- Travel eSIM revenue expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2025
- Smaller providers are driving innovation through agile and digital eSIM solutions
- Mobile operators face increasing 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.
According to Juniper Research, mobile network operators are preparing to launch more travel eSIM services as competition intensifies in the telecommunications industry.
The move is seen as an effort to protect roaming revenues and prevent third-party providers from taking a bigger share of the rapidly growing international connectivity market.
Rapid growth in travel eSIM market
The study reveals that revenue from integrated travel SIM (eSIM) card packages is expected to reach $1.8 billion by the end of 2025, an increase of 85% compared to 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 smaller businesses to offer travel eSIM services without the need for large-scale infrastructure.
Typically, the best eSIMs for international travel come from agile digital providers rather than traditional mobile operators, although this may change as larger players enter the space.
Juniper Research predicts that by 2026, many mobile operators will introduce their own travel eSIM solutions alongside 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 sphere, it will be critical in 2026 for operators to launch their own travel eSIM services to compete and retain as much mobile roaming revenue as possible,” said Molly Gatford, senior research analyst at Juniper Research.
While eSIM technology promises flexibility, it also challenges established business models.
Mobile networks face pressure to compete on price, performance and additional features to convince travelers that their versions offer the best options.
However, with numerous competitors offering specific regional plans in large markets, including the best eSIM for Europe and the best eSIM for Asia, it remains uncertain whether larger operators will be able to match the adaptability of smaller providers.
Operators see opportunity in the growing market, but the ease of entry means new competitors can emerge quickly.
For consumers, this rivalry could drive down prices and improve global connectivity, but telecommunications providers must offer reliable and profitable services to succeed.
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