Mobile Network Operator Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (4G/5G Network, Mobile Data Services, VoIP Services, Mobile Roaming, Prepaid/Postpaid Plans), By Application (Telecommunications, Consumer Services, International Roaming, Enterprise Solutions), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Mobile Network Operator Market Overview

The Mobile Network Operator Market size was valued at USD 1241.05 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1241.05 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.51% from 2025 to 2033.

As of end‑2023, there were approximately 5.6 billion global mobile subscriptions, equivalent to 69 % of the world’s population, up by 1.6 billion since 2015. Among these, around 4.7 billion users accessed mobile internet services, representing 58 % of the population and an increase of 2.1 billion since 2015. The global inventory of mobile operators includes over 1,000 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) managing around 4,500 terrestrial networks worldwide, while active Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) number roughly 1,986 across more than 80 countries, accounting for approximately 2.46 % of the world’s roughly 8.9 billion mobile connections.

In the United States alone, the top three MNOs—Verizon, T‑Mobile US, and AT&T—each hold subscriber bases of approximately 146 million, 131 million, and 118 million respectively as of Q1 2025. Meanwhile, China Mobile leads globally with around 1,003.9 million subscriptions as of September 2024, followed by Bharti Airtel with 563.2 million and Reliance Jio with 461.2 million. Globally there were 1.6 billion 5G connections at the end of 2023, and by late 2024 global 5G adoption had surpassed 2 billion connections.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Expansion of mobile internet access—global mobile internet users reached 4.7 billion, representing 58 % of the world’s population by end‑2023

Top Country/Region: China leads with 1,003.9 million mobile subscriptions across its MNOs as of September 2024

Top Segment: 5G connections accounted for 1.6 billion by end‑2023, confirming 5G as the leading growth segment

Mobile Network Operator Market Trends

The transition from legacy networks to next-generation technologies continues to define market behavior. By end‑2023, around 143 2G and 3G networks were being phased out as users migrated to 4G and 5G services. As of late 2024, global 5G connections had exceeded 2 billion, approaching parity with 4G in connections. This technological shift is supported by operator data platforms capturing over 50 million data points across more than 4,500 networks globally, enabling faster rollout and network optimization. Regionally, North America leads in coverage, followed closely by parts of Asia. In contrast, Europe has achieved less than 50 % 5G population coverage, compared to 90 % in the USA and 95 % in key Asian markets. This disparity highlights a fragmented European operator landscape—with 38 regional MNOs—resulting in competitive pricing but under‑investment in infrastructure. Simultaneously, the number of MVNOs has surged. By the end of 2022 there were 1,986 active MVNOs, with Europe alone hosting 1,012, indicating that almost half of MVNOs reside in that region.

In the UK, MVNOs gained 1.6 million subscribers in 2024, while the four major carriers lost 180,000 customers. MVNO share in the UK rose from 16.5 % in 2024 to projected 25 % by 202. Mobile subscription count rose to 5.7 billion by end‑2024, with 4.7 billion of those linked to internet use (58 %). In parallel, economic reports showed telecom service revenues grew by 4.3 % in 2023, reaching approximately US $1.14 trillion. Digital innovations—such as telco‑satellite partnerships, growing eSIM adoption and generative AI––are being rapidly integrated into operator strategies. In emerging economies, mobile expansion is accelerating. For instance, as of April 2025 Gujarat, India, added 830,000 new telecom subscribers over five months, bringing its total to 65.7 million. This mirrors national figures where India’s total wireless subscriber base reached 1,153.72 million by September 2024, marking second‑largest globally

Mobile Network Operator Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Expansion of mobile internet access

As of end‑2024, around 4.7 billion subscribers—58 % of the global population—use mobile internet, marking a rise of 330 million users since 2022. This uptake fuels demand for high‑speed data and drives MNO investments in 4G/5G capacity. With 35 % of mobile data traffic running on 5G networks at end‑2024 (up from 26 % in 2023), operators are prioritizing densification and spectrum acquisitions to serve growing data volumes and enhance service speed and quality.

RESTRAINT

Market fragmentation and limited scale

Europe exemplifies fragmented MNO markets—with 38 operators in the UK and EU regions. That complexity suppresses investment, as 5G population coverage runs below 50 %, lagging behind 90 % in the USA and 95 % in key Asian markets. Fragmented pricing has driven mobile service revenues down by 30 % in real terms over the past decade while traffic volumes rose 30‑fold, undercutting operators’ ability to fund network upgrades.

