The Next Billion-Dollar Play: Why Celebs Are Launching MVNOs

What if your brand didn’t just sell merch, energy drinks, or sneakers—but something your fans use every single day?

Every fan has a mobile phone. That means every influencer, athlete, and celebrity has the opportunity to tap into one of the most powerful and consistent revenue streams available—mobile service.

The best part? The hardest work is already done.

Consumers used to think mobile service had to come from the big three—Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Not anymore. Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile is now the 4th largest provider in the U.S., proving that mobile isn’t just for traditional carriers.

Globally, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) have evolved from discount prepaid options into premium lifestyle brands, bundling exclusive content, experiences, and products to drive deeper fan engagement.

Mobile has become the next major digital platform for engagement and monetization.

And while Ryan Reynolds made headlines with Mint Mobile, he's not the only one capitalizing on this shift. The door is wide open for new players, and companies like Reach are making it easier than ever to get a front-row seat.

The Ryan Reynolds Playbook: How Mobile Became a Billion-Dollar Business

When you think of Ryan Reynolds, you probably picture Hollywood, Deadpool, and his wife, Blake Lively. But these days, Reynolds is just as well-known for his business acumen as he is for his on-screen presence.

With ventures like Aviation Gin, Maximum Effort, and Mint Mobile, it's clear that his entrepreneurial instincts are paying off.

Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), resells T-Mobile's network under its own brand, offering affordable, no-frills plans. While Mint initially gained traction with witty marketing and low-cost pricing, it was Reynolds’ involvement as owner and brand ambassador in 2019 that propelled the company forward.

Fast forward to May 2024, when T-Mobile completed its acquisition of Mint Mobile for a staggering $1.35 billion. Reynolds, who owned roughly 25% of the company, reportedly walked away with $300 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.

This raises an important question: which celebrities, athletes, and influencers are next?

Mobile isn’t just another sponsorship deal. It’s a long-term business with recurring revenue, direct fan engagement, and bundled experiences that build loyalty.

Why More Celebs Are Launching Their Own MVNOs

The industry has already shifted. Consumers trust MVNOs more than ever before, and they’re ready for more lifestyle-driven options.

Here’s why talent and influencers are making the move:
Recurring revenue (beyond one-off sponsorships)
Stronger fan engagement through direct access
Exclusive experiences that drive long-term loyalty
Bundled products & services to increase per-user revenue

So, why should you get in now?

1. Recurring Revenue – Let the Subscriptions Work for You

One-off product sales are great. But subscriptions build long-term wealth.

Fans are already paying for mobile service—so why not offer them a plan they’ll love, connected to your brand, while generating steady, recurring revenue for yourself?

This is not a sneaker drop—it’s a sustainable business model.

2. Direct Fan Engagement—No More Middlemen

Social media is rented space—algorithms change, platforms control reach, and you never truly "own" your audience.

With your own mobile brand, you have direct, uninterrupted access to fans through:

  • SMS & push notifications (no fighting social algorithms)

  • VIP events & exclusive content (delivered straight to their phones)

  • Merch & product drops (bundled into mobile plans)

3. Exclusive Experiences Build Loyalty

What’s the next best thing to getting a text from your favorite celeb? Getting a push notification from them. It’s all possible when the mobile service is your platform.

Imagine offering your fans early ticket access, behind-the-scenes content, or members-only perks—all as part of their mobile subscription. These exclusive experiences keep fans engaged and turn them into long-term customers.

4. Easy to Launch, Scale, and Monetize

The idea of launching a mobile service might sound complex—but you don’t need to build it from scratch.

That’s where Reach’s MVNO-in-a-box comes in.

With Reach, you can design, launch, and scale your own branded mobile service without dealing with the backend complexity. The infrastructure, tech, and support are already in place—you just bring your brand and audience.

So, Who’s Next?

Ryan Reynolds turned a mobile brand into a billion-dollar business. What’s stopping you?

Take the next step towards launching your own mobile service.

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