Travel eSIM Implementation Strategy for Mobile Operators

Building on Part One's strategic foundation, this analysis dives deeper into proven implementation approaches that transform silent roamers into active revenue generators.

The travel eSIM landscape has reached a critical inflection point. Fresh data from Kaleido Intelligence and Telna’s comprehensive 2025 Travel Connectivity Survey of 5,000 international travelers reveals both the scale of the silent roamer challenge and the unprecedented opportunity it represents for forward-thinking operators.

With 39% of travelers describing themselves as silent roamers and 80% expressing interest in travel eSIM solutions, operators who act decisively can capture significant market share from the growing $20 billion travel connectivity market while traditional players hesitate.

For MNOs, the key to success could be in emulating the strategies of newer Travel eSIM brands.

Table of Contents

• What Travel eSIM Brands Get Right, and How MNOs Can Match Them

  1. They've Turned Distribution Into A Product-Led Experience 

  2. They’re Built For Global Value, Not Domestic Scale 

  3. They speak to their painpoints

• Implementation Strategies to Convert Silent Roamers at Scale

  1. Master Trigger-Based Timing to Capture High-Intent Moments

  2. Create Integrated App Experiences That Keep Customers in Your Ecosystem

  3. Build Loyalty Programs That Reward Travel Connectivity Usage

  4. Implement Transparent Pricing That Eliminates Fear

  5. Form Strategic Partnerships That Expand Your Reach

• Which Travel eSIM Model Fits Your Business Best?

  Model 1: Launch your Travel eSIM Solution

  Model 2: Enhance Retail Roaming Offering 

  Model 3: Partnership-Led Approach

• Transform Silent Roamers Into Your Biggest Growth Engine

What Travel eSIM Brands Get Right,

and How MNOs Can Match Them

Digital-first Travel eSIM startups are changing how customers experience roaming by delivering seamless, flexible connectivity that raises the bar for everyone.

This opens exciting opportunities for MNOs to evolve and deliver smarter, more user-friendly connectivity.

Here’s what’s working in the market:

1. They've Turned Distribution Into A Product-Led Experience

For years, SIM distribution followed the same routine: visit a store, swap plastic, enter codes, or call support. That model wasn’t designed for travelers and it certainly wasn’t designed for smartphones.

Travel eSIM providers made buying and activating connectivity feel like using a modern app that only requires a few taps and a clear plan for an instant activation.

This shift in experience is exactly why travelers are choosing eSIM. 33% of silent roamers avoid roaming to prevent bill shock, and 29% prefer relying on WiFi. 

This is where Telna comes in.

Through Telna Connect, operators can integrate eSIM provisioning, plan activation, usage controls, and app-based bundles into their own platforms delivering the same seamless UX travelers already expect.

2. They’re Built For Global Value, Not Domestic Scale

Most traditional MNOs were built to serve national markets where roaming is an add-on, not the core product.

Travel eSIM providers turned that around. Their offers are designed for people crossing borders, not staying in them. They package connectivity for global movement: one eSIM, many countries, transparent rates, no hidden fees. And they do it without owning infrastructure, riding on top of existing networks, but delivering a totally different experience.

Think of them as the AirBnB of mobile data: they don’t own the towers, but they own the customer relationship.

With Telna, you can compete globally without the overhead of building and managing individual agreements. With:

• 300+ bilateral deals
• 800+ network access points
• Cellular connectivity in 200+ countries
• 30+ IMSIs

Find out more about your new global network.

3. They speak to their painpoints

Traditional roaming models are often complex, expensive, and unclear. Travelers know this and they’ve found simpler alternatives.

That’s why digital-first eSIM brands lead with what users actually care about:

• Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
• Prepaid control eliminating billing surprises
• Fast activation from anywhere in the world
• Easy top-ups and cancellations

While pricing remains the top barrier to roaming for 24% of travelers, it’s not the only reason why they are switching to alternatives. Customers care about ease of use as well as being in control of their spend.

Telna enables operators to match this level of simplicity. Through its platform, MNOs can offer prepaid-first bundles, usage tracking, and dynamic controls that remove billing confusion and build trust.

When users can activate data instantly, monitor spend in real time, and top up when they want, they’re far less likely to jump to a third-party app.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison that explains the differences between the traditional roaming model and modern eSIM strategies better:

If you’re leading a roaming strategy at an MNO, simply tweaking your product wouldn't cut it. Your strategy has to re-define how your brand connects with modern travelers because you are no longer competing on network coverage alone.

You’re being measured against digital-first experiences that's fast, clear, and built around the user. And with the right partner like Telna, you can lead the tide.

Implementation Strategies

to Convert Silent Roamers at Scale

1: Master Trigger-Based Timing to Capture High-Intent Moments

When travelers buy connectivity matters just as much as what they buy. The survey data reveals critical timing opportunities.

