MVNO Cost Guide- 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Build an MVNO? (2025 Guide)

Launching an MVNO is achievable with the right partners, scope, and plan. This guide gives founders and product leaders a pragmatic view of Lite MVNO vs Full MVNO costs, a 7‑step launch plan, a 90–180 day timeline, and the most‑asked FAQs—so you can budget with confidence and move faster.

Work with us: Cardella Consulting helps founders choose the right model, avoid costly detours, and launch on time. Go to our Home Page to book your free initial consultation, or subscribe to our newsletter to grab the MVNO Launch Readiness Checklist.

At‑a‑Glance: Lite vs Full MVNO

Lite MVNO (via MVNE/Aggregator) Full MVNO (Facilities‑Based)
One‑time to launch $100k–$400k $2M–$10M+
Monthly OPEX (early) $15k–$60k (+ usage COGS) $200k–$1M+
Timeline 90–180 days 12–24 months
Who it's for Startups & new brands Enterprise/investor‑backed

Typical MVNO Startup Costs (2025 Ranges)

Lite MVNO (via MVNE) — most founders

One‑time (setup & launch): $100k–$400k

  • MVNE setup & integrations: $50k–$250k
  • Billing/OSS/BSS licensing & config: $20k–$100k
  • SIM/eSIM provisioning (initial inventory/profiles): $10k–$75k
  • Legal/regulatory (e.g., contracts, taxes; §214 only if applicable): $5k–$30k
  • GTM (brand, site, paid launch, CRM): $25k–$150k

Monthly OPEX (0–10k subs): $15k–$60k

  • Platform/BSS & MVNE fees: $3k–$15k
  • Care (in‑house or BPO): $3k–$20k
  • Payments/fraud/tax engine/reporting: $1k–$5k
  • Tools/hosting/analytics: $1k–$3k
  • Wholesale network COGS: usage‑based; typically 30–60% of ARPU

Full MVNO (facilities‑based)

  • One‑time: $2M–$10M+ (core network, interconnect, signaling, platforms)
  • Monthly OPEX: $200k–$1M+
  • Timeline: often 12–24 months

Unit economics snapshot
ARPU example: $30 plan → COGS often $9–$18 (30–60%).
CAC: typically $50–$150 early.
Care ticket cost: $2–$6 if outsourced and well‑tooled.

The 7 Steps to Launch a Prepaid Wireless Brand 

This is a high level list and not meant to be comprehensive or inclusive of every single ting needed to launch an MVNO.  Use it as a guide. 

  1. Choose your model & partners
    Decide Lite vs Full MVNO, and whether to go direct MNO or via an MVNE. Lock target coverage, performance requirements, SLAs, and high‑level commercials.
  2. Architect the product & catalog
    Define plans, add‑ons, throttling, taxes/fees, and lifecycle rules. Align numbering strategy (new vs port‑in), SIM/eSIM mix, and activation flows.
  3. Select core platforms
    Billing/OSS/BSS, CRM, payments & fraud, tax engine/reporting, analytics, and care tooling. Confirm environments, credentials, and data contracts.
  4. Numbering & activation
    Porting flows (LOA/validation), eSIM/pSIM issuance, device compatibility/IMEI checks, and exhaustions. Prepare TCR/10DLC if messaging is in scope.
  5. Compliance & tax
    Handle terms/privacy, E911/Kari's Law/RAY BAUM's Act, taxation & remittance, and (if applicable) international §214. Engage counsel on edge cases.
  6. End‑to‑end build & testing
    Integrate storefront → checkout → payments → activation → self‑care. UAT on iOS/Android across eSIM/pSIM, payments, edge cases (failures, refunds, re‑provisioning).
  7. Launch & scale
    Soft‑launch with live care, monitor KPIs, burn down issues, and turn on paid acquisition. Enable growth loops (referrals, affiliates), retention offers, and lifecycle comms.

Realistic MVNO Launch Timeline (90–180 Days)

  • Weeks 1–4: Vendor selection, architecture, commercials, project kickoff
  • Weeks 5–10: Integrations, catalog/pricing, numbering & SIM/eSIM setup, payments/tax
  • Weeks 11–14: End‑to‑end UAT, defect burn‑down, care training, soft‑launch prep
  • Weeks 15–20: Soft launch → production hardening → paid launch

Funding note: Lite MVNOs typically launch on $500k–$2M. Full MVNOs can require $2M–$10M+ before revenue.

A Final Note-

Planning, planning, planning.  Budget for the times and resources to dedicate to planning as many aspects of your service as possible before you start vendor selection.  Having clear requirements for potential vendors saves miscommunication later in the process.  Build out financial models in advance so you can adjust the levers as new information comes in.  Everything will end up costing more and taking longer than you expected but good planning can tighten up the potential impact of those changes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum investment to start an MVNO?

For a Lite MVNO via an MVNE, most founders budget $100k–$400k to reach launch. A full MVNO with owned core can run $2M–$10M+ before revenue.

How many subscribers to break even?

It depends on ARPU, margin, and fixed OPEX. As a rule of thumb, many Lite MVNOs can break even between 5k–25k subscribers. (Example: $30 ARPU, ~40% margin, $40k fixed OPEX → a few thousand subs can cover fixed costs.)

Do I need FCC Section 214?

Pure resale MVNOs typically do not need international §214. If you plan facilities‑based international services, you may. Consult counsel for your case.

How long does a Lite MVNO take to launch?

A realistic window is 90–180 days with an MVNE, assuming timely decisions and vendor responsiveness.

What are the biggest early pitfalls?

Under‑scoping integrations and testing, unclear numbering & activation flows (eSIM/pSIM), and underestimating support and tax/reporting setup.

Free Tools for Founders

  • Download: MVNO Launch Readiness Checklist (PDF)
  • Template: Budget model (CAPEX/OPEX starter)
  • Newsletter: Monthly MVNO insights & pitfalls to avoid

After submitting the form, you'll receive the checklist instantly, plus an option to book a 30‑minute consult.

Work With Cardella Consulting

Cardella Consulting partners with founders to pick the right model, avoid unnecessary spend, and launch on time. Whether you're exploring a concept or scaling post‑launch, we bring hands‑on MVNO product and operations expertise.

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