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
- AT&T on the connectivity strategy behind Mitsubishi’s 5G-enabled outlanderby Catherine Sbeglia Nin on January 16, 2026 at 7:58 pm
AT&T said that while many in-vehicle services can function over 4G, advanced use cases increasingly benefit from 5G performance In sum – what to know: 5G as a vehicle platform – AT&T is positioning 5G as the foundation for software-defined vehicles, enabling faster OTA updates and more advanced in-car services. Coverage beyond cellular – To
- What the Synopsys and Global Foundries transaction signalsby Sulagna Saha on January 16, 2026 at 6:17 pm
Synopsys returns focus to core IP business, as ARC and MIPS come together under GlobalFoundries In a move that signals a major strategic pivot, Synopsys has agreed to sell its ARC Processor IP business to New York-based foundry vendor GlobalFoundries for an undisclosed sum. The deal that is expected to close in the second half
- How could AI be used to conserve telco energy consumption?by Christian de Looper on January 16, 2026 at 5:11 pm
Telcos are known for their heavy energy use, but so is AI. Could one, ironically, help the other? Telecom operators rank among the most power-hungry companies on the planet, consuming roughly 1-2% of global electricity demand. As 5G networks expand and mobile data traffic continues its upward trajectory, that consumption keeps climbing. The GSMA has pushed telecom operators
- The hidden pattern in Nvidia’s billion-dollar deals (Analyst Angle)by Vish Nandlall on January 16, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Nvidia is not spending its market valuation windfall on random diversification If you look at Nvidia’s deals over the last three years, they seem scattered. A handful of small software buys. A couple of massive strategic investments. Some moves that look suspiciously like vendor financing dressed up in different clothes. But underneath the apparent chaos
- Viettel completes Vietnam’s first 5G-A trialby Juan Pedro Tomás on January 16, 2026 at 2:35 pm
Viettel plans to begin rolling out 5G-Advanced in 2026, using the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands already licensed for 5G In sum – what to know: Trial hits 7.3 Gbps – Viettel achieved speeds six times faster than current 5G SA by aggregating multiple spectrum bands in its first 5G Advanced trial. Carrier aggregation
- Netflix agrees global pay-TV rights to Sony filmson January 16, 2026 at 8:19 am
(Telecompaper) Netflix has struck a deal for early access to new films from Sony Pictures Entertainment. In the exclusive multi-year agreement, Sony's feature films...
- Verizon offers customers USD 20 credit after major service outageon January 16, 2026 at 7:47 am
(Telecompaper) Verizon is offering compensation to customers in the US after an hours-long outage on its mobile network 14 January...
- Verizon to close Frontier takeover on 20 Januaryon January 16, 2026 at 7:26 am
(Telecompaper) Verizon has acquired all the necessary regulatory approvals to complete its takeover of Frontier Communications, following final clearance from the state of California...
- China smartphone market drops 1% in 2025, Huawei regains top spot after 5 yearson January 16, 2026 at 7:04 am
(Telecompaper) China's smartphone market fell 1 percent year-on-year in 2025, with full-year shipments reaching 282.3 million units, according to a report from Omdia...
- Australia's under-16 social media ban sees 4.7 mln accounts blockedon January 16, 2026 at 5:57 am
(Telecompaper) Major social media companies removed access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the first half of December...
- Operators see FWA momentum, but potential capacity limits loomby Catherine Sbeglia Nin on January 15, 2026 at 9:29 pm
Dell’Oro Group VP Jeff Heynen told RCR that U.S. operators are being careful not to over-utilize their spectrum for FWA Disciplined expansion – Operators are carefully managing spectrum and capacity to protect mobile performance, limiting how aggressively Fixed Wireless Access can scale. Bundling and competition – Lower-cost bundles remain attractive to consumers, but cable competition
- Why AT&T’s FirstNet is planning to add satellite connectivity to its emergency networkby Sulagna Saha on January 15, 2026 at 7:24 pm
A layer of satellite connectivity will enable FirstNet to provide coverage for “any potential emergency”, says FirstNet President, Scott Agnew In sum — what to know: FirstNet tests satellite connectivity: Working alongside AST SpaceMobile, AT&T’s FirstNet is testing a direct-to-cellular satellite service for its emergency network A multi-layered approach: The satellite service which will launch for
- SK Telecom debuts “A. auto” in-car AIby Christian de Looper on January 15, 2026 at 4:37 pm
The car could be the best place for telcos to deliver AI features In sum – what we know: SK Telecom made its formal push into the in-car AI space, unveiling A. auto as the company’s next-generation vehicle assistant. The system ships immediately in Renault Korea’s new Filante, putting the telecommunications giant squarely in competition with established
- Reliance Jio weighs 2.5% IPO in 2026by Juan Pedro Tomás on January 15, 2026 at 3:16 pm
The potential IPO by Jio could raise over $4 billion at current valuations, according to a previous estimate In sum – what to know: India’s biggest IPO in sight – Jio is weighing a 2.5% listing that could raise over $4 billion at current valuations. Smaller float, higher tension – Reliance favors a limited stake
- Barb data shows more Brits now watch YouTube than BBCon January 15, 2026 at 12:27 pm
(Telecompaper) The latest data from TV ratings agency Barb shows that YouTube has overtaken the BBC for the first time in the UK, reports The Telegraph newspaper...
