Unlike early “non-standalone” 5G, which simply added faster radio access on top of existing 4G networks, 5G SA runs on its own cloud-native, software-driven core. This architectural shift makes mobile connectivity more flexible, faster to adapt, and capable of supporting services that depend on ultra-low latency.

For MVNOs this evolution represents both a technical and strategic turning point. It changes how connectivity can be bought, branded, and embedded within digital products.

A standalone core dramatically reduces latency, enables fine-grained control over network behaviour, and allows computing resources to move closer to end users. Together, these capabilities make it possible to guarantee performance for specific use cases, a critical foundation for immersive applications, automation, and real-time systems.

For MVNOs, this marks a shift from selling connectivity as a commodity to delivering experiences and solutions. The programmability of 5G SA opens possibilities that simply were not achievable within a 4G-centric architecture.

UK mobile network operators are already deploying 5G SA, with nationwide coverage planned over the coming years. As these rollouts continue, the wholesale environment that MVNOs depend on will inevitably evolve, creating both new opportunities and new dependencies.

Seizing the 5G opportunity

The greatest opportunity lies in specialisation. MVNOs that focus on specific verticals, such as connected healthcare, transport and logistics, esports, or media production, can use 5G SA capabilities to build premium, tailored services. Low-latency performance, dedicated network slicing, and edge computing integration allow connectivity to become an enabling platform rather than a cost centre.

The rise of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) models is particularly significant. As network operators begin exposing core functions through APIs, MVNOs may gain the ability to assemble highly customised virtual networks with far greater control than before. Early movers will be in a position to influence how these wholesale offerings are structured, priced, and delivered.

Risks and realities

Access to 5G SA is not guaranteed. Many current MVNO agreements in the UK still provide only enhanced radio access, without full access to the standalone core. As a result, some “5G” offerings do not include the low-latency or slicing capabilities that define true 5G SA. MVNOs will need to renegotiate contracts or partner with hosts that offer full SA functionality if they want to remain competitive.

Commercial complexity will also increase. As network capabilities become programmable, wholesale pricing models are likely to evolve beyond simple volume-based agreements. New metrics, such as latency targets, throughput tiers, and usage thresholds, will become part of commercial negotiations. MVNOs will need stronger technical and procurement expertise to manage this shift effectively.

Device compatibility presents another challenge. Not all handsets, modems, or IoT gateways currently support standalone features, and firmware support for certain frequency bands is still maturing. MVNOs must ensure that the devices they sell or certify can genuinely deliver the experiences they promote.

Security and compliance will grow in importance as virtual operators rely more heavily on distributed cores, edge data centres, and third-party APIs. Questions around data location, sovereignty, and protection will become more complex. Clear governance frameworks and robust audit processes will be essential to sustaining regulatory confidence and enterprise trust.

A measured strategy, focusing on value-added services that can be launched today, while preparing systems and teams for deeper SA integration, is likely to deliver the most sustainable results.

Steering through the shift

To navigate this transition successfully, MVNOs should begin technical and commercial discussions with host networks as early as possible. Understanding when and how each operator will make SA-level wholesale products available is critical for aligning product roadmaps and marketing strategies.

Investment in technical literacy is equally vital. Teams with a strong grasp of virtualised network functions, API orchestration, and edge computing will be best positioned to exploit SA-era opportunities. At the same time, reviewing device portfolios and eSIM provisioning processes can help avoid customer-experience issues as SA access becomes mainstream.

Security, transparent performance monitoring, and partnerships with cloud or edge providers will become key differentiators. MVNOs that can prove service quality and protect customer data will find it easier to command premium pricing, particularly in enterprise and vertical-specific markets.

5G Standalone is more than a network upgrade. It is a reset of how connectivity is designed, packaged, and sold. For UK MVNOs, it offers the chance to evolve from low-cost resellers into orchestrators of digital ecosystems, combining connectivity with intelligent services and applications. Realising that opportunity will require technical readiness, new commercial thinking, and close cooperation with host networks.

The coming years will determine which MVNOs merely survive the 5G transition and which reinvent themselves to lead it.

