5G MVNO market projected to reach $132 billion by 2029

The 5G Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market is poised to be worth USD 132.03 billion by 2029, based on the planned compound annual growth rate of 7.9% from 2021, according to Adroit Market Research. Evolving into a significant part of the larger wireless service ecosystem, a 5G MVNO delivers wireless communication services, including mobile phone and data provisions, leveraging the 5G technology. Contrary to traditional mobile network operators (MNOs), these businesses do not own the physical infrastructure and instead rent network access from conventional MNOs.

An MVNO thrives on the infrastructure forged by MNOs to provide customers with their branded mobile services, supporting diverse applications, like high-speed web surfing and the Internet of Things (IoT). In order to access the 5G network infrastructure of a typical MNO, a business must be a 5G MVNO. This allows them to market under their brand while providing 5G services to clients sans the hefty investment reserved for developing and operating a 5G network.

With 5G networks proliferating at a healthy pace high-backed by traditional MNOs, MVNOs have been presented with increasing opportunities to offer 5G services spurring market growth. Compared to earlier technologies, 5G promises revolutionary improvements in terms of bandwidth, latency, and overall network capabilities, thereby superseding demand for 5G services. MVNOs are striving to satiate this demand by offering affordable 5G packages. 5G, with its IoT and smart city solution capabilities, offers MVNOs the flexibility to target a wide array of sectors – consumers, businesses, and niche markets alike.

The 5G MVNO market is seeing intense competition, with MVNOs standing their ground through unique features, pricing structures, and service bundles, encouraging innovation and sparking growth. The ballooning Internet of Things (IoT), with 5G networks aptly accommodating a myriad of IoT devices, is adding to the demand for 5G connectivity. Further, as corporate operations pivot towards digitisation, several MVNOs are focusing on delivering firms with specialised 5G solutions, like private networks and specialised data plans. With several governments proactive in advancing 5G and MVNO competition, the market expansion of 5G MVNOs may receive an additional boost through regulatory backing.

Through the rolling out of the 5G in the late 2010s and early 2020s, traditional MNOs paved the way for opportunities for MVNOs to enter the 5G market. These 5G MVNOs have since engaged with MNOs for access contracts to their 5G networks. As a result, 5G MVNOs have developed a sharp focus on the IoT, business solutions, and industries requiring swift, low latency connections, increasing market competitiveness. Diversifying their services, MVNOs offer consumers bespoke 5G plans, packages and service bundles. With the US being the frontrunner of 5G deployment in North America, MVNOs catering to target market segments are revered in the region.