With consumers demanding more flexibility, affordability, and digital-first experiences, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are gaining momentum, with the market projected to reach $167.7 billion in the next decade. According to a YouGov survey, nearly 30% of smartphone users are open to switching to an MVNO, underscoring the growing appeal of alternative mobile service providers.
The MVNO market is no longer a niche segment; it has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem that expands industry opportunities for both MNOs and MVNOs. By strategically embracing MVNO partnerships, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can unlock new revenue streams, expand market reach, and monetize their network assets while empowering MVNOs with greater autonomy over their services.
Multitenancy: Enabling MVNO Growth at Scale
Multitenancy plays a critical role in enabling scalable and efficient MVNO operations. This approach allows multiple independent MVNOs to operate within a shared environment while maintaining independent operations and data security.
In the context of telecom networks, multitenancy enables MNOs to manage network resources dynamically, optimize interconnects, and maintain operational oversight while empowering MVNOs with real-time control over their retail offerings. A well-architected multitenant framework ensures flexibility, security, and seamless service delivery.
For example, we developed the MVNO Roaming Control Center at Mobileum, allowing operators to simultaneously and efficiently manage roaming services for their subscribers, MVNOs, and partners. Wholesalers can apply their own business logic, business rules, integrate with their internal systems and manage custom plans —giving them greater independence and flexibility.
Benefits for MNOs and MVNOs
By adopting a structured, multitenant approach to MVNO enablement, MNOs can retain full control over their wholesale roaming business while maintaining ownership of key network functions like interconnect, translations, and testing. This ensures secure and controlled access to signaling interfaces and roaming security protocols while allowing the traffic segmentation that their MVNO partners desire.
For MVNOs, this translates into enhanced autonomy over their customer base, with real-time visibility into user behavior, pricing, and service quality—without interfering with MNO operations. With the right tools, MVNOs can create tailored roaming offerings, adjust price plans and policies dynamically, and manage value-added services for roamers.
Additionally, advanced QoE analytics and real-time assurance frameworks provide direct insights into user experience. With continuous monitoring, tracing, and proactive testing, MVNOs can ensure superior roaming quality—creating a competitive edge in the market.
Future of MVNO Roaming
The evolution of MVNO enablement will drive greater flexibility and new business models, expanding opportunities for both MNOs and MVNOs.
By extending multitenancy models to include, for example, CAMARA APIs, MVNOs can integrate seamlessly with cloud-native applications, while enhancing fraud prevention and ensuring security APIs for signaling, voice, and SMS will strengthen network protection. Customizable steering settings will further optimize roaming strategies based on MVNO segments.
Beyond traditional MVNO services, similar enablement frameworks can be extended to support new customer segments, including sponsored roaming models, enterprise mobility solutions, and IoT or private network deployments. These advancements will unlock new revenue streams and enhance service differentiation in an increasingly globally connected digital world.
Closing Thoughts
MVNOs continue to gain market traction, and roaming remains a crucial service for high-value customer segments, including frequent travelers and business users. The evolution of multitenant architectures and API-driven service models is transforming the way MVNOs operate, offering them greater autonomy while maintaining the security and control MNOs require.
To stay ahead, MNOs must proactively invest in multitenancy frameworks and open API ecosystems — ensuring they remain the preferred partner for MVNOs in the evolving telecom landscape.