Table of Contents
- The IoT Growth in Near Future & the MVNO Opportunity
- Understanding the IoT Connectivity Spectrum for MVNOs
- How IoT Connectivity Can Help MVNOs Grow
- Key Strategies for MVNOs to Capitalize on IoT in 2025
- Challenges in the IoT MVNO Space
- How does Spenza Empower MVNOs in the IoT Space?
- Case Study: Spenza helped Butlr Scale to Deploy Smart IoT Devices
- How Spenza Empowers MVNOs in the IoT Space?
- The Future of IoT for MVNOs: Trends to Watch Beyond 2025
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The IoT Growth in the Near Future & the MVNO Opportunity
The IoT market is growing fast—it will be worth nearly $2.95 trillion in 2024 and is expected to cross $17 trillion by 2037 7, according to research firm Nester. Every day, millions of smart devices connect across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and smart cities.
This surge is driven by 5G, AI, edge computing, and rapid tech innovation. While traditional Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have powered IoT connectivity, MVNOs are now stepping in.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are cost-effective, flexible, and built to scale—exactly what IoT may need. With the MVNO market set to hit $14 billion by 2032, this space offers a major growth opportunity.
In this article, we’ll examine how MVNOs can capitalize on the IoT boom and lead the next wave of connected innovation.
What will you gain from this article?
- A clear understanding of why IoT is a major growth opportunity for MVNOs in 2025 and beyond.
- Insights into the key connectivity technologies power IoT, from NB-IoT to 5G and eSIM.
- Real-world examples of how MVNOs successfully launch and scale in the IoT space.
- A breakdown of the industries where MVNOs can offer high-value, niche IoT solutions.
- Practical guidance on how Spenza helps MVNOs build, manage, and grow their IoT businesses.
Understanding the IoT Connectivity Spectrum for MVNOs
MVNOs lease network capacity from traditional telecom providers (MNOs) and resell it with their own pricing, services, and specializations. To fully understand how MVNOs enable IoT connectivity, it helps to look at the different types of connectivity they can offer.
| Technology | Best For | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) |
Low-power, low-data devices like smart meters, leak sensors | Licensed spectrum, deep indoor coverage | Low power, wide coverage, low cost | Low data rates, not ideal for mobile devices |
| LTE-M (LTE for Machines) |
Mobile or real-time IoT devices like wearables, vehicle trackers | Mobility, voice + SMS, low latency | Supports moving devices, faster than NB-IoT | Higher power use, inconsistent coverage |
| LoRaWAN | Long-range, low-data apps in rural/remote areas | Unlicensed spectrum, separate gateways | Ultra-low power, no carrier required | Lower security, not suitable for high-data apps |
| 5G | Data-heavy, low-latency use (e.g., AR/VR, smart factories) | High bandwidth, real-time, massive connections | Ultra-fast, high density, future-ready | Expensive, battery-heavy, limited availability |
| eSIM | Global deployments, dynamic carrier switching | Remote provisioning, reprogrammable SIM | Seamless roaming, fast onboarding | Requires compatible devices, some carrier limitations |
How IoT Connectivity Can Help MVNOs Grow?
The world of connected devices is expanding fast, and MVNOs are in the perfect spot to grow. Here’s how getting into IoT can help them scale and stand out.
1. Smarter Pricing, Lower Costs
Most IoT devices use very little data, but companies usually connect thousands. This gives MVNOs a chance to buy data in bulk at better rates. They can then pass on the savings by offering flexible plans like pay-as-you-go or shared bundles. Customers get more value, and MVNOs stay competitive.
2. Simpler Network Management
With so many devices out there, managing connectivity can get tricky. MVNOs can use smart tools to handle everything in one place—from tracking SIMs/eSIMs and switching networks to solving issues quickly. That means fewer outages and better service for their customers.
3. Going Beyond Just Data
MVNOs don’t have to stop selling data. They can add services like device tracking, usage reports, or security updates. These extras help customers get more out of their devices—and give MVNOs a real edge over competitors offering basic plans.
4. Reaching Hard-to-Connect Areas
Not every device is in a city. Some are on farms, in remote towns, or out at sea. MVNOs can serve these places by mixing cellular coverage with other options like satellite or long-range radio. This helps them support industries like agriculture, logistics, and maritime—where others can’t reach.
5. New Ways to Make Money
MVNOs can build lasting customer relationships by selling data and offering setup support, tech help, or insights into device usage. These services turn one-time users into long-term customers and add new revenue streams.
Key Strategies for MVNOs to Capitalize on IoT in 2025
Now that you know how IoT connectivity can help MVNO, you know IoT is a real business opportunity for MVNOs. But tapping into this growing market takes more than offering SIM cards. MVNOs need a clear game plan that helps them stand out, offer real value, and build long-term success.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step blueprint for how MVNOs can successfully break into and grow in the IoT space.