In September 2022, Apple changed the game by launching the first eSIM-only iPhone in the U.S. But the groundwork had been laid years earlier. When the GSMA introduced eSIM in 2016, it promised greater flexibility, streamlined logistics, and seamless connectivity.

Yet adoption was slow—until Apple’s bold move accelerated the shift. As of 2024, 271 consumer device models support eSIM across 123 countries, with more than 440 mobile service providers, including MVNOs, on board (GSMA Intelligence, 2024).

Still, the most significant impact is yet to come. While consumer adoption has surged, the real transformation lies in the enterprise space. eSIM is set to revolutionize global mobility, workforce connectivity, and IoT deployments at scale.

In today’s increasingly digital and borderless world, enterprises face growing challenges around data privacy, security, and cost control. eSIM technology offers a solution—enabling seamless, secure global connectivity that adapts to dynamic business needs.

This shift comes at a critical time. According to the 2024 United Nations Tourism Report, international travel surged to 1.1 billion tourists in the first nine months of the year—reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels. The demand for scalable, flexible, high-performance connectivity solutions has never been higher, and traditional SIM-based models can no longer keep up.

eSIM now powers not only smartphones but also PCs, tablets, rugged devices, routers, and gateways—ensuring secure, uninterrupted connectivity across industries. From enterprise mobility to fixed wireless access (FWA), eSIM enables instant provisioning, network flexibility, and cost optimisation at scale, meeting the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.

Solutions like Ubigi for Business allow international workforces to stay productive, protected from public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, and free from excessive roaming fees and the logistical headaches of switching network operators.

By using an embedded SIM as a secondary line, both international travellers and remote employees can retain their primary local number for voice and SMS—while accessing cost-effective data plans from international MVNOs. This eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards, ensuring uninterrupted and affordable connectivity.

For global fleet managers, eSIM brings a major shift in operational efficiency. Traditional SIMs require physical replacement when switching networks—a time-consuming and costly process. eSIM eliminates this need. Fleet operators can now remotely manage and optimise connectivity across multiple regions, reducing downtime and administrative burden while maintaining consistent service.

eSIM is becoming the go-to connectivity solution

With its ability to scale effortlessly, eSIM is becoming the go-to connectivity solution across industries—from automotive and aviation to energy, logistics, and mobility. In the OEM space, the strategic partnership between NTT  and Cisco is redefining secure, cost-effective fixed wireless access in over 200 global markets. eSIM’s advantages—cost efficiency, scalability, and remote provisioning—are driving its adoption over traditional SIM cards, making it a cornerstone of next-generation IoT infrastructure.

This momentum is fueled by the rapid rollout of 5G and the evolution of connected vehicles and IoT devices. The global wireless connectivity market is booming, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.10% from 2021 to 2028.

The partnership between Transatel and Toyota in Latin America exemplifies this shift. Their collaboration is expanding Toyota’s in-vehicle digital ecosystem, enabling features like telematics, remote diagnostics, vehicle status monitoring, over-the-air updates, anti-theft solutions, and onboard Wi-Fi for infotainment.

eSIM is also a powerful tool for growth. Forward-thinking enterprises are leveraging it to launch branded mobile services, using reseller models from established operators. For MVNOs, switching from physical SIMs to eSIM brings clear advantages—centralized management platforms, over-the-air updates, faster time-to-market, and lower infrastructure costs. This enables them to unlock new revenue streams, stand out in a competitive market, and deliver greater value to customers.

 eSIM is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’. Whether reducing costs or unlocking new monetisation opportunities, it is transforming how enterprises scale, reach new markets, and create value beyond traditional connectivity.

About Jacques Bonifay

Jacques Bonifay is the CEO of Transatel (an NTT company) and President of MVNO Europe since 2012. He co-founded Transatel in 2000, growing it from a cross-border MVNO startup into a global champion in M2M and IoT connectivity, as well as an MVNO enabler.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-esim-transforming-enterprise-mobility-iot-scale/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/1-4bn-unused-phones-languishing-uk-homes-giffgaff-research/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/1-4bn-unused-phones-languishing-uk-homes-giffgaff-research/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:15:06 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/1-4bn-unused-phones-languishing-uk-homes-giffgaff-research/ Telefonica’s MVNO giffgaff reckons more than a 100 million unused devices worth a collective £14.1 billion are gathering dust in houses. Guff Gaff’s esearch indicates that, on average, each UK adult possesses at least two unused mobile devices at home, with anotherl two devices having been discarded in the bin. Despite the potential value many

Telefonica’s MVNO giffgaff reckons more than a 100 million unused devices worth a collective £14.1 billion are gathering dust in houses.