- Ericsson plans to cut 1,600 jobs in Swedenon January 15, 2026 at 8:36 am
(Telecompaper) Ericsson said it plans to reduce its headcount in Sweden by approximately 1,600 posts as part of measures to ensure its competitive position. Its website says it current employs 14,500 people there...
- WindTre and Ericsson activate Italy's first 5G standalone networkon January 15, 2026 at 8:14 am
(Telecompaper) WindTre and Ericsson have switched on Italy's first 5G standalone (SA) mobile network, in what both companies describe as a milestone for the country's digital transformation...
- AWS starts sovereign cloud service in Europeon January 15, 2026 at 8:01 am
(Telecompaper) Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the general availability of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, its new offering designed to meet demand from the...
- Alibaba upgrades Qwen app beyond chat to AI-powered autonomous task completionon January 15, 2026 at 7:07 am
(Telecompaper) Alibaba has upgraded its AI application the 'Qwen App'. Qwen now features deep integration of core services from Alibaba's ecosystem, including...
- How AI workloads are changing the rules of testing in data centersby Sulagna Saha on January 14, 2026 at 9:02 pm
Two modes of AI activity are pushing the limits of data center fabrics, driving the need for next-gen testing “Connectivity is becoming the lynchpin for AI scaling,” said Stephen Douglas, Head of Market Strategy, Spirent, in a session of the recent RCR AI Infrastructure Forum. For years, the network fabric inside data centers were built
- What to Know About the Cloud and Data Centers in 2026by jmiller@telegeography.com (Jayne Miller) on December 22, 2025 at 2:23 pm
We're wrapping up our telecom year-in-review series with perhaps the hottest topics of them all: data centers, cloud, and AI. TeleGeography experts Jon Hjembo and Patrick Christian join the show to address core questions about recent data center and AI booms—specifically, what it means for the year ahead. If you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to our first two episodes on transport trends, pricing, and enterprise networks.
- Digital Infrastructure Resources for Metro Connect Attendeesby TeleGeography Staff on December 19, 2025 at 1:15 pm
Metro Connect is turning 25, and we're all invited to the birthday party. If you're planning to attend this year's conference in February, you might want some quick analysis and major trends from the digital infrastructure landscape to make the most of the fiber-packed agenda. We've collected conference logistics and key digital infrastructure insight from our team to assist anyone planning their trip to Florida.
- What to Know About Pricing and Enterprise Networks in 2026by jmiller@telegeography.com (Jayne Miller) on December 18, 2025 at 1:57 pm
Welcome to the second episode in our three-part series catching up on the most interesting stories in telecom from 2025, and looking forward to what we expect in 2026. (If you're just joining, you can go back and check out our first episode on transport network developments.)
- What to Know About Transport Networks in 2026by jmiller@telegeography.com (Jayne Miller) on December 17, 2025 at 2:53 pm
Happy holidays, TeleGeography Explains the Internet listeners.
- Exploring New Subsea Cables Through the Middle Eastby jhull@telegeography.com (Jon Hull) on December 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm
As our team prepares for Capacity Middle East 2026, we've rounded up the best resources to help you brush up on important topics before you go.
- How Great ISPs Nail Their Net Promoter Score Surveysby gbryan@telegeography.com (Greg Bryan) on December 11, 2025 at 1:15 pm
While we hear a lot about automated provisioning and NaaS, how long does it really take to get a quote for DIA service? Or more to the point: how long does it take to actually get a circuit installed? And what do enterprises really think of their ISPs?
- Prep for PTC With Our Expertsby jmiller@telegeography.com (Jayne Miller) on December 8, 2025 at 12:45 pm
What will everyone be talking about at PTC'26, and what headlines do you need to brush up on to make the most of the event? This is what our team has been thinking about as we prep for the January conference and outline our annual telecom workshop. (No spoilers on that just yet, but watch this space.) The good news is that you can borrow from our expert conference planning.
- European Bandwidth Market: Current Snapshotby aparker@telegeography.com (Stacey Parker) on December 5, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Europe is experiencing a surge in capacity demand with a critical need to connect numerous data centers. Consequently, larger customers are shifting to higher capacity services, specifically 400 Gbps and dark fiber.
- Securing Global Communications: An Examination of Foreign Adversary Threats to Subsea Cable Infrastructureby tstronge@telegeography.com (Tim Stronge) on November 20, 2025 at 6:49 pm
Governments around the world are asking critical questions about national security and submarine cables, seeking to protect this critical infrastructure and mitigate risk.
- What’s Shaping Business Broadband Going into 2026by Maddy Peck on November 17, 2025 at 7:44 pm
What determines the cost of business broadband? The price depends on a variety of factors:
- AI-Powered Call Analytics: Leveraging Data for Business Insightsby 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 Securityby 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 Experiencesby 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 Businessesby 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 Overviewby 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 Communicationsby 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 Demoby 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 Dialersby 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 2024by 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 Telephonyby 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.








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