1. Start by Finding the Right Niche
Not all IoT use cases are the same. Each industry has different needs, from the type of devices used to how much data is required. Instead of trying to serve everyone, MVNOs should pick specific verticals where they can offer focused value.
Some high-potential sectors include:
- Smart Cities: Connect lighting systems, traffic control, parking sensors, and public safety devices.
- Industrial IoT: Support sensors in factories, supply chains, and machinery for real-time monitoring and automation.
- Healthcare: Enable remote monitoring devices, wearable trackers, and connected hospital tools.
- Logistics & Fleet: Track vehicle locations, temperatures, and delivery performance across borders.
- Agriculture: Connect soil sensors, irrigation systems, and livestock monitors in rural areas.
The key is to research pain points in these industries and offer solutions that fit their unique needs.
2. Build a Complete IoT Package
Selling data alone won’t cut it. Businesses today are looking for end-to-end solutions, tools that can manage their devices and data easily.
MVNOs can create ready-to-use packages that include:
- Connectivity: Tailored data plans that match the usage patterns of IoT devices (e.g., low-data sensors vs. high-data video devices).
- Device Management: Dashboards to monitor, activate, or deactivate devices remotely.
- Security: Tools to protect customer data, ensure privacy, and prevent cyber threats.
- Analytics: Real-time insights that help customers track usage, detect issues early, or improve efficiency.
Offering these bundled services can turn MVNOs into trusted partners.
3. Partner to Build a Strong Ecosystem
MVNOs don’t have to do everything alone. Partnering with the right players can speed up time to market, lower costs, and expand capabilities.
Here’s who to team up with:
- Device Manufacturers: Work with IoT hardware makers to offer pre-connected devices.
- Software Providers: Integrate with platforms that handle analytics, dashboards, or device data.
- System Integrators: These are the companies that bring together hardware, software, and services for the end customer that are essential for bigger projects.
- Connectivity Platforms: Partner with platforms like Spenza, which help with SIM/eSIM provisioning, cost tracking, and billing automation.
Together, this ecosystem allows MVNOs to launch faster, scale better, and support more use cases across industries.
4. Choose the Right Business Model
Once you’ve defined the niche and offering, it’s time to think about how you’ll price and sell it. The right model makes your business sustainable while giving customers flexibility.
Here are a few options:
- Pay-as-You-Go: Great for startups or businesses with fluctuating usage pay only for what they use.
- Tiered Subscriptions: Offer packages by usage (e.g., 100MB/month, 500MB/month) or number of devices.
- Revenue Sharing: In some partnerships, you can co-brand services and split the earnings with hardware or software partners.
- White-Label Reselling: Let businesses rebrand and resell your IoT service as their own.
Your pricing strategy should reflect both customer value and operational cost. Keep it simple, clear, and scalable. Refer to this article to understand this topic in detail.
MVNOs already have a head start in flexibility and affordability, by following key steps mentioned above, they can turn the IoT wave into long-term growth.
Challenges in the IoT MVNO Space
While IoT offers big opportunities, it’s not all smooth sailing. MVNOs entering this space need to be ready for a few bumps along the way.
1. Managing Lots of Devices at Scale
IoT setups can start with a few sensors and grow into tens of thousands across multiple countries. These devices come in all types, and keeping them connected smoothly is no small job. Without a solid system to manage everything in real time, things can spiral out of control.
2. Keeping Data Safe and Private
Security is a big deal. Customers want to know their data is protected, especially with strict privacy rules across different regions. MVNOs need the right tools like encryption and real-time threat monitoring—to secure things and build trust.
3. Reliable Service Is a Must
Some IoT use cases such as hospital equipment or factory machines can’t afford downtime. The connection has to work, no matter what. MVNOs need reliable tools to spot problems early, reroute traffic, and keep things running without hiccups.
4. Standing Out in a Busy Market
With more MVNOs entering the IoT space, the market is getting crowded. Simply offering cheap data isn’t enough. To win, MVNOs must deliver real value, like custom plans, industry-specific tools, and hands-on support that bigger providers often overlook.
Building these capabilities from scratch takes time, money, and deep expertise, and not every MVNO has that luxury. That’s where Spenza comes in.
Spenza is designed to make life easier for MVNOs. We give you everything you need: connectivity tools, billing and cost tracking, SIM and eSIM management, real-time analytics, and ready-to-use apps. With Spenza, MVNOs can focus on what matters most: launching faster, scaling smarter, and staying ahead of the curve.
How does Spenza Empower MVNOs in the IoT Space?
Spenza is built from the ground up to help MVNOs thrive in the fast-moving world of IoT. With its operator-neutral platform, Spenza simplifies IoT connectivity and makes it easy for businesses to launch, manage, and grow their own branded mobile services without the overhead of running a full telecom network.
