Telecommunications

Expect the biggest technological advancements the industry has seen in years.

Looking into the present, telecommunications companies are gearing up for some of the biggest technological advancements the industry has seen in years. Emerging trends such as the 5G revolution and the advancement of the internet of things (IoT) will reshape the  sector and force innovation on a massive scale. 

5G will bring three major upgrades from greater speed to move more data, decreased latency for shorter load times and increased ability to connect more devices at once. 5G networks will enable more detailed and efficient augmented and virtual realities, higher resolution video, fully autonomous vehicles, massive connected IoT networks (such as smart cities), and more. 5G is the most highly anticipated change to the future of telecom since……4G!

The IoT consists of a network of connected devices, able to communicate with each other that can be controlled and monitored remotely. There are now an estimated 30 billion connected IoT devices worldwide, many of which are thought to be industrial connections which are an essential component of smart cities.

Smart cities take the IoT a step further by creating an interconnected network that residents can access online, often through mobile apps. A network like this will provide data and communication channels allowing users to better manage their day-to-day activities, from corresponding directly with their government to instantly finding a parking spot on a busy day.

The main goal of smart cities is to create a better quality of living for their citizens by streamlining urban services such as energy and transportation through the use of smart technology. However, prior to the promise of 5G networks, experts couldn’t foresee the capacity to support the amount of data a truly connected city would generate. Now that 5G is a reality many major urban areas will be racing to be the first to introduce their own smart city. 

The use of AI in the telecom industry encompasses a myriad of focus areas. Customer service and network optimisation are at the top of that list. Some of the biggest implementations of AI will be in these spaces and predictive analytics is one of the most promising capabilities of AI technology, especially for the telecom community. AI-based analytics provide telecom companies with the ability to use data and machine learning software to predict future industry trends and potential infrastructure snags, and to continuously assess their service for bugs or potential pitfalls. Additionally, AI-based chat-bots and virtual assistants will transform the way businesses handle customer service. They can automate conversations and successfully mimic human speech, while drawing data and insights to provide personalised and positive experiences.

Diversified Ecosystems will play a large part too as  much like ecosystems function in nature, industrial ecosystems are a network of cross-industry organisations that work together to create a stronger, more advanced industry. The telecom industry will see a move toward creating those lucrative ecosystems. Ecosystems could unlock up to £100 trillion in value during the next 10 years by unlocking competitive agility. Telecom companies have the highest potential to come together and form such alliances. Industry leaders agree, with 83 percent citing ecosystems as an important piece of their disruption strategy.

The introduction of IoT networks, backed with 5G capabilities, will make this even easier and will allow companies to seamlessly collaborate to advance these technologies across their networks.The telecommunications industry is a vital center for cutting-edge technology adoption. With the integration of AI technologies, 5G networks, and the IoT, telecom organisations will continue to be at the forefront of technological growth.

Industry News

  • MTN confirms talks to acquire rest of IHS towers company
    on February 5, 2026 at 8:14 am

    (Telecompaper) MTN Group confirmed it is in advanced discussions to acquire the remaining 75 percent stake in passive infrastructure group IHS Holdings...

  • Vodafone targets high end of FY forecast after steady growth in Q3
    on February 5, 2026 at 7:41 am

    (Telecompaper) Vodafone said it expects to report results at the high end of its guidance for the fiscal year to March 2026, after steady growth in in its fiscal third quarter...

  • Qualcomm forecasts smartphone slowdown on memory constraints after Q1 drop in profit
    on February 5, 2026 at 7:10 am

    (Telecompaper) Qualcomm reported a small drop in profits for its fiscal first quarter to December, amid muted sales growth and investments in new product areas...

  • Google passes USD 400 billion in revenue in 2025, with net profit up 32%
    on February 5, 2026 at 6:45 am

    (Telecompaper) Alphabet's revenue growth improved to 18 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, to USD 113.8 billion...

  • NTT posts higher 9-month net profit as ICT and global services expand
    on February 5, 2026 at 5:50 am

    (Telecompaper) NTT Group reported higher net profit for the first nine months of its 2025 financial year, supported by revenue growth across its telecom and global ICT businesses...

  • The bulk-managed Wi-Fi industry needs economic ammunition — Now (Analyst Angle)
    by Adlane Fellah on February 4, 2026 at 4:29 pm

    Managed Wi-Fi eliminates redundant truck rolls, avoids duplicate wiring, and enables smart building technology A regulatory storm is gathering as state legislatures from California to Colorado to New York advance bills that threaten to dismantle the bulk-managed Wi-Fi model in multifamily housing through opt-out mandates, markup caps, open access requirements, and infrastructure duplication rules. Each

  • AT&T ties up with AWS and Amazon Leo for cloud workloads, data centre fibre and satellite connectivity
    on February 4, 2026 at 2:46 pm

    (Telecompaper) AT&T, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon Leo announced plans to work together, combining AT&T's fibre network with the capabilities of AWS...

