Why Does It Suddenly Seem Like Every Celebrity Has Their Own Mobile Network?

From sneakers and cosmetics to snacks and energy drinks, celebrities have long stamped their names on just about everything. Now, they’re making waves in an unexpected industry: mobile phone networks. But what’s behind this new trend, and why are so many stars eager to launch their own branded mobile services?

The Newest Celebrity Accessory: Your Own Network

In recent months, the mobile market has seen a surge of celebrity-backed wireless services. From politicians to actors and even sports teams, it seems everyone wants a slice of the mobile pie. But unlike traditional carriers that build and maintain their own infrastructure, these celebrity networks operate as MVNOs—Mobile Virtual Network Operators.

MVNOs don’t actually own the cell towers or the network hardware. Instead, they lease bandwidth from giants like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. This means that with the right business plan, almost anyone can launch their own network—no need to dig up streets or build antennas. For the big carriers, it’s a win-win: they get to monetize unused capacity while reaching new, niche audiences through celebrity brands.

Why Now? A Perfect Storm of Trends

While MVNOs have existed for decades, several recent trends have set the stage for this celebrity gold rush:

Diminishing Loyalty to Carriers: Consumers today are more attached to their phones than to the companies providing their service. With easy number porting and eSIM technology, switching carriers is now simpler than ever.
Tech Makes It Easy: Modern software platforms can handle everything from billing to customer support, making it easier for brands to set up shop.
eSIM Revolution: Electronic SIM cards let users change carriers with just a few taps, lowering the barriers to entry for both consumers and new MVNOs.

As a result, people are more willing than ever to try out a new provider—especially if it’s tied to a celebrity or a brand they love.

What Do Celebrity Networks Offer?

Take Trump Mobile, for example. Launched with fanfare, it promises unlimited data, talk, and text for $47.45 a month, plus perks like telehealth services and roadside assistance. Meanwhile, actors Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes have just launched SmartLess Mobile, targeting users who spend most of their time on Wi-Fi with affordable, capped data plans. And Ryan Reynolds has become the face of Mint Mobile, a wildly successful MVNO that was eventually acquired for over a billion dollars.

These networks often lure customers with eye-catching promotions—such as three months at a steep discount—before transitioning to standard rates. Even so, there’s usually another offer waiting in the wings to keep customers hooked.

The Global MVNO Boom

While this trend feels new in the US, it’s old news abroad. In Mexico, Walmart’s Bait network boasts nearly 20 million users. In Italy, even the AC Milan soccer team has its own branded mobile service. The rise of “MVNO-in-a-box” solutions—turnkey packages that let anyone set up a network—means the barriers to entry are lower than ever. Market analysts predict that global revenue from these services will top $1 billion by 2029.

The Future: Telecom Meets Pop Culture

The explosion of celebrity MVNOs signals a telecom industry in the midst of transformation. As technology lowers the hurdles for entry, expect to see even more familiar faces popping up on your phone bill. For fans, it’s a new way to connect with their idols. For celebrities, it’s another platform to build their brand—and maybe, just maybe, change the way we think about staying connected.