The $5bn travel eSIM revolution: disruptors, unicorns, and the MNO fightback
MVNOs World: Kaleido Intelligence identifies exponential growth in the travel eSIM segment, with momentum fuelled by perception of MNO gouging and lack of pricing clarity. Operators are mitigating this challenge to roaming revenues by hedging bets with investments in disruptors, wholesale MVNO deals, and more transparent international travel plans.
This article includes:
- Organisations: Airalo; Apple; BICS; BT Group; Counterpoint Research; DataM Intelligence; Deutsche Telekom (DT); EE; Grand View; GSMA Intelligence; Holafly; Infobip; Juniper Research; Kaleido Intelligence; Meta; Mordor Intelligence; Nomad; Orange Group; Orange Travel; Redtea Mobile; Revolut; Sinch; Telefónica; Tencent; T-Mobile US; Trip.com; Twilio; Vodafone; Walmart.
- Geographic: Amsterdam; Europe; Middle East; United Kingdom (UK); United States (US).
- People: Nick Wootten; Nitin Bhas.
- Themes: App-based travel eSIM bundles; Average roaming spend; Banking apps; Bill shock; Carrier fees; Cellular data roaming; Cross-border trips; Data allowances; Digital prepaid storefronts; Embedded SIM; eSIM phone plans; eSIM technology; Integrated SIM; Multi-operator digital retail packages; MVNO wholesale deals; Network infrastructure; Out-of-bundle data pricing; Over-the-top messaging applications; Point of sale integration; Retail roaming revenue; Silent roamers; SIM-based alternatives; Smartphone manufacturers; SMS; Strategic investments; Telecom corporate venture funds; Third-party connectivity providers; Travel booking sites; Travel connectivity; Travel data packages; Travel eSIM pureplays; Travel MVNOs;
- Events: MVNOs World 2026.
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