It’s not business as usual for roaming.
Travel volumes have rebounded to levels even higher than pre-pandemic years, yet roaming revenues are staying in the slow lane. Why? Because travelers have discovered a better way. They’re bypassing traditional networks entirely, and third-party eSIM players are stepping in to meet their needs.
Indeed, it is truly travel eSIM’s time to shine. With most devices shipping eSIM-ready by default, and travelers keen to avoid high roaming charges, adoption is accelerating fast.
Yet, many operators are still sitting on the sidelines of the eSIM revolution.
At Telna, we see a different path forward. One where MNOs and MVNOs take back control, re-engage silent roamers and carve out new growth from the travel connectivity boom.
That’s why we’re joining the Travel eSIM Webinar Series 2025 to help MNOs shift from passive observers to active participants in the next phase of roaming.
Why the Roaming Model Isn’t Keeping Up
Pricing drives the fundamental move away from traditional roaming models.
Early data from Kaleido’s 2025 Travel Connectivity Market Outlook reveals the scale of this pricing gap. The average travel eSIM spend per trip hovers around $12 versus $46 for roaming. This $34 difference consistently pushes travelers towards alternative providers or forces them into Wi-Fi-only behavior abroad. It quickly adds up. Over 37% of providers report that more than half of their roaming customers stay silent during international trips.
Once travelers make the switch, they rarely look back. They experience hassle-free digital setup and enjoy substantial savings. It's a one-way street that traditional roaming struggles to compete with.
A Smarter Travel eSIM Strategy for MNOs and MVNOs
The instinct is to treat eSIM as competition, but that perspective misses the larger opportunity. Travel eSIMs offer a chance for both MNOs and MVNOs to modernize their international offerings and recapture lost revenue streams.
The right approach helps operators achieve three crucial goals:
- Deliver effortless digital onboarding that rivals any third-party experience
- Offer smart, corridor-specific pricing that makes sense for travelers
- Keep customers in your ecosystem, instead of losing them to competitors
Critically, Telna’s wholesale eSIM platform lets MNOs and MVNOs launch fast, stay lean, and monetize globally without the overhead of legacy roaming infrastructure.
Your Next Step: Join the Industry Conversation
Telna is proud to join Kaleido Intelligence for this year’s Travel eSIM Webinar Series on 17 and 24th June. You’ll be learning alongside industry leaders from e&, Rakuten Mobile, and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH). We’re diving deep into the latest travel connectivity developments that are reshaping our market.
Here’s what we’ll unpack together:
- How to convert the silent roamers telecom operators are losing today
- Real-world travel eSIM strategies for MNOs
- The barriers holding operators back, and how to move past them
- Actionable steps to stay ahead
If you’re asking yourself “How do I build an eSIM for travel strategy as an MNO?”, this is the place to start. And if your current roadmap isn’t moving fast enough, this is the motivation you need.
Register now to understand where the eSIM market is heading and position your business for sustainable growth.
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