Why So Many Celebrities Are Launching Their Own Mobile Networks

Mobile phone carriers used to be the domain of massive telecom corporations. But recently, a curious shift has taken place: celebrities are jumping into the mobile game with networks of their own. What began as a niche venture has quickly become a growing trend, as well-known figures like Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, and even Donald Trump Jr. tie their personal brands to phone service.

This shift isn’t about reinventing the mobile industry — it’s about leveraging fame and tech convenience to reach loyal fans with new kinds of offerings. And the strategy is working.

The Rise of Celebrity Mobile Networks

From luxury skincare lines to tequila brands, celebrities are no strangers to branching out. But mobile networks? That’s relatively new territory — and one they’re stepping into with purpose. These new services aren’t building towers or installing cables. Instead, they operate as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), meaning they rent bandwidth from major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.

So while it might look like these stars are creating entire mobile empires from scratch, what they’re actually doing is partnering with existing infrastructure and layering their brand on top.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Instagram | nichael.bluth | Comedians Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett launched SmartLess Mobile.

A few key reasons:

Lower loyalty to major carriers – Consumers care more about their phone brand than their carrier. If switching carriers is easy, they’re open to better deals or familiar faces.

eSIM tech simplifies switching – No physical SIM cards needed. Consumers can switch carriers right from their phone settings.

Business tools make it easier to run MVNOs – Services like billing, customer support, and eSIM distribution are now turnkey solutions. This makes launching a network quicker and more cost-effective.

These shifts make it much easier for public figures and businesses to start networks with minimal overhead and risk.

Celebrity Mobile Brands Grabbing Attention

Some of the biggest examples in the space are turning heads — not just because of who’s behind them, but also because of what they offer.

Trump Mobile

Launched in June, Trump Mobile is the latest to hit the scene. The service promotes itself as an alternative to the “big three,” offering unlimited talk, text, and data (with reduced speeds after 20GB) for $47.45/month. Extras like telehealth and roadside assistance are included — signaling a push toward value-based perks for subscribers.

Donald Trump Jr. said at the launch that underserved tech users were part of the brand’s focus. The strategy? Capture a specific audience with loyalty to the Trump name, and offer a utility product that feels aligned with their identity.

SmartLess Mobile

Comedians Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett launched SmartLess Mobile, named after their podcast. Their angle: affordable, capped data plans. Since most users are on Wi-Fi the majority of the time, the idea is to offer cheaper mobile plans that cover essential use without wasting money on data you don’t need.

Mint Mobile

Perhaps the best-known celebrity MVNO is Mint Mobile, thanks to “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds. He bought into the company in 2019 and became its public face, driving viral ads and clever marketing. T-Mobile acquired the brand in 2023 for $1.35 billion, a strong signal that the celebrity-fronted MVNO model has legs.

Is the MVNO Model Working?

t-mobile.com | MVNOs are quietly advancing in the U.S. market, currently ruled by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Yes — and the numbers show it. While Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile still dominate the U.S. market, MVNOs are quietly gaining ground, especially with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) customers. According to Opensignal, these smaller networks are keeping more customers than they lose — something the big players struggle with.

Even if MVNO plans aren’t always cheaper, they offer compelling introductory offers and a sense of exclusivity. And when one promo ends, another begins — keeping customers in the loop without locking them into long contracts.

International Trend, Local Catch-On

Outside the U.S., the celebrity mobile network trend is even more pronounced. In Mexico, Walmart’s Bait MVNO has nearly 20 million users. In Italy, AC Milan’s branded mobile service is another example. This model — attaching familiar brands or identities to mobile plans — is proving effective worldwide.

The Industry Behind the Trend

Making this all possible are MVNO-in-a-box services — complete startup kits that include billing, network access, and customer service tools. Juniper Research estimates revenue from these services could exceed $1 billion by 2029. That means more businesses, influencers, and celebrities could soon be running their own networks with just a few clicks.

As analyst Runar Bjørhovde pointed out, the telecom industry is shifting toward accessibility and brand-led disruption. MVNOs are no longer niche — they’re part of a growing shift in how people buy mobile service.

What This Means for Consumers

The arrival of celebrity-backed mobile networks adds more competition and choice — which generally benefits consumers. With easier switching options, flexible plans, and loyalty-based branding, users aren’t just paying for service anymore — they’re subscribing to identity.

It’s a smart play: use fame, existing fan bases, and flexible tech infrastructure to offer something that feels more personal than traditional carriers.

As long as the deals stay competitive and the service reliable, celebrity mobile networks may just be the next big thing in wireless.