Mobile roaming data refers to the ability to use your mobile phone to access data services, such as internet browsing, email, social media, and apps while traveling outside of your home network’s coverage area. When you roam, your device connects to a foreign network, and the mobile operator charges you for using its services. New research from roaming experts Kaleido Intelligence forecasts that combined wholesale and retail roaming revenues generated by consumer, travel eSIM, and IoT mobile connections will exceed €46.8 billion in 2027. This growth represents a 32% increase compared to 2024 levels.

This surge will be driven by rising data roaming activity, primarily fuelled by consumers transitioning to 5G roaming services and increasing inbound roaming traffic from travel eSIM usage. This anticipated expansion in both consumer and IoT roaming data usage is projected to soar by 73%, reaching over 10,500 petabytes in 2027.

Kaleido’s latest Mobile Roaming Data Hub 2024 predicts that IoT roaming wholesale revenues will grow more rapidly from 2027 onwards, driven by the ongoing adoption of BCE (Billing and Charging Evolution) and access-based charging models by service providers. In the near term, these factors will drive a 45% increase in IoT roaming wholesale revenues by 2027, compared to 2024 levels.

5G Consumer & IoT Roaming Connections to Approach 1 Billion in 2027

The research found that 5G roaming is available in more than 110 international markets, with over 200 operators supporting it. Deployments continue to rely on 5G NSA (non-standalone) network modes, utilising existing 4G infrastructure.

Kaleido’s Chief Analyst Nitin Bhas commented:

“While 5G SA (standalone) roaming is expected in 2025, varied operator strategies, including a more immediate focus on 5G NSA, are shaping the current landscape. The adoption of 5G NSA roaming by consumers is set to push active 5G roaming connections to nearly 1 billion by 2027, while 5G SA’s advanced capabilities will address growing demand in key IoT sectors such as automotive in the years that follow.”

Travel eSIMs to Contribute $6 Billion+ in Wholesale Revenues to Operators

Kaleido’s research found that travel eSIM adoption is set to accelerate with growing consumer awareness, driven by digital marketing, partnerships, and smartphone integration, projecting over 3 billion eSIM-enabled smartphones by 2027. This growth will create a $6 billion wholesale roaming revenue opportunity for mobile operators through inbound travel eSIM data traffic.

As operators increasingly adopt new billing models and network strategies, the line between traditional roaming and emerging technologies will continue to blur. The convergence of consumer demand for faster, more reliable connectivity and the need for industries to keep up with IoT innovations will reshape the mobile roaming landscape, opening new revenue streams and setting the stage for the next wave of mobile connectivity.

Roaming data charges can be high, especially when traveling internationally. There are various options to manage roaming data costs, including:

1. Roaming Packs: Mobile carriers often offer data roaming bundles that can help reduce the cost of using data abroad.
2. Local SIM Cards: Purchasing a SIM card from a local provider in the destination country can often offer cheaper data rates than roaming.
3. eSIM: For travelers who need flexibility and want to avoid physical SIM cards, eSIM allows you to switch between carriers or activate data plans remotely without needing to change physical SIM cards.
4. Global Roaming Plans: Some operators provide international roaming plans with data coverage across multiple countries, which can help reduce the unpredictability of costs.
5. Wi-Fi Calling: Some networks allow you to use Wi-Fi for calls and messages, helping to reduce roaming costs for communication.

For frequent travelers, exploring these options and managing roaming settings on your device can help avoid excessive charges.

About Kaleido Intelligence

Kaleido Intelligence is a specialist consulting and market research firm with a proven track record of delivering telecom research at the highest level. Kaleido Intelligence is the leading research company addressing mobile roaming and connectivity services in its entirety, covering industry-leading market insights, data forecasts, historical viewpoints, competitive intelligence, and operator market surveys.