MrBeast, the YouTube powerhouse known for supersized stunts and giveaways, is reportedly preparing to launch a phone company built on an MVNO model, according to Business Insider, which says it viewed a leaked investor deck. The plan, as described in the report, targets a rollout next year and sits alongside exploratory efforts in fintech and mobile gaming.
Rather than constructing a wireless network from scratch, the venture would rent capacity from a major carrier such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. That mobile virtual network operator approach concentrates the business on pricing, packaging, brand, and customer experience while leveraging existing nationwide coverage.
What an MVNO play means
MVNOs buy wholesale access to voice, text, and data, then sell plans under their own brand. It’s a proven path: Mint Mobile, backed by Ryan Reynolds, scaled through sharp pricing and marketing and was acquired by T-Mobile in a deal valued at about $1.35 billion, as disclosed by the carrier. Success tends to hinge on customer acquisition cost, churn control, and the ability to carve out a distinct proposition beyond “cheap data.”
For a creator-led brand, differentiation might center on community and perks: exclusive content access, live-event tie-ins, or loyalty rewards. With eSIM now standard on most flagship phones—accelerated in the U.S. by Apple’s eSIM-only iPhone models—onboarding can be nearly instant, reducing friction at sign-up, a key advantage for viral launches.
Why MrBeast could land early traction
MrBeast commands one of the largest audiences on the internet, with hundreds of millions of YouTube subscribers and routinely nine-figure view counts. That reach gives him unusually low-cost distribution for a consumer service and a credible shot at converting a slice of fans into paying subscribers—especially if plans bundle experiential benefits consistent with his philanthropic, challenge-driven brand.
He also has a track record of spinning media attention into retail demand. Bloomberg has reported that Feastables, his snack brand, generated roughly $250 million in sales and over $20 million in profit last year. Translating that playbook to telecom, however, requires more than awareness; it demands reliable support, transparent pricing, and everyday utility that keeps churn in check.
Risks and operational hurdles
MVNO economics can be tight. Wholesale rates, data usage patterns, and promotional spend determine margin, and analysts have long noted that customer churn can quickly erode profitability if onboarding outpaces retention. Porting numbers, device compatibility, and financing options also matter—especially for users who expect installment plans or trade-in credits the big carriers routinely offer.
There’s also the compliance and infrastructure backbone: 911/E911 obligations, lawful intercept requirements, fraud prevention, and robust customer service. Those are table stakes for any operator and can strain newcomers. Industry firms like MoffettNathanson frequently point out that MVNOs must trade growth goals against the realities of network-priority arrangements and peak-time performance.
How it fits his business portfolio
The push into wireless appears aimed at diversifying away from advertising-heavy media. Bloomberg has reported that while his consumer products generate meaningful profit, his broader media operation—including large-scale video productions and a streaming competition series—has run at a sizable loss. A subscription-like utility could introduce steadier cash flow and more predictable unit economics than ad-driven content.
Beyond Feastables, his team has expanded into categories such as toys and other consumer goods. A phone brand could act as connective tissue across those lines, with cross-promotions and member benefits that increase lifetime value—think limited-edition merchandise drops, partner discounts, or charitable initiatives tied to monthly plans.
What to watch next
Key variables include the chosen host network, whether the offering is eSIM-first or pairs with devices, and how pricing undercuts or complements prepaid rivals. Business Insider’s reporting suggests a launch window next year; any teaser campaigns on MrBeast’s channels would be a strong signal the go-to-market is imminent.
If the company mirrors the Mint Mobile playbook—lean marketing team, aggressive digital onboarding, and a clear value hook—it could capture share quickly. The open question is whether the venture can sustain momentum after the initial creator-fueled surge, keeping service quality and support at levels that turn viewers into long-term subscribers.
Representatives for MrBeast have not publicly detailed pricing, partners, or launch specifics. But the combination of an enormous built-in audience and a scalable MVNO framework makes the move one of the most closely watched creator-to-telecom bets yet.
