PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1704085
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1704085
Data roaming refers to the ability of a mobile device to connect to the internet and access data services while outside its home network's geographical coverage area, typically in a different country. This enables users to continue using data services, such as browsing the internet, sending emails, and using apps, without interruption.
The main services of data roaming include network routing, customer care, handset management, and marketing and sales. Network routing in the data roaming market involves directing data traffic between different mobile networks to ensure seamless connectivity for users traveling internationally. The various infrastructures include skinny mobile virtual network operators, thin mobile virtual network operators, and thick mobile virtual network operators. The operational models include resellers, service operators, and full mobile virtual network operators, and the subscribers include both consumers and enterprises.
The data roaming market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides data roaming market statistics, including data roaming industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a data roaming market share, detailed data roaming market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the data roaming industry. This data roaming research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The data roaming market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $89.43 billion in 2024 to $95.43 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing ownership and usage of smartphones and tablets, international trade and business travel, implementation of regulations affecting roaming charges and service quality, the rise in international tourism activities, and the rise in the number of unique subscribers.
The data roaming market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $122.21 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the introduction of customized data plans, increasing smartphones, changes in regulations, and increasing awareness and adoption of sustainable practices in telecommunications. Major trends in the forecast period include technology advancements, adoption of eSIM and iSIM, expansion of 5G roaming, IoT integration, personalized roaming packages, and continued focus on improving cybersecurity protocols.
The increasing international tourism activities are expected to propel the growth of the data roaming market moving forward. International tourism encompasses travel across countries for various purposes such as leisure, business, education, or cultural experiences. The growth in international tourism is driven by factors such as the desire for artistic exploration, leisure, adventure, and the availability of competitive travel pricing. Data roaming plays a key role in supporting international tourism by allowing travelers to stay connected via smartphones for navigation, communication, and accessing travel information, irrespective of their location. For instance, in May 2024, a report from the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based government agency, showed that overseas residents' spending in the UK rose by 17%, increasing from $26.5 billion in 2022 to $31.1 billion in 2023. Additionally, the number of international visitors to the UK grew from 31.2 million in 2022 to 38.0 million in 2023. As a result, the rising demand for international travel is driving the expansion of the data roaming market.
Leading companies in the data roaming market are concentrating on developing innovative technologies, such as enhancing roaming security measures, to ensure the security of data and communications for mobile users traveling internationally. This involves implementing robust measures and technologies to address evolving cybersecurity threats, including advanced encryption standards, improved authentication mechanisms, and compliance with regulatory requirements. For instance, Deutsche Telekom AG launched Magenta Security Roaming in April 2024, a security-by-design concept aimed at future-proofing roaming security. This integrated platform simplifies security complexities by providing a comprehensive solution for all roaming security needs, encompassing technology, operations, and management in one accessible platform.
In June 2022, Lumine Group, a Canada-based acquirer of communications and media software businesses, acquired TOMIA for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enhances Lumine's portfolio in telecommunications, particularly in managing and improving roaming services, which are crucial for mobile network operators (MNOs) as they expand their global presence and enhance service quality for their customers. TOMIA is a US-based provider of data roaming services.
Major companies operating in the data roaming market are China Mobile Ltd., Verizon Communications Inc., Deutsche Telekom AG, AT&T Inc., Tesco plc, Vodafone Group plc, KDDI Corporation, Telefonica SA, Poste Italiane SpA, Bharti Airtel Ltd., Digicel Group, Virgin Media Business Ltd., Virgin Mobile Canada, TracFone Wireless Inc., Lebara Mobile Private Limited, Asahi Net Inc., Lyca Mobile India Pvt. Ltd., Sprint Corporation, DataXoom Corp., Airvoice Wireless LLC, Red Pocket Inc.
North America was the largest region in the data roaming market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the data roaming market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the data roaming market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The data roaming market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as internet browsing, messaging apps, streaming services, and business applications and related roaming SIM cards, portable wi-fi hotspots, and roaming management tools. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Data Roaming Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on data roaming market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for data roaming ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The data roaming market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.