From banking app to mobile operator, Revolut’s latest move into telecoms aims to shake up the industry with eSIM-powered plans and no-nonsense pricing starting in the UK and Germany.

From Fintech to Telco: Revolut's Bold Leap

As reported by the FT, Revolut, the fintech powerhouse, is venturing beyond banking into the telecom sector. Starting in the UK and Germany, the company plans to offer mobile services that include unlimited domestic calls and data, along with 20GB to 40GB of roaming data across the EU and the US, all without the burden of long-term contracts.

The move makes Revolut the second new entrant to the UK mobile space this week, with Octopus Group exploring a similar launch, according to reports.

This move positions Revolut as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), allowing it to provide mobile services without owning the underlying infrastructure. Instead, it will lease capacity from established network operators, a strategy that has become increasingly popular among brands seeking to offer mobile services without the hefty investment in infrastructure.

Revolut Hadi Nasrallah
Hadi Nasrallah, Product GP and New Bets, Head of Telco at Revolut (LinkedIn).

Hadi Nasrallah, General Manager, Telco and Retail Director at Revolut said in a press release: “The massive success of our eSIM product launched has proven mobile offerings are ripe for disruption. In our view, consumers are suffering with traditional network offerings due to a lack of transparency with hidden fees, painful customer experience and old, difficult to navigate UX. We’re looking to solve all three, providing Revolut customers with a tech-led experience, the best value and no fixed contract commitments. It’s yet another step for Revolut into the consumer telecommunications arena where innovation is desperately overdue and we look forward to bringing this update to consumers in more markets soon.”

eSIM: The Digital SIM Revolution

Revolut's foray into telecom isn't entirely new. In 2024, the company introduced an eSIM service, enabling users to access mobile data in over 100 countries without the need for physical SIM cards. This service quickly became one of Revolut's most-used non-banking features, highlighting a significant demand for integrated, hassle-free mobile connectivity.

The eSIM technology allows users to switch between networks seamlessly, manage their data plans directly through the Revolut app, and avoid exorbitant roaming charges—a common pain point for international travelers.

The Financial Times points out that Revolut isn’t blazing this trail alone—Brazil’s Nubank already rolled out its own mobile service, “Nucel,” last year. And Monzo? Well, the British neobank hasn’t shut the door on doing the same.

Disrupting the Telecom Status Quo

Revolut's entry into the telecom space is more than just an expansion; it's a direct challenge to traditional mobile operators. By offering transparent pricing, flexible plans, and integrating mobile services into its existing app, Revolut aims to address common consumer frustrations such as hidden fees and complex contracts.

The move also reflects a broader trend of fintech companies leveraging their digital platforms to offer a wider range of services. By bundling banking and mobile services, Revolut is positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for consumers' financial and connectivity needs.

What's Next for Revolut?

While the initial rollout is focused on the UK and Germany, Revolut has expressed intentions to expand its mobile services to other markets in the future. The success of this venture could pave the way for further integration of telecom services into fintech platforms, potentially reshaping the landscape of both industries.

As consumers increasingly seek convenience and value, Revolut's innovative approach to combining financial services with mobile connectivity could set a new standard for what users expect from their service providers.

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Source: Finance Magnates