Mobile virtual network operators face consolidation threat in 2026: analysts

With the Simba-M1 merger, MVNOs could lose bargaining power and thus may have to tie up or exit

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) face a shrinking runway, as rising wholesale costs threaten to force smaller players out of the market, analysts told The Business Times.

The anticipated Simba-M1 merger is expected to help stabilise prices for consumersin an extremely competitive telco market in Singapore. However, analysts noted that the merger means that MVNOs may risk losing bargaining power as the number of host networks reduces.

MVNOs do not own network infrastructure, and so depend on mobile network operators (MNOs) such as the Simba-M1 entity, StarHub and Singtel.

Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.