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

  • Nokia touts massive TCO reduction with new line of coherent optical solutions
    by Sulagna Saha on March 20, 2026 at 3:51 pm

    Post-Infinera integration, the Finnish vendor’s growth target is data center interconnect Nokia’s optical pitch this year at OFC was crystalline, more intentional, and landed somewhere between breakthrough and inevitable.  A new building block-based approach A diverse set of new applications have emerged in effect of AI, bringing explosive and variegated demands for bandwidth, reach, and

  • Ciena and Meta claim record subsea transmission speed
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on March 20, 2026 at 2:29 pm

    The trial used Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) coherent optics over an unregenerated link In sum – what to know: Record distance – 800 Gb/s transmitted over 16,608 km without regeneration on a transpacific subsea link. Higher capacity – The trial achieved 18 Tb/s per fiber pair, indicating increased throughput potential. Efficiency gains – Results

  • Physical AI, without the theatre – Siemens finds its private 5G groove
    by James Blackman on March 20, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    The tech is not the story (stupid!), says Siemens; it is a part of a solution, of course – just like IoT, and just like AI. Industrial enterprises have their own problems, and don’t buy the hype anyway; but sometimes private 5G helps – and so they call their crane supplier (etc), and not their

  • Telefónica targets AI-era monetization with automation push, transport overhaul
    by Sulagna Saha on March 20, 2026 at 12:34 pm

    At OFC, Telefónica’s CTO outlined its strategy to reverse persistent revenue challenges  In sum — what to know: Modernization focus: Telefónica is eyeing a combination of strategies to modernize the network in an effort to generate new revenue streams Level 4 automation: The operator is targeting to achieve Level 4 network autonomy by 2030 using

  • Jazz launches 5G services in Pakistan
    on March 20, 2026 at 8:32 am

    (Telecompaper) Pakistani mobile operator Jazz has launched 5G services following the award of the 5G license by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)...

  • China Unicom posts nearly 30% free cash flow growth in 2025, raises dividend
    on March 20, 2026 at 8:22 am

    (Telecompaper) China Unicom reports that its free cash flow reached CNY 36 billion in 2025, which represents a year-on-year increase of 28.5 percent. Annual capex amounted to CNY 54.2 billion...

  • EU court opinion upholds Huawei network ban, says no compensation due
    on March 20, 2026 at 8:10 am

    (Telecompaper) EU countries may impose bans on telecom equipment suppliers in the name of national security, and they are not required to pay operators compensation...

  • Nvidia and global telecom operators pivot to distributed AI grids
    by Christian de Looper on March 19, 2026 at 6:58 pm

    Major carriers are using Nvidia’s “AI Grid” to repurpose their networks In sum – what we know: Nvidia GTC 2026 brought a wave of announcements from some of the biggest telecom operators on the planet, rallying around a concept Nvidia is branding “AI grids” — essentially, geographically distributed AI infrastructure designed to run and monetize

  • Italian carriers plan tower JV to boost 5G expansion
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on March 19, 2026 at 4:28 pm

    The tower JV between TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone builds on a preliminary RAN sharing agreement signed earlier this year In sum – what to know: 6,000 towers planned – TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone aim to expand tower infrastructure to support 5G coverage and capacity across Italy. Joint venture structure – A 50-50 entity

  • AT&T, Cisco and Nvidia advance network-based edge AI
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on March 19, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    The solution combines AT&T’s IoT core network and Cisco’s mobility services platform, allowing localized data routing, predictable performance, and secure connectivity for enterprise and industrial environments In sum – what to know: Edge networks – AT&T and Cisco integrate AI inference into telecom infrastructure to process data closer to devices, reducing latency and cloud dependency.

  • Germany's 1&1 reports fall in FY EBITDA on mobile network transition
    on March 19, 2026 at 2:46 pm

    (Telecompaper) Germany's 1&1 saw its revenues increase by 1.8 percent year-on-year in 2025 to EUR 4.06 billion, helped by its buy-out of 1&1 Versatel, while EBITDA plunged by 9 percent to EUR 537.5 million...

  • Micron sales up almost threefold in fiscal Q2, raises dividend 30%
    on March 19, 2026 at 2:26 pm

    (Telecompaper) Micron almost trebled group revenues year-on-year in its fiscal second quarter to end-February, benefiting from buoyant demand for memory chips and storage across all of its operating segments...

  • CK Hutchison lifts FY telecoms revenue 9%, underlying EBITDA by 10%
    on March 19, 2026 at 12:57 pm

    (Telecompaper) CK Hutchison has reported that revenue from its telecom business in the 2025 financial year rose by 8.9 percent to EUR 11.39 billion from EUR 10.46...

  • EU opens tenders for EUR 200 mln in submarine cable funding
    on March 19, 2026 at 12:15 pm

    (Telecompaper) The European Commission has opened two tenders for EU funding for international communication cables...

  • The scaling myth holding back cellular IoT (Reader Forum)
    by Onomondo on March 19, 2026 at 8:53 am

    As cellular IoT deployments grow from thousands to millions, the limits of hardware, not software, come into focus, writes IoT connectivity provider Onomondo. Until connectivity infrastructure evolves to adapt to constrained devices – rather than forcing them into legacy telecom models – cellular IoT will remain stuck in a cycle of complexity, fragmentation, and unrealised

  • Fastweb+Vodafone and TIM set up JV to build up to 6,000 towers
    on March 19, 2026 at 8:30 am

    (Telecompaper) Telecom Italia (TIM) and Fastweb+Vodafone have followed the deal announced earlier this year to jointly roll out out 5G infrastructure throughout...

  • SKT and Ericsson sign MoU on AI-driven network evolution towards 6G
    on March 19, 2026 at 6:20 am

    (Telecompaper) SK Telecom (SKT) and Ericsson have signed an MoU to expand collaboration on AI-based network technologies spanning 5G evolution and future 6G development...

  • Du targets 10Gbps 5G-A upgrade with Huawei
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on March 18, 2026 at 4:53 pm

    The partnership between Huawei and du also includes work on AI-based network management and automation to improve efficiency and spectrum utilization In sum – what to know: 5G-A speed target – du and Huawei plan Phase-2 upgrades to deliver peak 10Gbps speeds across UAE networks, focusing on both indoor and outdoor coverage. Indoor priorities –

  • Broadband equipment market set for 2026 rebound
    by Juan Pedro Tomás on March 18, 2026 at 4:52 pm

    Jeff Heynen, VP at Dell’Oro Group, told RCR Wireless that cable infrastructure upgrades will play a central role in the recovery of the broadband access equipment market this year In sum – what to know: Market rebound – Broadband access equipment spending is set to recover in 2026 after three years of reduced operator investment.

  • Ciena and Meta declare record 800 Gbps subsea transmission on Bifrost cable system
    on March 18, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    (Telecompaper) Ciena and Meta have declared a new world record in subsea transmission, delivering 800 Gbps on a single wavelength over the 16,608 km trans-Pacific Bifrost Cable System...

  • 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.