitated by other organizations that interface with a wide range of devices.
Furthermore, this is attributed to the expanding usage of mobile devices and the growing number of mobile network subscribers. Internet browsing and video streaming are two examples of data-intensive apps that are being used more and more as mobile device penetration increases.
By region, this market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world. Among these regions, Europe dominated the market with a share of 38.9% in 2022 and is also estimated grow at a CAGR of 7.76% through the forecast period. The favorable regulatory environment, which is anticipated to be key in the development of the MVNO, might be blamed for the increase. During the projected period, nations like the U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands are probably going to have a beneficial impact on regional growth. Furthermore, the expansion of the regional market is supported by the rising use of integrated services like voice-over-Internet Protocol.
However, the Asia-Pacific region is also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 10.9% through the forecast period. Developing economies in the region such as India, Vietnam, Burma, and China are working to improve and expand their telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, it is widely acknowledged that the Asia Pacific region dominates the operator market due to its involvement in telephony, cell phones, and other products and services that use virtual networks. By developing networks and providing less of a market for resale in India, Jio Network, an Indian company, has changed technology.
Figure 4: Mobile virtual network operator Market, by Region Type, 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The market size for mobile virtual network services in Asia-Pacific nations like China and Japan is growing due to improved communication, competitive pricing, and a move from office procedures to work-from-home procedures.
Virgin Mobile, Tracfone Wireless, Inc., RedPocket Mobile, AirVoice Wireless, FreedomPop, Freenet AG, KDDI Mobile, Polkomtel Plus, Tesco Mobile Ltd., Kajeet, Inc., and others are significant market participants in the mobile virtual network operators industry. Due to the increasing demand for distinct products for numerous applications, this market can be positioned with a sustainable competitive advantage through innovation.
To satisfy customer demand, these market leaders are introducing cutting-edge items. To increase their consumer base and boost their market position, international companies are expanding into new markets in developing nations.
Virgin Mobile
Tracfone Wireless Inc.
RedPocket Mobile
AirVoice Wireless
FreedomPop
Freenet AG
KDDI Mobile
Polkomtel Plus
Tesco Mobile Ltd
Kajeet Inc Schneider Electric SE
Axian
Ericsson
AireSpring
In March 2023, KDDI and Rakuten Mobile joined hands to establish a new MVNO service targeting businesses. The service named KDDI Rakuten Mobile Business was anticipated to cater for mobile phone plans of any size of business.
In February 2023, KDDI and NTT Docomo formed an alliance in order to start a novel MVNO facility for scholars. Named as KDDI Docomo Student, the facility was planned to provide mobile phone schemes for students at cooperating universities.
In January 2023, KDDI together with China Mobile Japan came up with a new MVNO service in Japan. It was launched under the name KDDI China Mobile Japan to offer Chinese tourists visiting Japan with mobile phone plans.
Reach Mobile revealed in June 2022 that it has extended its strategic turnkey Wholesale-as-a-Service (WaaS) arrangement with T-Mobile, America’s number one 5G leader with the largest, fastest, most reliable national wide 5G network, such that the companies would use ReachNEXT which is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that fast-tracks and simplifies how businesses roll out network-based services. T-Mobile wholesale customers can utilize ReachNEXT, an all-in-one solution for launching and running use cases like MVNO, Fixed Wireless Access, Failover Internet and IOT – all this with unmatched ease and speed – possibly reaching millions of homes.
Additionally, in August 2022 Verizon announced Fios can now be available for college students starting from $20 per month with AutoPay as well as specific 5G mobile plans. There should be no question about reliable and affordable home internet even as colleges keep giving students virtual options for lectures -and some admit to working on term papers until the wee hours of the morning.
In September 2022, the first solution that protects every data packets sent from mobile devices was announced by Cloudflare Inc. It is possible for organizations to easily integrate their devices with Cloudflare’s Zero Trust platform and securely connect employee devices to Cloudflare’s global network. In addition, businesses can stop their networks and employees regardless of location through Zero Trust SIM.
In July 2022, ORANGE and MASMOVIL have agreed upon a merger in Spain. The union of ORANGE and MASMOVIL creates one bigger operational company that enables investment in 5G as well as Fiber throughout Spain, which benefits customers.
Business
Discount
M2M
Media
Migrant
Retail
Telecom
Roaming
Full MVNO
Reseller MVNO
Service Operator MVNO
Consumer
Enterprise
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Rest of the World
Middle East
Africa
Latin America
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2022 | USD 76.7 Billion |
| Market Size 2023 | USD 85.4 Billion |
| Market Size 2030 | USD 151.3 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 8.51% (2024-2030) |
| Base Year | 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2030 |
| Historical Data | 2020 & 2022 |
| Forecast Units | Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | Product Type, Operation Model, End User, and Region |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered | The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled | Virgin Mobile, Tracfone Wireless Inc., RedPocket Mobile, AirVoice Wireless, FreedomPop, Freenet AG, KDDI Mobile |
| Key Market Opportunities | Big Data promotes better product designs by utilizing technologies at lower costs and with less hardware. |
| Key Market Dynamics | Competitive pricing Flexible service plans Brand recognition Technological advancements, Regulatory changes |
Mobile Virtual Network Operator Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The market for Mobile virtual network operator was USD 76.7 Billion in 2022.
The analytics market is expected to be USD 151.3 Billion in 2030.
The growth rate for the Mobile virtual network operator market is 8.51% through the forecast period.
At present, the European region holds the largest market.
The major players are dominating the market are Virgin Mobile, Tracfone Wireless Inc., RedPocket Mobile, AirVoice Wireless, FreedomPop, Freenet AG, KDDI Mobile and others.
Team Lead - Research she holds an experience of about 6+ years in market research and business consulting, working under the spectrum of information communication technology, telecommunications and semiconductor domains. aarti conceptualizes and implements a scalable business strategy and provides strategic leadership to the clients. her expertise lies in market estimation, competitive intelligence, pipeline analysis, customer assessment, etc.
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