- Travel eSIM revenue expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2025
- Small providers drive innovation with agile, digital eSIM solutions
- Mobile operators face growing pressure to protect traditional roaming revenue streams
As consumers increasingly rely on digital connectivity abroad, demand for flexible and affordable mobile data plans is accelerating.
Mobile network operators are gearing up to launch more travel eSIM services as competition in the telecommunications sector intensifies, according to Juniper Research.
The move is seen as an effort to protect roaming revenue and prevent third-party providers from taking a larger share of the fast-growing international connectivity market.
Rapid growth of the travel eSIM market
The study reveals that revenue from embedded SIM (eSIM) travel plans is expected to reach $1.8 billion by the end of 2025, an increase of 85% from 2024.
This increase reflects the growing appeal of eSIM technology as a cheaper and more flexible alternative to traditional roaming.
The report attributes this growth to “connectivity as a service” platforms, which have reduced technical barriers for new entrants.
These platforms allow small businesses to offer travel eSIM services without the need for large-scale infrastructure.
Usually, the best eSIMs for international travel come from nimble digital providers rather than traditional mobile operators, although this may change as larger players enter the sector.
Juniper Research predicts that by 2026, many mobile operators will introduce their own travel eSIM solutions in addition to their current roaming services.
This change aims to provide customers with prepaid and postpaid options that maintain brand loyalty and reduce dependence on third-party providers.
“As third parties increasingly integrate into the telecommunications space, it will be crucial in 2026 for operators to launch their own travel eSIM services to compete and retain as much revenue as possible from mobile roaming,” said Molly Gatford, senior research analyst at Juniper Research.
While eSIM technology promises flexibility, it also challenges established business models.
Mobile networks face competitive pressure on price, performance and additional features to convince travelers that their versions offer the best options.
However, with many competitors offering region-specific plans in large markets, including the best eSIM for Europe and the best eSIM for Asia, it remains unclear whether large operators can match the adaptability of smaller providers.
Operators see opportunity in this growing market, but the ease of entry means new competitors can emerge quickly.
For consumers, this rivalry could lower prices and improve global connectivity, but telecom providers must provide reliable and cost-effective services to succeed.
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