US Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Market Size (2024 - 2029)

US Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Market Analysis

The US Mobile Virtual Network Operator Market size is estimated at USD 13.72 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 16.94 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.31% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer mobile communication services by leasing network access from established mobile network operators (MNOs) rather than owning physical infrastructure like cell towers and network equipment. 5G MVNO technology, known for its superior data speeds, minimal latency, and heightened connectivity, offers MVNOs a robust foundation to expand their services beyond traditional voice and data. This has led to the emergence of Enterprise MVNOs, with sectors like logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare spearheading the trend by establishing and managing their private networks.
• Similarly, eSIM technology benefits MVNOs and mobile operators. With eSIM, MVNOs can easily swap carriers on a single device without a physical SIM card. This can significantly reduce the cost and time required to activate new mobile services. eSIM also allows MVNOs to offer new flexible services, such as temporary local operator connectivity or specialized services for specific verticals, such as the Internet of connected devices. For instance, in March 2024, Vodafone Idea, a major telecom operator known by its short form VI, launched services for its prepaid users.
• Artificial intelligence can potentially benefit MVNOs in several ways. One potential application is to improve customer personalization and next-best actions through the use of AI and machine learning algorithms. This could help MVNOs tailor their services to individual customer preferences and needs, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, AI could help optimize wireless resource allocation, which is particularly important in the highly competitive and regulated telecom industry where MVNOs operate. AI algorithms could also predict maintenance needs and automate certain processes, such as customer service chatbots. Overall, AI has the potential to enable MVNOs to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. Trends like these are expected to drive the studied market.
• As the country embraces digital transformation, trends like the rise of connected devices, machine-to-machine communication, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0, and edge computing underscore the urgent need for high-speed, efficient networks. In response, MVNOs are increasingly focusing on IoT, M2M, and global connectivity. These MVNOs are set to enhance connectivity solutions, seamlessly integrating them with devices and services spanning vehicles, medical instruments, wearables, and industrial machinery.
• Rising government pressure and increasing competition are forcing telecom vendors to reduce tariff prices to stay in the market. Thus, the telecom sector is becoming highly price sensitive. Most MVNOs leverage the low-cost model to gain customers. This market has a low profit margin because MVNOs offer consumers cheaper rates by renting spectrum from major carriers. They function as wholesalers who purchase bandwidth in large quantities from extensive carrier networks and sell at a discount to consumers.

US Mobile Virtual Network Operator Industry Segmentation

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are wireless service providers that do not own the wireless network infrastructure but instead buy network capacity from existing MNOs to deliver services to their users.

The US MVNO Market is segmented by operating model (reseller, service operator, full MVNO, and other operating models), and by subscriber (business and consumer). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.