What Shatel Mobile does

Shatel Mobile (شاتل موبایل), legally Shatel Mobile Communication Development Company (شرکت توسعه ارتباطات همراه شاتل), is Iran's first Type-1 Full Mobile Virtual Network Operator (Full MVNO), launched on September 2, 2017 under operating license 13-100-100 from the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). The company is a privately held subsidiary of the Shatel Group (شاتل), a major Iranian diversified telecommunications conglomerate, and was elevated to "Innovative Knowledge-Based Company" status in August 2023 — making it the only knowledge-based mobile operator in Iran. Headquartered in Tehran with 51–100 employees, Shatel Mobile provides 2G/3G/4G/LTE/5G and TD-LTE mobile services nationwide through proprietary Smart SIM technology that automatically or manually selects the best available host radio network across Iran's three MNO operators. Its product portfolio centers on the Smart SIM Card and its variants (Organizational, Tourist, Rond/Vanity, Birthday, First SIM, Static IP), supplemented by 4G/4.5G/5G modems, FMC (Fixed-Mobile Convergence) bundles combining mobile SIM with Shatel ADSL2+ fixed internet, and enterprise add-ons including Mobile Connect authentication (with Sharif University), Secure SMS, APN-VPN, M2M, OTA/AOTA management, and bulk A2P SMS.

The business model is subscription-driven, monetizing voice, SMS, and high-volume data packages (up to 370GB over 3–6 months) across both B2C individual consumers and B2B enterprise customers spanning financial, industrial, transportation, tourism, mining, energy, and education verticals. Pricing is denominated in Iranian Toman/Rial with usage-based voice (499–888 Rial/min), data (0.075–0.4 Rial/KB postpaid), and subscription bundles starting at 100,000 Toman for entry-level SIM+data+voice packages. Hardware revenue from modems and VAS revenue from bundled streaming (Namava, Rubika) and partner discounts (DigiKala, Maktabkhooneh, Bime Bazaar, Maxim, etc.) provide secondary monetization. Distribution is multi-channel: own e-commerce (shop.shatelmobile.ir), B2B portal (b2b.shatelmobile.ir), B2B shop (b2bshop.shatelmobile.ir), 5,000+ agent outlets and service centers, and 24/7 call center (09981000000).

Growth has been driven by a sustained cadence of first-in-Iran product launches (FMC 2018, data rollover 2019, Smart SIM 2020, manual network selection 2021, 5G 2022/2024, Secure SMS 2025, App v4.0 2025), expansion of B2B vertical coverage, and ecosystem partnerships. All operations remain concentrated in the Iranian market, exposing the company to single-jurisdiction regulatory, currency, and macro risk.

Name

Shatel Mobile

Legal name

شرکت توسعه ارتباطات همراه شاتل (Shatel Mobile)

Website

https://shatelmobile.ir

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Shatel Mobile (شاتل موبایل) is Iran's first Type-1 Full MVNO, providing mobile voice, SMS, 5G/4G data, FMC bundles, and B2B enterprise telecom services via proprietary Smart SIM technology that auto-selects across all three Iranian MNO operators, serving consumers and organizations nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobile Telecommunications Services (MVNO)

NAICS

Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer Mobile Network Operators (Retail MNOs) (HDAIAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Mobile Operators (HDAIAAAG), Private LTE/5G Mobile Network Operators (Campus/Industrial) (HDAIAAAE)

Keywords

• Mobile virtual network operator
• Mobile telecom services
• Smart SIM technology
• Fixed-mobile convergence
• Enterprise M2M connectivity

Headquarters

HQ city

Tehran

HQ country

Iran

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Mobile Voice and SMS Services: Recurring revenue from voice call minutes and SMS messaging services for prepaid/postpaid subscribers.
2. Mobile Internet Data Packages: Primary revenue stream from internet data packages including daily, weekly, monthly, and multi-month plans with various volume tiers.
3. B2B Enterprise Solutions: Corporate SIM cards, APN-VPN connectivity, M2M solutions, bulk SMS (A2P), Mobile Connect authentication, OTA/AOTA provisioning, and static IP services for enterprise customers.
4. Hardware Sales: Sale of 4G/4.5G/5G modems (portable, desktop, outdoor) and routers bundled with SIM cards.
5. FMC Bundles: Combined fixed-mobile convergence packages offering ADSL2+ internet with 5G mobile SIM including voice, SMS, and data.
6. International Roaming: International roaming services for subscribers traveling abroad.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Shatel Mobile is Iran's first Full Type-1 MVNO, selling mobile telecom services (voice, SMS, mobile data, 5G/4G/3G/2G) on proprietary Smart SIM cards that automatically or manually select the best host network among the country's three operators. It also sells FMC bundles (mobile + ADSL2+), B2B enterprise solutions (corporate SIMs, APN-VPN, M2M, bulk A2P SMS, Mobile Connect authentication, OTA/AOTA, static IP), TD-LTE fixed wireless internet, branded modems, and tourist/vanity/birthday SIM variants.

