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Who are the new players in the MVNO Market?

Written by Lifecycle Software | Oct 29, 2025 9:03:51 AM

Gone are the days when MVNOs were just discount telcos

The market has transformed into a dynamic playground for innovative telecom brands from every sector, leveraging connectivity not as a core product, but as a powerful tool for customer loyalty and new revenue streams.

List of new telecom brands

A new wave of non-traditional players, including retail giants, digital banks, energy providers, and media empires, are entering the MVNO space. They embed connectivity into their core offerings to create richer, stickier customer relationships.


The Traditional MVNO vs. The New Generation

The first wave of MVNOs competed primarily on price, offering low-cost, prepaid mobile plans. Today’s modern MVNOs:

  • Bundle mobile with fixed, TV, and non-adjacent services.
  • Leverage eSIM for instant digital onboarding.
  • Use subscription models and advanced billing templates.
  • Create unique loyalty promotions and try-before-you-buy tools.

Cloud-native SaaS platforms now allow brands to launch in weeks instead of years, enabling experimentation and rapid adaptation.

Meet the new players: sector-by-sector breakdown


Retail & Supermarkets

Why they enter: Transform transactional shoppers into loyal community members.

  • Carrefour (France) – offers mobile plans integrated into its loyalty ecosystem.
  • 7-Eleven (USA) – targets budget-conscious consumers via its store network.


FinTechs & Neobanks

Why they enter: Become the central hub for customers' digital lives.

  • N26 (Germany) – integrates mobile into its app-based lifestyle platform.
  • Kakao Bank (South Korea) – leverages its messaging ecosystem for cross-selling telecom.
  • Klarna, Revolut, Monzo – offering mobile services and eSIM for fintech propositions.


Energy Providers

Why they enter: Create indispensable service bundles to reduce churn.

  • Enel (Italy) – bundles home and mobile services.
  • Origin Energy (Australia) – includes mobile plans in utility bundles.


Travel & Hospitality

Why they enter: Enhance the customer journey with seamless connectivity.

  • Airalo – global eSIM store for travellers.
  • Ekster – integrating global eSIM services with travel accessories.

 

Media & Entertainment

Why they enter: Bundle content with connectivity.

  • Globe Telecom (Philippines) – offers data-free Disney+ streaming.
  • Rakuten (Japan) – launched its own MVNO to enhance loyalty.

 

The secret to their success: It’s not about being a telco

Existing trust and loyalty are key advantages. Customers who already use these brands adopt mobile services more easily, reducing acquisition costs and enabling integrated experiences.

The Role of Agile Technology

Platforms like MVNE platforms and Nexus handle billing, provisioning, and support so brands can focus on their customers.

  • Speed to Market: Launch digital MVNOs in weeks.
  • Agility: Adapt pricing, promotions, and bundles quickly.
  • Seamless Operations: Real-time billing and customer support handled by the platform.


Focus on Customer Experience

Digital-first experiences, like eSIM activation in minutes and app-based management, are critical for success.

The future is branded, bundled, and connected

The MVNO market is now a strategic channel for any brand to increase loyalty, unlock revenue, and gain insights. The question is no longer "Can we?" but "How fast can we?"

Are you a brand looking to explore MVNO opportunities?
Contact Lifecycle Software today to schedule a demo.