Guff Gaff’s esearch indicates that, on average, each UK adult possesses at least two unused mobile devices at home, with anotherl two devices having been discarded in the bin. Despite the potential value many end up in landfill sites.

The survey estimated the average male owned three unused handsets and discarded an additional two. Women had, on average, two unused devices and threw away two. Around 57 per cent of binned phones were actually broken or damaged and many could have been reused or recycled.

The study said the prospect of making some money was the main incentive for selling a used phone/ Environmental considerations were cited by 28 perf cent of people surve4yed. cited environmental sustainability as a motivating factor. A third of respondantswere interested in donated a phone to a good cause.

Giffgaff has a partnership with The Big Issue providing 250 refurbished phones to Big Issue vendors so they can support cashless payments for magazine purchases.

Giffgaff, CEO Ash Schofield said : “People are sitting on a significant amount of cash when finances are being hit hard. I would urge everyone to do what they can to get the maximum life out of their phone. Recycling i is great for helping people, like Big Issue vendors,benefiting not only their wallets but also the environment and communities in need.

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Their arrival follows the appointment of Richard Schafer as Group CEO last June.

“We are poised to challenge established operators. Lawrence and James, with their impressive backgrounds, are invaluable additions to our senior leadership team,” Schafer remarked.

Corbett has held various roles within the Virgin Group, including Investment Director. He has worked in in global markets, including Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, APAC, and parts of Latin America. His most recent position was as Group COO for Circles, a Singapore-based MVNO. At Lyca he will Corbett wll oversee Group Operations and P&L management for both UK and international operations.

“There is a huge growth potential at Lyca”

“There is a huge growth potential at Lyca, particularly as the business becomes more digitally oriented and capitalises on the industry move towards digital services and experiences. I look forward to helping the team deliver on the company’s potential” said Corbett.

McQuillan has more than 20 years telecoms and e-commerce experience including roles at at AOL, TalkTalk, Tesco Mobile, and the Rohlik Group in the Czech Republic. He has previously led MVNOs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and played a pivotal role in establishing Kifli, Hungary’s leading online grocer.

“I’ll be doubling-down on Lyca’s offer to customers, focussing on how the business can expand its retail footprint, drive improvements in customer experience, and further develop Lyca’s sustainability credentials by championing e-sims”, he said.

The Big Phone Store, the trading ame for Euro Communications Distribution extracted data sourced from Google Trends. To find this data, a list of 100 terms related to refurbished phones was tested using Google Search Trends and illustrates that search interest for refurbished iPhones almost doubles compared to the yearly average during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend.

There are a number of factors at play. The most obvious one is cost which makes them particularly appealing to people looking for a good deal on Cyber Monday.

Another factor is model release dates. Apple and Google release their latest phones in the months leading up to Black Friday each year. By the time the sales are in full swing, people have had a few months to contemplate their options. For many who are unsure about whether to upgrade to the latest model or not, these sales will be a deciding factor. It also gives the refurbished market a chance to catch up. After all, nobody expects to be able to buy a refurbished iPhone 15 in the weeks of its initial release.

There’s another reason refurbished iPhones might be popular over the Black Friday weekend. “Green Friday” is an eco-conscious alternative aimed at helping consumers choose sustainable products. In recent years, some major brands have launched Green Friday sales.

This yearly spike in interest in refurbished phones is part of a broader national trend

Refurbished devices are uniquely well-suited to the idea of a Green Friday sale. Consumers are used to paying a ‘green premium’ for eco-friendly products, which doesn’t allgn well with trying to find a great Black Friday deal. Refurbished phones, on the other hand, are already discounted products, and what’s more, they carry almost no carbon footprint when compared to brand new phones.”