OPPORTUNITY

MVNO expansion and niche service models

Globally there were nearly 1,986 MVNOs by late 2022, with Europe housing over 1,012, accounting for half of global MVNOs. The UK MVNO segment gained 1.6 million subscribers in 2024, while main carriers lost 180,000. This trend reflects consumers’ appetite for prepaid plans, handset‑agnostic data bundles, e‑SIMs, and low‑cost VoIP options—segments where operators can diversify offerings and capture untapped customer niches.

CHALLENGE

Rising traffic demands and operational costs

Mobile subscriptions topped 5.7 billion in late 2024, with 4.7 billion mobile internet users, escalating network data loads. While global roaming tariffs were valued at USD 75 billion in 2023, 5G roaming spend is projected to reach USD 10.8 billion by 2028, overtaking 4G. This surge pressures operators to invest heavily in backbone infrastructure, spectrum upgrades, and international data interconnection systems to maintain performance and manage costs.

Mobile Network Operator Market Segmentation

By Type

• 4G/5G Network: 4G remains the dominant access method, serving over 80 % of mobile internet users, but 5G traffic reached 35 % by end‑2024.
• Mobile Data Services: With 4.7 billion data subscribers, average monthly usage exceeds 10 GB per user in developed markets.
• VoIP Services: The VoIP segment generated USD 50.18 billion in 2023.
• Mobile Roaming: Global roaming tariffs amounted to USD 75 billion in 2023, with 5G roaming estimated at USD 4.2 billion in 2025.
• Prepaid/Postpaid Plans: Prepaid dominates in Asia‑Pacific, accounting for 70 % of the 1.15 billion Indian wireless subscriptions; postpaid is prevalent in North America with 60 % of 5 billion US subscribers.

By Application

• Telecommunications: The core telecom layer handles 5.7 billion subscriptions globally.
• Consumer Services: Over 4.7 billion users access mobile video, social media or e‑commerce platforms monthly.
• International Roaming: Generates USD 75 billion in tariff market value globally.
• Enterprise Solutions: M2M/IoT connections total over 1.4 billion, forming 20 % of active mobile connections, used in fleet management, smart metering and logistics.

Mobile Network Operator Market Regional Outlook

North America remains at the forefront of global MNO performance, with smartphone 5G penetration at 59 % across the region (53 % in the US, 37 % in Canada) and 71 % overall 5G subscription share at end‑2024. The region leads in both coverage quality—99 % population reach by Verizon’s LTE/5G networks—and infrastructure innovation, exemplified by 53 operator groups joining the GSMA Open Gateway, representing 67 % of global mobile connections. High eSIM adoption—North America reached 27 % of smartphone connections at end‑2023—is accelerating, with projections to hit 50 % by end‑2025. Monthly postpaid churn remains low (< 1 %), reflecting strong user retention driven by expanded 5G offerings.

• North America

market reported 146 million, 131 million, and 118 million subscribers for Verizon, T‑Mobile, and AT&T, respectively, as of Q1 2025. By end‑2024, there were around 2.3 billion global 5G subscriptions, with North America accounting for 71 % of its smartphone base on 5G networks. Operators are deploying generative AI in customer service and network optimization, while eSIM use surged to 27 % penetration—boosted by Apple’s eSIM‑only device launch. Spectrum densification continues, targeting mid‑band allocations of approximately 2 GHz per country by 2030.

• Europe

mobile subscriber penetration stood at 91 % in 2023, forecast to reach 93 % by 2030, with mobile broadband adoption at 82 %, rising to 91 % by 2030. As of end‑2024, 30 % of European mobile connections (over 200 million) ran on 5G, still trailing advanced markets. Stand‑alone 5G (SA) coverage in Spain reached just 56 % of the population in early‑2025, signaling delays in rural deployment and investment cycles. Capex in the region exceeded €160 billion over five years, with annual telecom investment predicted above €25 billion through 2030.

• Asia‑Pacific

hosts some of the world’s largest subscriber bases. China Mobile recorded approximately 1,003.9 million subscriptions by September 2024, followed by Bharti Airtel with 563.2 million and Reliance Jio at 461.2 million

• Middle East & Africa

Mobile subscriptions in the Middle East & Africa region totaled approximately 2.0 billion by 2024, with unique mobile penetration reaching 68.2 % of the population and projected to hit 73.5 % by 2029. Notably, 4G accounted for 50 % of regional subscriptions in 2024, while 5G remained limited to 4.6 %, though expected to expand to 24.7 % by 2029. Major regional carriers—like Etisalat (10.8 million UAE subscribers) and du (7.9 million UAE)—are expanding 5G and digital services. In Africa, Egypt reached 120 million subscriptions by 2024 (105 % penetration), ranking second behind Nigeria (164.9 million).

