YouTube icon MrBeast eyes telecom market with mobile service venture

Expanding beyond YouTube’s 430 million subscribers, MrBeast is diversifying with ventures including Feastables, Lunchly, toys, and a Prime Video series, while his telecom initiative marks the latest move to broaden his revenue streams

Jimmy Donaldson, the YouTube star popularly known as MrBeast, is preparing to expand his business empire into telecommunications with the planned launch of a mobile phone service next year, according to a report from Business Insider.

Exploring a Mobile Virtual Network model

An investor presentation reportedly reviewed by the publication shows that MrBeast’s company, Beast Industries, is weighing the creation of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). This model would allow the venture to provide cellular services by leasing infrastructure from major U.S. carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, rather than building its own network. Industry experts suggest the strategy could enable competitive pricing while avoiding the heavy costs of infrastructure development.

The plan appears to echo the trajectory of Mint Mobile, co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, which was acquired by T-Mobile last year for $1.35 billion. MrBeast has previously collaborated with T-Mobile, raising speculation that a future tie-up could be in the works.

Expanding beyond YouTube

The telecom initiative reflects Donaldson’s efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond his hugely popular YouTube channel, which has more than 430 million subscribers. His ventures already include Feastables, a snack brand that generated about $250 million in revenue last year, Lunchly, a food business, as well as toys and a Prime Video reality series.

While his digital media operation reported an $80 million loss in 2023, the telecom move could offer a pathway toward profitability and strengthen engagement with his global fan base. The investor materials also pointed to possible expansions into fintech and mobile gaming.