This yearly spike in interest in refurbished phones is part of a broader national trend. In the UK, Google searches for ‘refurbished’ have grown steadily since 2008. This shift is particularly noteworthy considering that in the United States, interest in the same search term has declined over the past 15 years.Green Friday highlights both of the growing social issues that we think are also driving the growth in the refurbished phone market: the cost of living and the environment.

At the same time, consumers are getting used to the idea of refurbished devices. While only a few years ago, refurbished phones were typically regarded with suspicion, today nearly every mobile network carries its own line of pre-owned phones. Already, there are people for whom buying a refurbished phone feels just as normal as buying a pre-owned car.

As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect the capabilities and definitions of mobile providers to change in line with

Changing the Definition of Service Provider

eSIM has not only transformed how users interact with their devices, but also how they perceive a mobile service provider. eSIM technology diminishes the need for physical retail stores and customer service interactions, which have historically been essential touchpoints for mobile operators to build relationships with their customers. With the rise of eSIM, consumers may increasingly interact with device manufacturers, app stores, and other digital platforms for their connectivity needs.

These “other digital platforms” have created new revenue potential for traditional non-telcos by offering connectivity services through embedded connectivity. The only requirement for a company is to have a mobile application. If that box is checked, they can simply acquire an eSIM software development kit (SDK) and embed connectivity, enabled through eSIM, in as little as a couple of weeks.

The only requirement for a company is to have a mobile application.

This means that other businesses, such as technology companies, travel operators, hotel booking sites, or financial operators, can become mobile connectivity providers and embed roaming products directly into their applications. From a consumer perspective, it completely changes how a mobile provider is perceived — it’s no longer just a mobile operator but could be any service provider in any industry.

The adoption of eSIM technology has steadily increased over the past few years. In 2018, only 45 operators offered an eSIM service, compared to the 399 that do so today. While adoption undoubtedly has a way to go, we can already see how eSIM is impacting consumer behaviour.

While adoption has been slower than we’d have liked to see, looking at nations where eSIM penetration is high, like the US and many countries across Europe, statistics show that consumer behaviour, interactions, and attitudes toward mobile connectivity have started to change.

Switching Sides

One of the key benefits of eSIM for consumers lies in its ability to enable users to switch devices with ease. Traditionally, switching mobile devices meant physically transferring the SIM card from one phone to another, a process that was cumbersome, time-consuming, and required a lot of forward planning. With eSIM, this headache is eliminated entirely, as users can remotely activate a new device and seamlessly switch between multiple subscriptions without ever needing to handle a physical SIM card.

It’s also possible to host as many as eight eSIMs on one device. This new capability makes a huge shift in markets that have traditionally been operator-controlled, with devices tied to one mobile operator.

According to research from OpenSignal, a greater share of users switch SIM cards when using a device with an active eSIM compared to those still using physical SIM cards. For example, in Q1 of 2023, in the UK, just six per cent of all mobile users swapped or changed SIM cards, versus 24.1 per cent of those using eSIMs. In Singapore, 18.3 per cent of all users swapped their SIM at some point during the quarter, compared to 70.6 per cent of those using eSIM.

Consumers are learning about eSIM plurality and how this could benefit them in practice. Users can easily switch between operators using an optimal tariff for each situation. From a consumer perspective, this is particularly valuable when engaging in international roaming or making calls outside of their native country. It’s also possible to have two different SIM cards – one physical and an eSIM – to distinguish between work and personal life.

In this way, eSIM has made the consumer experience more flexible. Gone are the days of network lock-ins and having to make do with a costly mobile package. Consumers can do their research and select several subscriptions to suit their individual needs best.

