en.Wedoany.com Reported - Fintech company Nubank has announced that its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), NuCel, has surpassed 1 million users in Brazil. While this figure represents only a small fraction of the digital bank's 115 million total customers in the country, it marks steady progress in an increasingly competitive mobile telecommunications market.

NuCel's mobile service was launched in partnership with Claro, which provides the network infrastructure support. With over 1 million customers, accounting for approximately 1% of Nubank's total financial client base, there remains room for growth, and the service can accumulate operational experience for future development.

In a joint statement, the two companies said that Claro's network coverage, combined with Nubank's expertise in developing customer-centric digital products, has driven steady customer base growth since the service launch.

NuCel's plans operate on a fully digital model. After downloading the mobile app, users can activate plans with no contracts, nationwide coverage, and 5G connectivity support. Additionally, for every 10,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $2,000) invested, users can earn returns equivalent to 120% of the Brazilian interbank deposit rate.

In nearly two years of operation, NuCel has introduced SIM and eSIM cards, along with features such as data rollover and the ability to pay for products and services using account balances. In 2026, its strategy will partially focus on younger demographics, having already launched plans for teenagers aged 16 to 18.

Livia Chanes, CEO of Nubank Brazil, stated in a press release that reaching 1 million customers confirms that Brazilians value simple, transparent solutions that restore autonomy. Claro's new business director added that this result underscores the importance of MVNOs in Claro's strategy and its ability to expand coverage through new alliances, aiming to set a new standard for the future of Brazilian telecommunications.

Brazil's MVNO market operates under two models. One is the certified MVNO, which operates under the authorization and infrastructure of network operators, such as NuCel's partnership with Claro. The other is the authorized MVNO, which obtains regulatory approval and is directly regulated to operate in the market. Together, they serve over 10 million customers. Among them, certified MVNOs have over 4.1 million customers, while other categories account for over 6 million customers.

As a certified MVNO, NuCel has captured a 25% share of this market. According to data from Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), 182 active mobile operators compete in this market.

The case of Nubank and NuCel has drawn attention because it originates from outside the telecommunications sector. Another similar example is Argentina's Brubank, which recently launched BruFon, a service providing eSIM-based connectivity for customers traveling abroad.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com