Connectivity no longer stops at the front door. Consumers are constantly switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks as they move through their day, from streaming content and working remotely to travelling and staying connected on the go. While ISPs have traditionally focused on delivering fast and reliable broadband in the home, mobile connectivity has become an essential extension of that experience.

This shift is reflected in the scale of the mobile economy. According to GSMA, “mobile technologies and services generated 7.6 trillion dollars in economic value in 2025, accounting for 6.4 per cent of global GDP.” At the same time, around 70 per cent of the global population now subscribes to mobile services. These figures highlight a simple reality: connectivity is no longer tied to a single location and providers that fail to address this risk being left behind.

For ISPs, this presents a clear opportunity. By extending their services into mobile connectivity, they can remain relevant throughout the entire customer journey rather than just within the home.

The rise of eSIM

eSIM technology is at the heart of this shift. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require physical installation and distribution, eSIMs are fully digital and can be remotely provisioned onto a device. This allows users to activate mobile services instantly, switch between providers with ease and manage multiple connectivity profiles on a single device.

Adoption of eSIM is accelerating quickly. Forecasts suggest there will be more than 3 billion eSIM-compatible smartphones in use by 2030, highlighting the rapid growth of the technology. At the same time, eSIM is expected to represent 42 per cent of all SIM technologies by the end of the decade. While still in a growth phase today, the trajectory is clear. According to CCS Insight research, 73 per cent of respondents are considering using a travel eSIM for their next international trip, including 86 per cent of those who have used one before, highlighting strong intent to adopt the technology as awareness and usage continue to grow.

For ISPs, the appeal of eSIM lies in its simplicity and its low barrier to entry. There is no need to manage physical inventory or build a new logistical layer to their infrastructure. Instead, connectivity can be delivered digitally, making it far easier to integrate eSIM services into existing platforms and customer experiences. Industry data presented at the eSIM Summit at MWC indicates that consumer use of eSIM services from non-telco providers while travelling abroad has grown by around 50 per cent year-on-year, highlighting a clear opportunity for ISPs to enter this space and launch their own eSIM offerings.

A new revenue opportunity

Offering eSIM as a value-added service allows ISPs to move beyond their core broadband offering and unlock new commercial opportunities. Mobile data plans can be introduced as an additional service, giving customers the option to stay connected wherever they are. This could include eSIM data packages, roaming alternatives or family plans that complement existing home broadband subscriptions.

Beyond revenue, eSIM can also play a key role in improving customer retention. By bundling home and mobile connectivity into a single offering, ISPs can create a more seamless and convenient experience. Customers are less likely to switch providers when multiple services are integrated into one platform, increasing overall lifetime value.

There is also a clear opportunity for differentiation. In a competitive market where many ISPs offer similar broadband speeds and pricing structures, adding mobile connectivity provides a tangible way to stand out. Rather than competing solely on price, providers can compete on experience, convenience and the value of services offered.

From broadband provider to connectivity provider

ISPs are well-positioned to take advantage of this shift. They already manage customer relationships, billing systems and digital platforms, which are essential for delivering mobile services. Adding eSIM connectivity is not a complete transformation but a natural extension of existing capabilities.

To make integration simpler, providers can look to partners that offer ready-built solutions. Mobilise offers two enablers to this revenue opportunity: its eSIM app for ISPs without existing app capabilities and eSIM SDK, which can be added to existing apps and portals. These solutions allow mobile services to be offered quickly and efficiently, without the need to build new infrastructure or manage complex provisioning processes themselves. Instead of lengthy development cycles, services can be launched in a matter of weeks, helping providers respond quickly to changing market demands.

As eSIM adoption continues to grow, the distinction between fixed and mobile connectivity will become less relevant. Customers will expect a single provider to meet all their connectivity needs, regardless of location. ISPs that embrace this shift early will be better positioned to strengthen customer relationships, unlock new revenue streams and remain competitive in an increasingly connected world.

Learn more about Mobilise’s eSIM app and eSIM SDK and book a demo to see how your ISP can become a full service connectivity provider.