In 2018, only 45 operators offered an eSIM service, compared to the 399 that do so today

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/esims-can-turn-many-business-mobile-services-provider/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/lyca-mobile-extends-10-year-sponsorship-partnership-west-ham-united/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/lyca-mobile-extends-10-year-sponsorship-partnership-west-ham-united/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:57:12 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/lyca-mobile-extends-10-year-sponsorship-partnership-west-ham-united/ MVNO Lyca Mobile has extended its 10-year partnership with West Ham United and now includes the club’s Women’s Team in its sponsored activities. Lyca’s activities with West Ham Mobile Cup will include the West Ham United Foundation girls’ tournament. Also, West Ham United fans will be able to purchase Lyca Mobile ‘Fan Plans’ which will

MVNO Lyca Mobile has extended its 10-year partnership with West Ham United and now includes the club’s Women’s Team in its sponsored activities.

Lyca’s activities with West Ham Mobile Cup will include the West Ham United Foundation girls’ tournament. Also, West Ham United fans will be able to purchase Lyca Mobile ‘Fan Plans’ which will give them the opportunity to win tickets, merchandise, and ‘meet the player’ experiences.

Lyca Mobile’s brand will continue to be displayed on perimeter LED signs. Richard Schäfer, Lyca Group CEO, said: “It has been gratifying to support West Ham United’s charitable initiatives in bringing opportunities to local communities and young people in East London and Essex over the past decade. I look forward to the opportunities this partnership can bring to our customers over the next few years”.

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BT Wholesale has worked with Spitfire for more than 20 years and has Elite Partner status.

The Enhanced Mobile and Spitfire Unified Network solutions will be commercially available in autumn 2023

Spitfire already provides fixed line fibre and private network connectivity, including direct access into Amazon AWS/Microsoft Azure and other cloud providers the Spitfire’s Cloud Connect solution

These connectivity services will now be expanded to include 4G voice and 4G/5G, data and IoT connectivity with Enhanced Mobile. Spitfire customers will be able to have single unified network across mobile and fixed line bypassing the public internet. Customers can specify a private APN network and have their own IP address range.

“By adding Enhanced Mobile to our service offering, we complete the jigsaw by enabling our customers and partners to benefit from easy access to one unified network solution for all of their connectivity needs. In conjunction they will continue to benefit from our experienced UK team providing the best levels of business class customer service.” said Spitire Network Services managing director Harry Bowlby,

The deal will see Lyca’s entire customer base move across to EE following a new agreement with BT Wholesale. which sells MVNO’s airtime on the EE network.

Lyca Mobile’s UK customers in the UK customer experience will get future access to services such as WiFi calling.  Lyca has been with O2 since 2009 and renewed its agreement in 2015.

Richard Schäfer, Lyca Group newly-appointed CEO, said:

“The partnership with BT Wholesale is a critical milestone in Lyca Mobile’s strategy to target a broader section of UK mobile users with cost-effective and high-quality services. Network performance has become a vital concern for mobile users I also want to thank O2 for our many years of partnership. Without their support we could not have grown into the thriving business we are today, and we will always be sincerely grateful for their leadership, innovation and collaboration” 

Alex Tempest, MD, BT Wholesale, said: “This major new MVNO deal with Lyca Mobile reflects the ongoing importance of wholesale to BT and is testament to the high quality of service we provide to customers and the strength of our EE network. Lyca Mobile customers will receive access to EE’s 4G and 5G network, which currently supports data speeds that are around four times as fast as what they received previously. We look forward to working closely with Lyca Mobile as part of this new long-term partnership and aim to provide the best mobile experience for customers.”

Earlier this year, Lyca Mobile announced a freeze on its prices until the end of 2023 and guaranteed EU roaming for customers across its plans. This will continue unchanged under its new partnership with BT Wholesale.

Schäfer (main pic) has worked in UK and international telecoms for more than 22 years and has held positions at Three UK, Vodafone UK, Onecom, as well as Lebara.

Lyca Group claims to globally have16 million customers in telecommunications, entertainment, travel, healthcare and financial services.

“As the world’s largest MVNO, we have built a loyal customer base and there is a golden opportunity to extend that base by targeting a broader value-seeking market.. We will be relentless in delivering against our three priorities of value, customer service and reliability” he said.

Subaskaran Allirajah, Lyca Group Chairman (below), added: “I am delighted to announce Richard’s appointment as Group CEO. Since joining the business, he has already had a transformational impact. He will play a critical role in the ongoing growth of the Lyca Group internationally.”