List of Top Mobile Network Operator Companies

• China Mobile (China)
• Verizon Communications Inc. (USA)
• AT&T Inc. (USA)
• T-Mobile US Inc. (USA)
• Deutsche Telekom AG (Germany)
• Vodafone Group Plc (UK)
• Telefónica S.A. (Spain)
• Orange S.A. (France)
• NTT Docomo
• (Japan)
• Bharti Airtel Limited (India)

China Mobile (China): China Mobile recorded approximately 1,003.9 million subscriptions as of September 2024.

Bharti Airtel Limited (India): held 563.2 million subscriptions by that time.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment flows in the MNO sector remained robust through 2024 despite macroeconomic pressures. Global capex in 5G infrastructure exceeded US $160 billion in Europe over five years, with annual telecom investment above €25 billion. North American operators allocated spectrum densification budgets of around 2 GHz per country, while eSIM usage surged to 27 % in Q4 2023. These investments underpin network expansion and quality enhancements. Emerging markets offer pronounced upside. India added 830,000 telecom subscribers in Gujarat alone between January–May 2025, contributing to a national base of 1,153.72 million by September 2024, placing India second globally in subscriber count. In Africa, Sub‑Saharan subscriptions are projected to grow from 950 million in 2023 to 1.2 billion by 2030, with 420 million new 5G connections—a surge imbuing investment opportunities in affordable device deployment and FWA infrastructure. MVNO proliferation presents further potential. Europe alone hosts over 1,012 MVNOs, and in the UK, MVNOs added 1.6 million net subscriptions in 2024, even as major carriers lost 180,000 subscribers. This trend signals opportunities for operators to license network access or develop specialized virtual services. Capitalizing on nascent satellite MNO services could be transformative. In February 2025, Vodafone executed the first satellite-to-phone video call, joining T-Mobile's Starlink-enabled testing. These initiatives aim to reach an estimated 350 million individuals in coverage‑blackout zones.

AST SpaceMobile's collaboration with Vodafone and rollout of next‑gen 20 Mbps+ satellite links across 21 EU states exemplify strategic investment in non-terrestrial infrastructure, expected commercially by 2026. Operators are forging non-connectivity alliances. North American carriers work with OpenAI, Nvidia, and AI‑RAN firms to introduce self‑optimizing networks and generative AI applications to operations and customer service. In the Middle East & Africa, MNOs are exploring sovereign AI platforms and API-based enterprise solutions, aiming to diversify beyond voice/data. Such moves position operators to capture adjacent revenue streams in IoT, fintech, and B2B digital transformation. Despite competitive rate pressures, mobile data traffic rose 30‑fold in Europe over the past decade, even as real-term service revenues fell 30 %. This traffic rebound underscores the need for capacity investments, but also signals opportunity where operators combine efficient network models and value‑added digital offerings.

New Product Development

Mobile operators now commit substantial R&D budgets to next‑generation network features and bundled services. In North America, 5G‑Advanced (5G‑A) and RedCap devices entered trials by late 2024. Verizon’s 5G RedCap deployments are targeting low‑complexity IoT device markets such as fitness trackers, medical wearables, and enterprise IoT. Over 50 % of operators plan commercial rollout of 5G‑A within a year of release. These moves reflect a shift from broadband density to vertical solutions, enabling slicing, URLLC, and new real‑time applications. Satellite‑capable devices are emerging rapidly. In early 2025, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile enabled the first satellite‑to‑smartphone video call over standard handsets at speeds exceeding 20 Mbps, with future devices aimed at 120 Mbps peak rates. T‑Mobile is testing Starlink voice/data links via updated SIM firmware, targeting 350 million users in no‑coverage regions. Operators are introducing fixed wireless access (FWA) services powered by 5G. T‑Mobile and Verizon added about 890,000 and 815,000 FWA subscribers respectively in Q2 2023, with AT&T launching “Internet Air” to serve underserved broadband markets. These products address rural connectivity gaps while monetizing 5G infrastructure.

