MVNO Market on the Rise with Forecast for Steady Growth by 2029

The global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) market is set for steady growth over the next few years, according to a new forecast by Omdia. The number of subscriptions worldwide is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 3.6% between the period from 2023 to 2029.

The growth rate for worldwide MVNO subscriptions is more than double the projected CAGR of 1.6% forecasted for personal mobile subscriptions globally over the same period indicating that the MVNO market will outpace the general personal mobile market. However, Omdia expects growth rates to vary widely between major world regions, with MVNO subscriptions poised to expand in the Americas as well as in the Middle East & Africa, while Europe is expected to decline. Omdia’s MVNO subscriptions forecast covers 47 countries and territories around the world, as well as four major regions and the global market.

MVNO subscriptions in the Americas are expected to increase at a CAGR of 10.6% from  2023 to 2029, led by expansion in Brazil, Mexico, and the US, Omdia forecasts. In the Middle East & Africa, the growth rate will be even stronger, with MVNO subscriptions anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2023 through to 2029, driven by South Africa and Nigeria.

Asia & Oceania will have the biggest MVNO market by subscriptions among major world regions throughout the forecast period, but MVNO subscription growth in this region will be modest.  Although Europe is one of the most advanced regional MVNO markets, subscriptions will contract over the next few years, due to factors such as competition from operator sub-brands and because some MVNOs have decided to deploy their own mobile networks.

“Banks, supermarkets, and broadband and TV service providers continue to be key players in the MVNO market, partly because they can promote mobile services efficiently to their existing customers,” said report author Matthew Reed, Chief Analyst for Service Providers and Markets at Omdia. “And adding a mobile service to their product range can help these providers to increase customer engagement, retention, and revenue.”