  • ABI Research on cloud | Data center boom should make telcos uneasy (Analyst Angle)
    by Leo Gergs, Principal Analyst, ABI Research on February 4, 2026 at 2:02 pm

    By 2035, global active data center IT capacity is forecast to surge nearly six-fold, from roughly 24 GW today to around 147 GW, as a new ABI Research forecast shows. A staggering expansion driven largely by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, hyperscalers, and increasing rack-level power density. Compared to previous hypes, this tectonic shift should be

  • Rakuten Mobile to deploy 1Finity O-RAN radios at scale
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 4, 2026 at 1:42 pm

    Rakuten Mobile plans to deploy 1Finity’s 32T32R massive MIMO O-RAN radio units operating in the 3.7 GHz band In sum – what to know: O-RAN mMIMO rollout – Rakuten Mobile will deploy 32T32R massive MIMO radios across its 5G network to increase capacity and improve coverage in high-demand areas. Interoperable, cloud-native – The radios will

  • SmarTone upgrades its network with Ericsson 5G-A tech
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 4, 2026 at 12:59 pm

    Under the terms of the deal, Ericsson will supply its latest generation of radio equipment, including massive MIMO radios In sum – what to know: Programmable networks – SmarTone is adopting 5G-A capabilities that allow dynamic control of network resources using automation, AI, and intent-based operations. Hardware upgrades – New Massive MIMO and triple-band radios

  • Lumen hires Cisco veteran to lead revenue recovery after fall in FY results
    on February 4, 2026 at 7:57 am

    (Telecompaper) Lumen Technologies expects higher free cash flow in 2026, thanks to lower capital expenditure after the sale of its FTTH business to AT&T...

  • Disney names resorts chairman D'Amaro as new CEO
    on February 4, 2026 at 7:17 am

    (Telecompaper) Bob Iger is stepping down as CEO of the Walt Disney Company and will be replaced by the head of the company's resorts and cruises business, Josh D'Amaro...

  • KKR, Singtel to buy ST Telemedia data centres for SGD 13.8 bln
    on February 4, 2026 at 5:40 am

    (Telecompaper) A consortium led by KKR and Singtel Group has agreed to acquire full ownership of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) in a transaction that...

  • Opinion: The SpaceX-xAI mega-merger is an opening gambit to a bigger play
    by Sulagna Saha on February 3, 2026 at 7:17 pm

    The deal creates the first-ever $1.25 trillion private company, marking a new chapter in AI compute race Confirming previous reports, SpaceX just acquired Elon Musk-owned startup, xAI, that you may know as the maker of the Grok chatbot, in an all-stock deal.  Although financial details are undisclosed, according to multiple sources, the combined company is

  • U Mobile targets 5G-A use cases in Malaysia
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 3, 2026 at 3:27 pm

    U Mobile said that some partners in this initiative include Amazon Web Services, Huawei Malaysia, Palo Alto Networks, and Qualcomm In sum – what to know: Neutral platform – U Mobile’s EIP is designed as an agnostic environment to develop and test 5G-A and AI use cases across public and private sectors. Partner ecosystem –

  • Vodafone Idea boosts broadband infra across India
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 3, 2026 at 3:25 pm

    Vodafone Idea said it added more than 6,500 new unique 4G towers during the most recent quarter In sum – what to know: 4G expansion – Vodafone Idea lifted 4G population coverage to 85.5% by December 2025 and plans to exceed 95% across its 17 operating circles. Capacity gains – 4G data capacity rose more

  • Google subsea cable reaches Sydney
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 3, 2026 at 3:24 pm

    Google said that the Tabua subsea cable will connect the U.S. and Australia via Fiji and is expected to enter service later this year In sum – what to know: Second landing – Tabua has now landed in both Queensland and Sydney, strengthening Australia’s international subsea connectivity. High capacity – The cable is designed with

  • Master and commander – Google and Meta chart AI’s subsea voyage
    by James Blackman on February 3, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    A panel at PTC in Hawaii comprising hyperscalers Google and Meta and wholesalers Exa Infrastructure and Southern Cross Cable Networks explored how AI is reshaping demand for submarine cables, driving hyperscaler-led builds, stressing legacy systems, and creating new regulatory and supply-chain challenges for the industry. In sum – what to know: Exploding demand – AI

  • Three takeaways from Ookla’s H2 2025 Connectivity Report
    by Catherine Sbeglia Nin on February 3, 2026 at 2:03 pm

    T-Mobile US earned the title of Best Mobile Network in Ookla’s latest assessment Ookla has released the results of its H2 2025 Connectivity Assessment, and RCR Wireless News read through the 40-page report so you don’t have to. Here are three key takeaways. T-Mobile US has the best mobile network As has become increasingly familiar,

  • Spain's MasOrange launches Starlink direct-to-cell trial
    on February 3, 2026 at 10:00 am

    (Telecompaper) MasOrange has signed an agreement with SpaceX's Starlink to run Spain's first trial of the latter's Direct to Cell (D2C) satellite service in the northern province of Valladolid...