Product overview

Shatel Mobile is a full MVNO (first in Iran, classified as a Full Mobile Virtual Network Operator) providing mobile telecommunications services across Iran through proprietary smart SIM cards and related products. The portfolio centers on the core Smart SIM Card offering — Iran's first smart SIM that automatically selects the best available network among all three Iranian operators — along with specialized SIM variants (Organizational/B2B SIM, Tourist SIM, Rond/Vanity SIM, Birthday SIM, First SIM, and Static IP SIM). Hardware products include a range of modems (pocket, desktop, car, and outdoor modems branded ShM and Zyxel). The service is managed through the Shatel Mobile Man mobile app and web portal (v4.0), with add-on modules such as FMC fixed-mobile convergence bundles, data rollover, OTA/AOTA management, Mobile Connect authentication, Secure SMS, 5G services, and TD-LTE fixed wireless internet. Entertainment and VAS services include bundled Namava streaming, branded discounts, and content partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Smart SIM (سیم‌کارت هوشمند): Shatel Mobile's flagship product - a smart SIM card that automatically or manually selects the best host radio network among Iran's three MNO operators.
• Shatel Mobile Plus (شاتل موبایل پلاس)
• FMC (Fixed-Mobile Convergence)
• Shatel Mobile Me (شاتل موبایل من)

Products and services

• Smart SIM Card (سیم‌کارت هوشمند) Proprietary smart SIM card that automatically connects to the best available network among all three Iranian MNO operators using intelligent network selection algorithms; supports 5G, 4G/LTE, 3G, and 2G with data rollover capability. Sold to individual consumers.
• Organizational SIM Card (سیم‌کارت سازمانی) Enterprise SIM offering with custom branding options, APN/VPN, bulk A2P SMS, static IP, M2M connectivity, and OTA/AOTA management for organizations, businesses, and brand owners.
• Smart SIM Rond (سیم‌کارت هوشمند رند) Premium vanity SIM card with special/rhythmic phone numbers, including 5G-enabled options, available for purchase in installments.
• Birthday SIM Card (سیم‌کارت تاریخ تولد) Personalized SIM card with phone numbers featuring the subscriber's birthdate.
• Tourist SIM Card (سیم‌کارت توریست) Prepaid SIM card designed for tourists and short-term visitors to Iran, providing voice, SMS, and data services for a limited period.
• Initial Packages (بسته‌های آغازین) Starter bundles combining a SIM card with internet data (2.5GB to 21GB), voice minutes, and SMS at tiered price points from 100,000 to 260,000 Tomans.
• First SIM (سیم‌کارت اولی‌ها) Starter package for first-time SIM subscribers offering three months of free internet, calls, and SMS as a welcome gift.
• Static IP SIM (سیم‌کارت با IP استاتیک) SIM card with fixed/static IP address assignment for enterprise users requiring consistent IP for remote access, VPNs, and IoT applications.
• ShM M01 Pocket Modem Portable pocket modem supporting mobile internet connectivity for on-the-go use, sold bundled with a Shatel Mobile SIM.
• Zyxel 4506 Desktop Modem Desktop modem supporting high-speed fixed wireless internet via 4.5G network for home or office use.
• Huawei Car Modem In-vehicle modem enabling internet connectivity while driving, designed for connected-car and fleet management applications.
• Zyxel 7706 Pocket Modem Portable pocket modem from Zyxel supporting mobile internet connectivity.
• ShM D01 Desktop Modem Shatel Mobile branded desktop modem for fixed wireless internet access.
• ShM X01 Outdoor Modem Outdoor modem designed for outdoor installation and extended coverage in areas with challenging signal conditions.
• FMC Bundles (بسته‌های FMC) Fixed-Mobile Convergence bundles combining Shatel Mobile SIM with Shatel ADSL2+ fixed internet for unified billing and integrated data packages.
• Shatel Mobile Man App (اپلیکیشن شاتل موبایل من) Proprietary mobile application and web portal (my.shatelmobile.ir) for subscribers to manage their account, monitor usage, purchase packages, control network selection, and access VAS.
• SMS Services (خدمات پیامک) Mobile SMS and MMS messaging services including P2P SMS for individuals and bulk A2P SMS for enterprises, plus encrypted secure SMS.
• TD-LTE Fixed Wireless Internet (اینترنت ثابت بیسیم) Fixed wireless internet using TD-LTE technology in the 2600 MHz frequency band, delivered via desktop or outdoor modems.
• Mobile Connect (موبایل کانکت) SIM-based authentication solution developed with Sharif University's ICT research institute, enabling secure login via SIM card as an alternative to one-time passwords; targeted at enterprises and digital service providers.
• OTA/AOTA Solutions (راهکار OTA/AOTA) Over-the-air SIM management solution enabling remote provisioning and updating of SIM card applications and configurations for enterprise subscribers.
• Secure SMS (پیامک امن) Enterprise encrypted messaging service launched in partnership with a domestic technology company — first of its kind in Iran.
• 5G Services Fifth-generation mobile network connectivity offered on Smart SIM cards with nationwide coverage.

