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

  • MWC Barcelona 2026: Prototyping an AI-native 6G from foundation to new services
    by RCR Wireless News and Qualcomm Sponsored on February 26, 2026 at 9:55 am

    From air-interface foundations to AI-native services, Qualcomm’s MWC technology demonstrations show how they are engineering 6G for intelligence and efficiency What you should know: Wireless connectivity continues to evolve as devices, services and networks become more intelligent and more essential to daily life. As AI raises expectations at the edge, future wireless systems must deliver

  • Deutsche Telekom meets FY outlook with sales, EBITDA up nearly 3%
    on February 26, 2026 at 7:36 am

    (Telecompaper) Deutsche Telekom has met its outlook for higher annual results, led by its expansion in the US...

  • SK Telecom completes AI-RAN trial
    on February 26, 2026 at 6:45 am

    (Telecompaper) SK Telecom (SKT) said it has successfully demonstrated AI-RAN in a trial network, combining AI and telecommunications infrastructure in a single system...

  • Samsung introduces Galaxy S26 as multi-agent AI platform, prices rise up to 20%
    on February 26, 2026 at 6:07 am

    (Telecompaper) Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S26 series at a launch event in San Francisco, positioning the device as a multi-agent AI platform and its third generation of AI-focused smartphones...

  • Analyst Angle: floLIVE reimagines connectivity for intelligent IoT operations
    by RCR Wireless News on February 25, 2026 at 6:04 pm

    Agentic and generative AI applications and workloads are testing the limits of legacy connectivity infrastructure from edge to cloud. The explosion of data and telemetry that feeds underlying large and small language models across domains – for training and inference – necessitate a reimagination of cloud infrastructure and network architectures. Furthermore, as edge and cloud

  • Telstra sets uplink record using Ericsson 5G-A equipment
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 25, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    The setup combined FDD and TDD single user MIMO under 3GPP Release 17 specifications In sum – what to know: Uplink milestone – The companies achieved 682 Mbps on a live 5G SA network in Queensland, up from 516 Mbps recorded in 2025. Release 17 features – The test combined 50 MHz (n7) and 100

  • AT&T says Ookla fiber award validates strategy — ‘Where we have fiber, we win’
    by Catherine Sbeglia Nin on February 25, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    AT&T Fiber has received Ookla’s first-ever Best Home Internet award in the United States In sum – what to know: Strategy validated – AT&T said Ookla’s first-ever Best Home Internet award confirms its existing fiber expansion approach rather than signaling any strategic shift. Fiber-led growth – The operator is accelerating deployment through organic buildouts alongside

  • 5G and AI demand to double network capacity by 2030, says American Tower
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 25, 2026 at 2:29 pm

    Network capacity will be required to double in the next few years in order to cope with 5G adoption and AI demand, reckons American Tower – as its revenues rise on new 5G infrastructure investments In sum – what to know: Data to double – American Tower chief Steven Vondran reckons growth in 5G, FWA

  • Scaling the Digital Backbone: How DataBank Is Building for What’s Next with Raul Martynek
    by Carrie Charles on February 25, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    In this episode, Raul Martynek, CEO of DataBank, shares how he has helped transform a six–data center platform into one of the largest and most geographically diverse data center operators in the United States. With three decades in digital infrastructure—spanning telecom, fiber, cloud, and now data centers—Raul offers a front-row perspective on how the industry

  • ‘Beacons of innovation’ — Samsung, Orange expand European vRAN, Open RAN deployments
    by Catherine Sbeglia Nin on February 25, 2026 at 2:17 pm

    The collaboration focuses on integrating updated processing platforms into Orange’s network infrastructure In sum – what to know: More sites – Following pilot projects that have been underway since 2023, Samsung and Orange announced plans to extend the number of vRAN and Open RAN sites in 2026. Upgraded configuration – The companies are integrating Samsung’s

  • Cargill’s 50-site surge shows private 5G is infrastructure – not experiment
    by James Blackman on February 25, 2026 at 2:15 pm

    After some years of caution and pilots, US manufacturing giant Cargill has scaled private 5G to 50 sites in just six months with NTT Data and Celona – reframing the technology not as a single-use Industry 4.0 fix, but as foundational connectivity to be stacked, scaled, and standardised across its global operations. In sum –

  • VIAVI Whitepaper: RAN scenario generators and their critical role for future-proofing AI-native RAN in Advanced 5G and 6G networks
    by RCR Wireless News on February 25, 2026 at 2:08 pm

    AI is becoming a key part of how modern telecom networks work—especially with 5G and upcoming 6G. Instead of just helping with small tasks, AI is now being built into the core of the network, making smart decisions in real time. This is especially important for technologies like MU-MIMO, which help manage lots of connections

  • Iliad's Free inks build-to-suit deal with TDF for 2,500 new cell sites
    on February 25, 2026 at 9:49 am

    (Telecompaper) French operator Free Mobile, part of the Iliad group, announced a build-to-suit (BTS) agreement with TDF providing for the deployment of 2,500 new cell sites...

  • Warner confirms higher takeover bid from Paramount
    on February 25, 2026 at 7:55 am

    (Telecompaper) Warner Bros Discovery has confirmed the reception of a higher takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, adding another USD 1 per share as well as an...

  • Telecom Italia FY revenues up 2.7%, announces EUR 400 mln share buyback
    on February 25, 2026 at 7:54 am

    (Telecompaper) Telecom Italia (TIM) confirmed that it intends to restart shareholder payouts later this year and launch a share buyback of up to EUR 400 million...

  • E& Group CEO steps down after record FY results
    on February 25, 2026 at 7:24 am

    (Telecompaper) E& announced that its group CEO Hatem Dowidar has decided to step down after six years in the role, at the end of March. The board has appointed Masood M...

  • AMD and Meta agree multi-year 6 GW GPU deployment for AI infrastructure
    on February 25, 2026 at 6:31 am

    (Telecompaper) Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Meta have announced a definitive multi-year, multi-generation agreement to deploy up to six gigawatts of AMD...

  • SK Telecom outlines AI-native network strategy
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on February 24, 2026 at 3:02 pm

    Under the ATHENA architecture, SK Telecom plans to gradually apply AI- and cloud-based automation across all network layers In sum – what to know: 6G roadmap – SK Telecom’s ATHENA paper outlines its post-2030 network evolution strategy, continuing a 6G series launched in 2023. AI integration – The operator distinguishes between “AI for network” optimization

  • Cellnex, Point One to roll out 'centimetre-accurate' positioning network across Europe
    on February 24, 2026 at 9:21 am

    (Telecompaper) Spain-based European infrastructure operator Cellnex said it has joined forces with Point One Navigation to expand high-precision positioning services across Europe...

  • Telefonica achieves small increase in FY underlying results, targets similar growth in 2026
    on February 24, 2026 at 8:49 am

    (Telecompaper) Telefonica has met its targets for a small increase in underlying revenues and adjusted EBITDA in 2025 and forecast similar growth in 2026...

  • 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.