The pre-departure window is golden: Over half of travelers secure their data plan before they even leave, with 37% purchasing a few days before departure and 15% immediately after booking. These early moments are high-intent, high-opportunity touchpoints where conversion rates are highest.

Advanced Detection and Engagement Methods:

• Travel booking API integration: Trigger eSIM offers within 24 hours of flight/hotel bookings
• Calendar sync automation: Detect international travel events and send pre-departure offers
• Location + behavior analysis: Identify users connected abroad but not using roaming services
• Airport geofencing: Real-time eSIM activation offers when users arrive at international terminals.

By mastering this pre-departure timing, operators can drive more activations, reduce silent roaming, and turn timing precision into a competitive edge.

2. Create Integrated App Experiences

That Keep Customers in Your Ecosystem

Travelers want one place to manage their connectivity that doesn't require toggling between apps. They want an app that gives them clear options they can activate in seconds.

Integration Best Practice:

• Bring roaming and eSIM offers into the same app experience. Let users choose what fits their trip, all in one tap.
• Make switching between plans simple, especially mid-journey when timing matters most.
• Add value with curated bundles like local data, travel perks, or loyalty rewards.

When everything works together, customers stay longer and spend more.

3. Build Loyalty Programs

That Reward Travel Connectivity Usage

“Silent roamers” often feel disconnected from their home MNO’s ecosystem once abroad, making them vulnerable to switching.

To combat this, MNOs can launch targeted loyalty programs like:

• Travel-specific rewards: Points or discounts tied to international connectivity usage
• Destination-based perks: Special offers based on where customers travel
• Frequency benefits: Escalating rewards for regular international travelers
• Partnership rewards: Hotel upgrades, airline miles, or travel insurance bundled with eSIM plans

Use travel history and destination preferences to create targeted offers that feel relevant rather than generic.

4. Implement Transparent Pricing That Eliminates Fear

Price transparency removes the biggest barrier to roaming adoption.

The data shows clear price sensitivity thresholds:

• simple plans like daily rates or usage-based bundles that are easy to understand.
• Add roaming calculators to your app or site so users can check costs before they fly.
• Make sure terms are visible, not buried in fine print.

When customers know what to expect, they’re far more likely to activate.

5. Form Strategic Partnerships That Expand Your Reach

Rather than competing head-on with travel eSIM providers in every channel, smart partnerships can accelerate market entry and customer acquisition. For example:

• Launch white-label eSIM offers under your brand, powered by an expert enabler.
• Bundle connectivity with flights, hotel bookings, or travel insurance.
• Integrate eSIM options into apps your customers already use.

Telna makes these models easy to deploy, so you stay in control while tapping into new channels. Want to see how operators are already doing this?

Watch the webinar replay to learn how MNOs are turning silent roamers into loyal customers with the help of flexible platforms and smart partnerships.

Which Travel eSIM Model Fits Your Business Best?

Whether you want to launch big or test small, there’s more than one way to build a successful travel eSIM strategy. Here are three models mobile operators are using today to drive new revenue, reduce silent roaming, and stay competitive.

Model 1: Launch your Travel eSIM Solution

In simpler terms, this model means launching your own travel eSIM offering for your customers and new outbound roamers. You control everything from pricing and network prioritization to design and delivery.
 
The good news is you don’t need to build it all yourself. With Telna’s infrastructure, you can launch quickly, tap into global coverage, and still deliver a seamless, branded experience.

Best for: Large operators with strong digital presence and significant outbound travel customer base.

Model 2: Enhance Retail Roaming Offering

Add travel connectivity as a perk for your most engaged users. It’s a simple way to grow roaming usage while deepening customer loyalty.

You can build this into your loyalty tiers, membership plans, or bundled offers. Telna makes this easy to do across multiple markets without the complexity of custom development.

Best for: Operators focused on customer retention and ARPU growth among high-value segments.

Model 3: Partnership-Led Approach

Focus on cross-sell and partnership opportunities rather than standalone travel eSIM services. Integrate travel connectivity into existing customer touchpoints and third-party channels.

Best for: Smaller operators or those wanting to test market demand with minimal risk.

Transform Silent Roamers Into

Your Biggest Growth Engine

With the right model and the right partner, MNOs can move fast, stay competitive, and create travel eSIM experiences customers actually want to use.

Want to see how others are making it work?

Telna joined Kaleido Intelligence for the 2025 Travel eSIM Webinar Series, alongside leaders from e&, Rakuten Mobile, and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH). The sessions covered:

• How to convert silent roamers into active users
• Real-world Travel eSIM strategies MNOs are already using
• Common barriers and how to move past them
• Steps to build your eSIM roadmap right now.

Watch the webinar replay here to get inspired and plan your next steps.

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