Enterprise suites are expanding. North American operators are deploying self‑optimizing AI‑RAN elements and edge compute platforms aimed at industrial IoT, public safety, and AR/VR use cases. T‑Mobile’s AI‑RAN and OpenAI partnerships signal operator intent to go beyond consumer services. Meanwhile, MVNOs and MNOs are rolling out eSIM‑based multi‑profile prepaid bundles supporting data‑only plans, travel packs, and low‑cost VoIP services. With eSIM penetration reaching 27 % in North America, these products reduce SIM production costs and enable flexible offerings. In Europe, small‑cell networks are being deployed in urban centres to boost 5G speeds. Oxford became the first UK city to receive a dedicated 5G speed‑boost through lamppost‑mounted small cells, following Vodafone and O2’s 3G shutdown and transition. Private wireless networks are on the rise: GSMA notes over 134 operators across 60 countries have launched or intend 5G standalone (SA) private network products; 42 already offer commercial SA services. These networks support smart factories, logistics hubs, and public safety operations, with providers offering turnkey products and network slicing. Product innovation also includes satellite-linked handsets, low‑cost IoT RedCap modules, FWA routers, eSIM prepaid plans, private 5G network kits, and edge AI tools aimed at enterprise sectors. These combined developments mark the shift from connectivity‑only offerings toward integrated digital ecosystems spanning terrestrial and non‑terrestrial networks.

Five Recent Developments

• Vodafone-France and AST SpaceMobile executed Europe’s first satellite-to-smartphone video call in mid‑2024, delivering speeds over 20 Mbps.
• T‑Mobile US added 890,000 5G‑FWA subscribers in Q2 2023, surpassing Verizon’s 815,000, marking significant uptake of home-based fixed wireless services.
• Vodafone‑O2 UK turned on the first urban lamppost small‑cell 5G boost in Oxford in early 2025, coinciding with nationwide 3G shutdowns.
• Optus‑TPG Australia received approval in 2024 for a US $1.6 billion regional network‑sharing deal covering 98.4 % of the population, to be rolled out in 2025.
• Vodafone‑Three UK merger authorized by CMA in late 2024, targeting combined coverage of 27 million customers and committing to £11 billion of 5G investment.

Report Coverage of Mobile Network Operator Market

The coverage of a robust Mobile Network Operator market report encompasses multiple layers of analysis, integrating quantified metrics and granular insights across subscriber, technology, and geographic axes. Firstly, the subscriber base is assessed: from 5.7 billion global subscriptions as of end‑2024 to 4.7 billion mobile internet users, with breakdowns by MNO, country, and penetration. China leads with 1,003.9 million subscriptions, followed by India (Bharti Airtel’s 563.2 million, Reliance Jio’s 461.2 million) and the US operators with 118–146 million each. Technology coverage forms the second layer, noting that 4G and 5G represent over 85 % of connections globally, with 5G accounting for 35 % at end‑2024. Regional adoption varies: North America at 59 % 5G smartphone usage, Europe trailing at 30 % connection share, and Middle East & Africa only 4.6 %. Thirdly, report scope includes investment and network economics: Europe’s €160 billion capex over five years, North America’s 2 GHz mid‑band spectrum targets, and regional operator capex commitments like the US $1.6 billion Australia sharing deal and UK’s £11 billion 5G spend. Product and service portfolio coverage includes satellite integration, FWA, private 5G, eSIM bundles, and AI‑enabled networks.

The report quantifies adoption—890,000 new FWA subscriptions (Q2 2023), 27 % eSIM penetration, and 134 operators planning 5G‑SA services. Market segmentation is broken down by type and application: 4G/5G networks, mobile data, VoIP (USD 50 billion), roaming (USD 75 billion), prepaid/postpaid breakdowns; and by application—telecom usage, consumer services (4.7 billion users), roaming, enterprise M2M/IoT (1.4 billion connections). Regional segmentation includes North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, highlighting enrollment rates, technology adoption, and capex trends. It also tracks MVNO dynamics, noting the 1,986 global MVNO presence with 1,012 in Europe and UK uptake of 1.6 million subscribers. The report further explores strategic drivers—mobile internet reach of 58 %, traffic growth up to 35-fold in Europe, AI‑RAN deployment trends, and satellite-enabled MNO breakthroughs—offering forward-looking scenario analysis. Coverage also spans competitive landscape and M&A: merger analyses (Vodafone‑Three UK, Optus‑TPG), strategic alliances (AST SpaceMobile, OpenAI, Nvidia), and performance benchmarking across top MNOs (China Mobile, Airtel, Verizon, etc.). In aggregate, an insightful MNO market report delivers comprehensive numeric coverage (subscriptions, penetration, network upgrades, spend), segmented insights (MVNOs, FWA, enterprise), product innovations (satellite, AI, private wireless), and strategic outlooks (investment themes, competitive events) across global major markets and operator benchmarks—without drawing a concluding summary.

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