Quantifiable outcome

• Smart network selection from 3 operators
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sharif University of Technology - Advanced Information and Communication Technology Research CentercoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration to develop Mobile Connect - a native SIM-based authentication solution as an alternative to one-time passwords, developed in partnership with the university's ICT research center for enhanced authentication security.
• RubikaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFree subscription to Rubika video streaming service for Shatel Mobile SIM subscribers.
• Namava (نماوا)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFree Namava streaming subscription for Shatel Mobile subscribers providing unlimited access to Iranian and international films and series.
• Maktabkhooneh (مکتب‌خونه)minorGTM or Marketing Partner40% discount on online education platform services for Shatel Mobile subscribers.
• Bime Bazaar (بیمه بازار)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance discount up to 36% for Shatel Mobile subscribers purchasing insurance policies.
• Maxim (ماکسیم)minorGTM or Marketing Partner500,000 Toman discount on Maxim internet taxi service for Shatel Mobile subscribers.
• DigiKala (دیجی‌کالا)minorGTM or Marketing Partner10% discount code for active Shatel Mobile subscribers on DigiKala purchases.
• DigiStyle (دیجی‌استایل)minorGTM or Marketing Partner15% discount on clothing purchases via DigiStyle app for Shatel Mobile subscribers.
• Rokoland (روکولند)minorGTM or Marketing Partner20% discount on Rokuland online supermarket purchases for Shatel and Shatel Mobile subscribers.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Giffgaff: UK-based MVNO running on O2's network with a community-driven, online-led model and 5G/data bundle offerings — highly comparable MVNO operating model to Shatel Mobile's network-agnostic smart SIM approach.
• Tesco Mobile: UK/Ireland MVNO on host MNO networks offering consumer mobile, data, and family bundles with multi-network interoperability — comparable retail MVNO focus to Shatel Mobile's B2C subscriber base.
• Truphone: Global MVNO providing multi-country mobile connectivity, IoT/M2M data SIMs, and enterprise connectivity solutions — comparable multi-network SIM architecture and enterprise/B2B IoT positioning to Shatel Mobile.
• Lebara Mobile: International MVNO offering prepaid SIM, voice, data and roaming bundles targeting migrant and traveler segments across multiple host networks — directly comparable business model and target customer to Shatel Mobile's tourist and value consumer offerings.
• Lycamobile: Global MVNO operating across multiple countries on host MNO networks, focused on ethnic/migrant and value-conscious consumer segments with international calling and data packages — directly comparable Full MVNO model to Shatel Mobile.
• Boost Mobile: US MVNO operating on T-Mobile's network with prepaid and data-heavy plans, recently expanded to 5G services — comparable challenger MVNO with prepaid focus and 5G proposition similar to Shatel Mobile's smart SIM portfolio.

Emerging players

• Consumer Cellular: US MVNO focused on senior and value-conscious consumer segments on AT&T and T-Mobile networks with simple data/voice plans — comparable niche consumer MVNO approach.
• FreedomPop: US-based MVNO offering free-tier and data-heavy mobile plans on host networks with data rollover-style features — comparable in product innovation and data-centric positioning.

Broad incumbents

• MTN Irancell: Iran's second-largest MNO (MTN/MTN Irancell JV) and one of Shatel Mobile's three wholesale host networks — established incumbent in the same Iranian mobile market with overlapping consumer and enterprise offerings.
• Rightel (Iran): Iran's third MNO with full retail mobile and TD-LTE services across Iran — adjacent incumbent carrier in the same market space where Shatel Mobile operates as a Full MVNO.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/shatelmobile
• YouTubeaparat.com/shatelmobile
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shatel-mobile
• Instagraminstagram.com/shatel_mobile
• Facebookfacebook.com/shatelmobile

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shatel Mobile