Is the MVNO market getting overcrowded?
Not so long ago, launching a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) was about disrupting the telecoms market. The early entrants in this space saw an opportunity to offer consumers greater choice and lower prices without having to bear the cost of building a mobile network. But today, the appeal of launching an MVNO is more about strengthening your core businesses. And when one looks at just how much the market has grown in recent years, it’s clear that everyone wants in. Banks are bundling connectivity with financial services to gain fresh customer insights and to deepen customer relationships. Retailers are rewarding shoppers with free data. And insurers are embracing the MVNO model as a way to strengthen loyalty and unlock new revenue streams. According to a recent report from Africa Analysis, South Africa’s MVNO market is set to grow from 4.4 million active SIMs in 2025 to 14.4 million by 2030. But as competition in the MVNO market heats up, how do existing and ...