As the telecom landscape undergoes rapid transformation, network operators are under increasing pressure to rethink their business models. Traditional revenue streams—like voice, SMS, and basic data—are either saturated or declining, while operating costs and infrastructure investments, particularly for 5G and beyond, continue to rise. To stay competitive and profitable between 2025 and 2029, operators must embrace bold new strategies that go far beyond selling connectivity. network operator revenue strategies

A new report titled “Operator Revenue Strategies: 2025–2029” from ResearchAndMarkets outlines how telcos can unlock fresh revenue streams and build long-term resilience. Based on detailed forecasts covering 60 countries and eight global regions, the report dives into the most promising paths forward—including managed services, network APIs, and flexible travel eSIM solutions.

In this article, Alertify adds its own analysis and insights to the key findings from the report, offering a closer look at how operators can pivot toward platform-based growth, capitalize on enterprise demand, and stay relevant in a hyper-connected digital economy.

. The ResearchAndMarkets analysis covers:

• 60 countries and eight world regions, with detailed segmentation by consumer vs. enterprise, various cellular technologies (2G–6G, LPWA), and services like mobile messaging, roaming, IoT, and AI-enabled solutions.
• A dual-layer product:

  • A data suite featuring interactive forecasts (e.g., subscriber penetration, ARPU, SMS/RCS usage, IoT metrics).

  • A strategic trends & recommendations document offering actionable insights and industry best practices.

Key Market Forecasts (2025–2029)

The report outlines striking growth projections through 2029:

• Total operator revenue is set to reach $1 trillion.
• The enterprise segment accounts for $348 billion.
• The consumer segment will contribute $683 billion.

• As a reference point, Juniper Research independently predicts 37 % growth in global network operator enterprise revenue over the same period.

Changing Market Dynamics

The report identifies critical market forces shaping the operator landscape:

• Slowing revenue growth in consumer markets and increasing network build-out/operational costs.
• 5G monetization remains a challenge despite heavy investment.
• High saturation in mature telecom markets requires operators to innovate.

Emerging Growth Engines

Operators are encouraged to reshape strategy around three fast-growing opportunity areas:

1. Managed & consulting services – shifting beyond connectivity into advisory roles.
2. Network APIs – enabling third-party integrations and pay-per-use network features.
3. Travel eSIM solutions – targeting roaming revenue through flexible on-device connectivity.

Managed & Consulting Services: Moving Beyond Connectivity

As traditional revenue streams plateau, telecom operators are evolving from pure connectivity providers into strategic technology partners. This shift toward managed and consulting services is a response to growing enterprise demand for end-to-end digital transformation.

Key Elements:

• Enterprise IT Integration: Operators offer bundled solutions that combine connectivity with cloud, security, and IoT services.
• Vertical Specialization: Tailored offerings for industries like healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and smart cities (e.g., private 5G networks for factories).
• Professional Services: Advisory roles in digital infrastructure design, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity.

Why it Matters:

• These services enable operators to capture higher-margin revenues.
• They foster long-term B2B relationships instead of transactional models.
• By embedding themselves into customer operations, operators reduce churn and boost ARPU.

Network APIs: Unlocking Platform-Based Monetization

Network APIs are a strategic pivot allowing operators to expose their network capabilities—like location data, device status, or QoS parameters—to external developers and enterprises.

Key Elements:

• API-as-a-Service: Operators provide programmable interfaces for third parties to integrate network functionality into apps and services.
• 5G Standalone (SA) Compatibility: Network slicing, ultra-low latency, and real-time analytics can be accessed via APIs.
• Billing Innovation: Pay-per-use or consumption-based billing allows flexible monetization.

Examples in Practice:

• Banking apps verifying user location via telecom APIs for fraud prevention.
• Ride-sharing platforms tapping into real-time congestion and network usage data.
• Gaming or AR/VR apps requesting network slices for premium user experiences.

Why it Matters:

• APIs position telcos as platform enablers, not just data pipelines.
• They open up new revenue channels from developers, tech firms, and enterprises.
• APIs support ecosystem-based growth that scales with external innovation.

Travel eSIM Solutions: Monetizing Roaming via On-Device Flexibility

Traditional roaming revenue is under pressure from OTT apps, local SIM purchases, and regulatory price caps. To counteract this, operators are embracing travel eSIMs as a more flexible, user-friendly solution. network operator revenue strategies

Key Elements:

• Instant Activation: Users can download and activate eSIMs remotely via QR code or app—no physical SIM required.
• Multi-country Packs: eSIMs can include regional or global data bundles, reducing complexity for travelers.
• White-Label & Wholesale Options: Operators can resell eSIMs through partners or power third-party travel apps and platforms.

Use Cases:

• Frequent flyers switching between plans in different regions.
• Travel agencies are bundling connectivity with holiday packages.
• Corporate travel managers offer staff global roaming packages.

Why it Matters:

• eSIMs reduce the costs of physical distribution and logistics.
• They improve the customer experience, leading to higher retention and conversion.
• Operators can compete with global eSIM players (e.g., Airalo, GigSky, Airhub) by offering localized, branded alternatives.

Future Outlook & Regional Nuances

• The report dives deep into future mobile subscription and revenue outlook, broken down by region and technology (from 4G to 6G, LPWA).
• It provides a globe-spanning analysis of ARPU trends, SMS/RCS growth, enterprise vs. consumer splits, and cellular IoT connections/revenue—regionally and by usage type.

Strategic Recommendations

• Adopt new revenue models: Network-as-a-Service, API monetisation, vertical-specific managed services.
• Accelerate digital transformation: Use AI, analytics, and automation to offset rising ownership costs.
• Prioritise enterprise & IoT growth: Enterprise and industrial verticals (e.g., private 5G, cellular IoT) are expected to gain increased revenue share.
• Rethink roaming: eSIM and RCS are emerging travel-centric revenue sources.

Summary about network operator revenue strategies

Between 2025 and 2029, network operators globally will generate approximately $1 trillion in revenue, with strong enterprise and consumer growth projected. However, to overcome saturation and rising costs, operators must transition toward platform-centric models, leverage digital tools & analytics, and innovate in areas like managed services, network APIs, and travel eSIMs.