U.S. MVNO Market Size & Share Analysis - Emerging Trends, Growth Opportunities, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2025 - 2032)

U.S MVNO Market Trends & Drivers

Expansion of 5G Services Is Key Trend

• The expansion of 5G networks allows mobile network companies, including MVNOs, to develop high-speed data offerings that meet the growing consumer needs for speed and enhanced wireless experiences.
• The faster data transfer and reduced latency of 5G networks benefit mobile users streaming media, conducting video calls, or using IoT devices.
• In December 2024, the FCC implemented the framework for the 5G Fund for Rural America.
• Leasing 5G infrastructure from MNOs, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, allows MVNOs without their own infrastructure to provide 5G services at lower prices.
• In September 2023, the NSF announced a USD 25-million investment to advance five convergent teams in Phase 2 from Phase 1 of its Convergence Accelerator Track G.
• This initiative focuses on tackling security challenges and advancing technologies for operating securely through public 5G networks for military, government, and critical infrastructure sectors.
• The lower pricing of 5G services that MVNOs obtain from major carriers allows them to provide fast speeds to price-sensitive customers seeking next-generation mobile connectivity through their existing networks.
• In January 2024, the NTIA announced nearly USD 80 million in the third round of grants from the USD 1.5-billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.
• The aim is to support the development of interoperable wireless networks, to drive competition and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Increasing Demand for Affordable and Flexible Mobile Plans Is Major Growth Driver

• The increasing need for economical mobile solutions has sparked customer interest in MVNOs because they charge reduced fees compared to regular carriers.
• MVNOs provide less-expensive services by purchasing or leasing network access from major providers, allowing them to bypass the costly infrastructure installation, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• In December 2024, Gigs, a mobile service startup that enables other businesses to sell mobile plans, raised USD 73 million in a Series B funding round led by Ribbit Capital, with participation from existing investors, YC, Speedinvest, and Google's Gradient.
• The adoption of prepaid and no-contract plans by MVNOs provides yet another reason for customers to choose their services.
• Prepaid contracts and other service options have gained widespread popularity because users want adjustable mobile service solutions.
• In October 2023, the NTIA initiated a USD 1-billion program to fund the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle-mile infrastructure, which connects local networks to the broader internet.
• The prepaid plan structure enables users to fund their mobile service in advance, making them immune to the typical expenses or surcharges of postpaid agreement contracts.
• Prepaid payment options with no-contract commitments from the main attraction for those who want the freedom to pay as they use, instead of signing long-term agreements.
• In January 2024, the FCC adopted rules that require wireless providers to use location-based routing for wireless 911 voice calls and certain texts.

U.S MVNO Market Segmentation and Category Analysis

Payment Model Analysis

The prepaid category held the larger market share, of 70%, in 2024, and it will grow at the higher CAGR, during the forecast period. This is because they offer flexibility and affordable service to customers. These alternatives bring significant advantages to price-conscious customers, who reject extended agreements, credit assessments, and want lower fees than what postpaid plans charge.

Prepaid MVNOs satisfy consumers’ demands for budget-friendly and adaptable wireless services. Prepaid plans have gained popularity especially among young users, immigrants, and individuals whose poor credit scores make it challenging to get standard postpaid packages from leading mobile operators.

The payment models analyzed in this report are:

• Postpaid
• Prepaid (Larger and Faster-Growing Category)

Service Type Analysis

The telecom category held the largest market share, of 30%, in 2024. This is because the primary MVNO offerings include standard mobile voice, text messaging, and data services, which are offered to individual consumers. Telecom MVNOs cater to various customer groups, which include price-sensitive individuals and customers who need adaptable plans.

The discount category will grow at the highest CAGR, during the forecast period. This is because more customers now want affordable mobile services amidst the rising voice and data charges.

The service types analyzed in this report are:

• Discount (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Telecom (Largest Category)
• Media & Entertainment
• Business
• Retail
• Migrant
• Cellular Machine-to-Machine
• Roaming

Business Model Analysis

The reseller category held the largest market share, of 65%, in 2024. This is because the conventional model needs minimal network infrastructure, which reduces market entry costs and makes business implementation simpler.

The full category will grow at the highest CAGR, during the forecast period. This is because full MVNOs maintain higher independence than reseller MVNOs due to their ownership of the core network systems. Full MVNO operators gain full control over their product offerings and independence in managing their network infrastructure.

The business models analyzed in this report are:

• Full (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Service
• Reseller (Largest Category)

Subscribers Analysis

The consumer category held the largest market share, of 60%, in 2024, because people want affordable mobile services. A large number of MVNOs focus on individual customers who require voice plans with texting and data features for personal use. MVNOs serve families, youngsters, and grown-ups who want affordable phone services without big carriers.

The enterprise category will grow at the highest CAGR, during the forecast period. Business organizations’ mobile service demand is quickly rising for operational support, better communication, and connected device deployment. Enterprises’ mobile service needs have increased notably because of the rise in remote work and rapid digital transformation. Enterprise MVNOs customize their offerings to businesses to include communication tools, fleet management capabilities, employee plan solutions, and IoT-enabled solutions for connected devices.

The subscribers analyzed in this report are:

• Consumer (Larger Category)
• Enterprise (Faster-Growing Category)

U.S MVNO Market Geographical Analysis

The Southern region held the largest market share, of 45%, in 2024. This is because Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and other states in this region are among the country's most populated. The consistent population growth in the South is because of low living and supportive business policies. MVNOs get to target a diverse population, consisting of urban and rural residents, in this region. People here are seeking economical mobile solutions that are adaptable to various purposes.

The Western region will grow at the highest CAGR, during the forecast period. Technological innovation and mobile adoption rates are high in California because it is a significant technological center. The established infrastructure of major MNOs enables MVNOs to easily lease access and offer cost-effective voice and data plans to subscribers.

The regions analyzed in this report are:

• Northeast
• Midwest
• West (Fastest-Growing Category)
• South (Largest Category)

U.S MVNO Market Share

The market is highly fragmented in nature because a huge number of small-, medium-, and large-scale MVNOs operate. The variations in plans and customer needs allow numerous MVNOs to thrive by offering tailored services and plans. The non-requirement to own the expensive and high-tech telecommunications infrastructure lowers the barriers to entry, allowing even non-telcos to function as an MVNO. Hence, tech firms and even retailers have entered the country’s MVNO market, making it even more fragmented.

U.S MVNO Market News & Updates

• In October 2024, Tracfone revealed updates to its Unlimited Talk & Text plans through Verizon Value portfolio, featuring twice the data limits for the same price. The newly introduced plan durations of 60, 90, 180, and 365 days are in addition to the original 30-day plans.
• In August 2024, T-Mobile US Inc. entered into a collaboration with Starlink technology from SpaceX to create satellite communication technology to directly linking cell phones.