At its core, Spenza acts like the “Stripe + Shopify for connectivity,” giving MVNOs everything they need to market quickly, from SIM and eSIM provisioning to billing tools, APIs, and white-label apps.
One of Spenza’s biggest strengths is its support for modern IoT technologies like NB-IoT and LTE-M—networks designed specifically for low-power, data-light devices. Whether you’re a business rolling out smart meters, trackers, or medical wearables, Spenza helps MVNOs deliver tailored, low-cost connectivity that matches each use case.
For companies looking to carve out a niche in the IoT/M2M space, Spenza fills a big market gap. Its platform makes it possible to create industry-specific MVNO offerings. Whether you’re targeting kids’ wearables, fleet management, connected vending, or international travel eSIMs, we have the service for you. You don’t need to build the backend infrastructure or negotiate with dozens of carriers. Spenza takes care of that.
In addition, with tools like a global connectivity marketplace, real-time analytics, cost tracking, and lifecycle automation, Spenza helps MVNOs run their operations smarter. From scaling a few hundred SIMs to tens of thousands, the platform grows with your needs.
Case Study: Spenza helped Butlr Scale to Deploy Smart IoT Devices
Butlr is a growing technology company that builds smart, privacy-focused thermal sensors. Their main product, Heatic 2+, helps businesses track occupancy and movement in offices, retail stores, senior living spaces, and smart buildings without using cameras. It’s a simple, effective way to gain people’s insights while respecting privacy.
As Butlr expanded into global markets like the U.S., U.K., and France, staying connected across borders became challenging. Managing different data plans, providers, and telecom costs in each country took time and created unnecessary complexity. And with real-time data flowing from thousands of devices, unlimited plans weren’t always cost-effective.
Spenza gave Butlr a single platform to manage all their mobile connectivity needs. With one dashboard, they could see where their data was going, track usage across countries, and switch to plans that better fit their actual needs.
What Changed with Spenza
- Lower Costs: By ditching unlimited plans that weren’t fully used, Butlr cut down on telecom expenses.
- Simplified Management: No more juggling between different carriers and spreadsheets—Spenza brought it all into one place.
- Better Insights: Real-time reports helped the team make smarter choices about plans and usage.
- Scalable Setup: As Butlr rolls out new devices and enters new markets, its connectivity setup is ready to grow.
Now, Butlr spends less time dealing with telecom logistics and more time focusing on what they do best—building smart, privacy-first tech for the future of connected spaces. Spenza made it easy for them to stay in control, even as their operations scaled globally.
The Future of IoT for MVNOs: Trends to Watch Beyond 2025
As we look beyond 2025, the IoT landscape is expanding fast, and MVNOs are in a strong position to lead. With billions of devices coming online, businesses need flexible, secure, and scalable connectivity. Here’s how MVNOs can stay ahead in this evolving space.
Surge in Connected Devices
IoT connections are expected to exceed 75 billion devices globally. Industries like logistics, healthcare, and smart cities are driving this surge. MVNOs can serve these markets with affordable, scalable connectivity that adapts as deployments grow.
eSIM Becomes the New Standard
eSIMs simplify global connectivity by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. MVNOs that support remote provisioning and multi-carrier switching will offer a major advantage to IoT businesses that operate across borders.
Rise of IoT-Focused MVNOs
New MVNOs are emerging with one goal—serving IoT use cases. These providers offer custom plans for smart devices in sectors like agriculture, fleet tracking, and industrial automation. Their niche focus enables faster deployment and more value-added services.
Security Takes Center Stage
With more devices online, protecting data and preventing breaches is a top concern. MVNOs must offer secure onboarding, encrypted communication, and real-time threat detection. Platforms like Spenza already provide this level of built-in security and compliance.
Sustainability Drives Smarter Connectivity
Energy-efficient devices and smarter network usage are becoming priorities. MVNOs that offer low-power connectivity and help optimize resource consumption will meet the rising demand for greener tech. Tools like Spenza help monitor usage and reduce overhead to support sustainable growth.
MVNOs that keep pace with these trends, with their in-office operations or with the help of platforms like Spenza, will become key players in powering the future of connected devices.
Conclusion
The IoT market in 2025 is bigger and more promising than ever. With billions of connected devices, rising demand across industries, and the growing need for flexible, global connectivity—MVNOs are perfectly positioned to take the lead.
The opportunities are massive, from eSIM technology and edge-powered networks to specialized, niche IoT services. But success won’t come from waiting. Now is the time for MVNOs to move strategically, build smarter offerings, focus on real customer needs, and scale confidently.
Spenza is here to help you do just that. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to grow your IoT MVNO business, Spenza gives you the tools to launch, manage, and scale, all from a single platform.
FAQs
Ready to transform your connectivity operations from a cost center into a competitive advantage? Schedule a free demo with Spenza today.
