The world’s most popular YouTuber, Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), is working on launching a virtual mobile operator that will use the networks of major telecoms but be sold under his brand. The project could launch in 2026.
The world’s most popular YouTuber, Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), is working on launching a virtual mobile operator that will use the networks of major telecoms but be sold under his brand. The project could launch in 2026.
According to Business Insider, MrBeast will not be building the infrastructure from scratch. It is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) model, when a company leases networks from large carriers such as T-Mobile or Verizon and provides services under its own brand. Donaldson has already collaborated with T-Mobile on marketing campaigns, so this partner could become the basis for the new business.
The MVNO format is being actively used by celebrities. Actor Ryan Reynolds sold his operator Mint Mobile to T-Mobile in 2023 in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion. Other public figures have followed similar paths, from Donald Trump to the team behind the podcast «SmartLess.» For MrBeast, with his 400 million-plus subscribers, even a few percent conversion into customers would mean potentially huge business.
The mobile project is just one of the directions of diversification of the Beast Industries brand. Donaldson’s team has already released Feastables chocolate, a Lunchables competitor under the Lunchly brand, and a line of toys. Among the ideas for the future are forays into fintech and mobile games. At the same time, the company seeks to balance media costs and achieve profitability.
Launching mobile virtual operators has become a hot strategy for celebrities due to their ability to quickly monetize their fan bases. In the US, this segment is growing rapidly, as major carriers are willing to cooperate, offering ready-made solutions for MVNOs. MrBeast’s success will depend on whether he can convert viewers into loyal customers, as well as on the quality of the partnerships with telecom giants.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how participants in the show from the world’s most popular YouTuber MrBeast filed a lawsuit against the project. One of the reasons is sexual harassment.