  • AI-Powered Call Analytics: Leveraging Data for Business Insights
    by Allyn Jayawon on October 21, 2024 at 9:00 am

    At RingCentral, we understand the importance of efficient and insightful customer interactions. With today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s essential to not only manage customer calls but to gain valuable insights … Read more "AI-Powered Call Analytics: Leveraging Data for Business Insights" The post AI-Powered Call Analytics: Leveraging Data for Business Insights appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • The Ethical Use of AI in Phone Technology: Protecting Privacy and Ensuring Security
    by Allyn Jayawon on October 14, 2024 at 9:00 am

    As phone technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, AI has become a game-changer, bringing remarkable benefits like boosting productivity and personalising user experiences. For example, a recent survey … Read more "The Ethical Use of AI in Phone Technology: Protecting Privacy and Ensuring Security" The post The Ethical Use of AI in Phone Technology: Protecting Privacy and Ensuring Security appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • Personalisation in Telephony: How AI Transforms User Experiences
    by RingCentral Team on October 7, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Did you know that 91% of consumers prefer to shop with brands that offer relevant offers and recommendations? This stat shows just how much personalised experiences are expected—not just in … Read more "Personalisation in Telephony: How AI Transforms User Experiences" The post Personalisation in Telephony: How AI Transforms User Experiences appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • Challenges and Opportunities: AI Adoption in Telephony for Businesses
    by RingCentral Team on September 30, 2024 at 9:00 am

    In this article, we’ll explore how AI is transforming the landscape of business telephony. We’ll delve into the ways AI is driving significant improvements in communication, efficiency, and customer engagement. … Read more "Challenges and Opportunities: AI Adoption in Telephony for Businesses" The post Challenges and Opportunities: AI Adoption in Telephony for Businesses appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • How AI is Transforming Security in Telephony: A Detailed Overview
    by RingCentral Team on September 23, 2024 at 9:00 am

    In today’s fast-paced digital world, keeping our communication secure is more important than ever. With the rise of sophisticated threats like spam calls, phishing scams, and voice cloning, ensuring the … Read more "How AI is Transforming Security in Telephony: A Detailed Overview" The post How AI is Transforming Security in Telephony: A Detailed Overview appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • Instant Messaging in Business Communications
    by silvia campean on August 12, 2024 at 9:00 am

    What is instant messaging? Instant messaging (IM) empowers businesses to communicate efficiently, collaborate effectively, and enhance customer experiences. Instant messaging (IM) has transformed the way businesses communicate, both internally and … Read more "Instant Messaging in Business Communications" The post Instant Messaging in Business Communications appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • Discover Powerful Communication & Collaboration with RingCentral’s RingEX Demo
    by RingCentral Team on July 22, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Boost business productivity and improve customer interactions with a comprehensive communications solution – RingCentral RingEX. This article dives into RingCentral’s capabilities, explores the features, and guides you through experiencing the … Read more "Discover Powerful Communication & Collaboration with RingCentral’s RingEX Demo" The post Discover Powerful Communication & Collaboration with RingCentral’s RingEX Demo appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • Optimise Outbound Calling with AI-powered Predictive Dialers
    by Allyn Jayawon on June 3, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Traditional outbound calling has long been a cornerstone of sales and customer outreach efforts. However, the challenges associated with manual dialling, such as low agent productivity, frustrated customers, and inefficient … Read more "Optimise Outbound Calling with AI-powered Predictive Dialers" The post Optimise Outbound Calling with AI-powered Predictive Dialers appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • AI-Powered Virtual Assistants: Transforming Customer Service in Contact Centre 2024
    by Allyn Jayawon on May 13, 2024 at 9:00 am

    In today’s cut-throat business environment, providing exceptional customer service is no longer a perk, it’s essential. Customers expect prompt, personalised experiences, and businesses that fail to deliver risk losing their … Read more "AI-Powered Virtual Assistants: Transforming Customer Service in Contact Centre 2024" The post AI-Powered Virtual Assistants: Transforming Customer Service in Contact Centre 2024 appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.

  • AI-Powered Voice Recognition: Transforming Telephony
    by Allyn Jayawon on May 6, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Voice recognition technology, a subset of artificial intelligence, has made significant strides in recent years. By accurately converting spoken language into text, it has opened up new possibilities for human-computer … Read more "AI-Powered Voice Recognition: Transforming Telephony" The post AI-Powered Voice Recognition: Transforming Telephony appeared first on RingCentral UK Blog.