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
- Cityfibre gets £2.3bn to expand and buy, consolidate UK altnet marketby James Blackman on July 14, 2025 at 1:28 pm
CityFibre has secured £2.3B in new funding to expand its full-fiber network, drive M&A activity, consolidate the UK altnet market, and strengthen its position as Openreach’s main challenger. In sum – what to know: Funding boost – new financing includes £500m in new equity and £960m in expanded debt, with a further £800m accordion facility
- Empowering the Mobile AI Era: ZTE’s AIR RAN and AgentGuardby ZTE Corporation and RCR Wireless News (Sponsored) on July 14, 2025 at 12:34 pm
The mobile communication industry stands at the threshold of profound transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). The widespread adoption of open-source AI large models, such as DeepSeek, is making powerful capabilities accessible to more people, while the rise of AI Agent businesses, exemplified by frameworks like Manus, is shifting AI’s role
- LG launches Stand By Me 2 portable flatscreen TV globallyon July 14, 2025 at 11:06 am
(Telecompaper) LG Electronics will begin the global rollout of its popular StanbyME 2 portable display from 14 July...
- NTT lists data centre business on Singapore stock exchangeon July 14, 2025 at 9:54 am
(Telecompaper) NTT's data centre real estate investment trust (DC REIT) has been listed on the Singapore Exchange...
- Exa Infrastructure deploys new subsea route between UK and Belgiumon July 14, 2025 at 9:48 am
(Telecompaper) Exa Infrastructure announced the deployment of a new, high-capacity fibre route from London to Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Brussels, including a new...
- Anritsu White Paper: Next-Generation Technologies for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Implementationby RCR Wireless News on July 14, 2025 at 9:23 am
While the technical specifications for 5G NTN are being considered, a number of conceptual plans for 6G NTN have been made public. This Anritsu white paper introduces advanced technologies expected to be utilized in NTNs, including Network Optimization Using AI, Inter-satellite Optical Communications, and Quantum Satellite Networks. Download the white paper to learn more about:
- CityFibre raises GBP 2.3 bln in fresh financing to expand UK networkon July 14, 2025 at 6:44 am
(Telecompaper) UK wholesale operator CityFibre announced a new financing package worth GBP 2.3 billion to help continue the expansion of its FTTP network...
- T-Mobile wins FCC approval for UScellular, Metronet dealson July 14, 2025 at 6:23 am
(Telecompaper) T-Mobile US has secured approval from the Federal Communications Commission to take over most of UScellular's assets and around 30 percent of its spectrum rights...
- 5G Progress Report: Brazilby tleins@telegeography.com (Tom Leins) on July 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Brazil’s multi-band 5G spectrum auction concluded in November 2021, resulting in total commitments of $8.5 billion (BRL 47.2 billion) and bids from major players: Telefónica Brasil (Vivo), Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil. It also garnered attention from established regional companies, such as Algar Telecom and Sercomtel, as well as several lesser-known participants. How are Brazil's 5G licensees making progress three and a half years later? Here's what the data says.
- T-Mobile US gets DOJ nod on UScellular deal after dropping DEIby Catherine Sbeglia Nin on July 11, 2025 at 5:04 pm
A day before receiving the go-ahead, T-Mobile US sent a letter to the FCC promising to end its DEI policies ‘not just in name, but in substance’ The U.S. Department of Justice has cleared T-Mobile US’ $4.4 billion acquisition of UScellular’s wireless business, just a day after T-Mobile announced it was ending its diversity, equity and inclusion
- Indosat, Cisco, Nvidia support new AI facility in Indonesiaby Juan Pedro Tomás on July 11, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Twenty-eight startups and software vendors are already using Nvidia-based infrastructure provided by Indosat to build solutions for various sectors In sum, what to know: National AI effort – Indosat, Cisco, and Nvidia are backing Indonesia’s AI Center of Excellence, focused on local innovation, infrastructure and skills development. Focus on talent and access – The goal
- Monetizing 5G: How standalone networks unlock new revenue opportunities (Reader Forum)by Steve Douglas, Head of Market Strategy, Spirent Communications on July 11, 2025 at 4:12 pm
Of all the innovations introduced with 5G SA, RedCap technology is the one likely to have the biggest immediate impact The industry transition to 5G Standalone (SA) has taken longer than some expected, mostly due to the complexity of shifting from traditional telecom networks to the highly dynamic, cloud-native architectures of 5G SA. But there’s
- Bookmarks: Superintelligence — AI alignment, Bayesian reasoning, Harry Potter fanfic, and a murder cultby Sean Kinney, Editor in Chief on July 11, 2025 at 4:12 pm
Editor’s note: I’m in the habit of bookmarking on LinkedIn and X (and in actual books, magazines, movies, newspapers, and records) things I think are insightful and interesting. What I’m not in the habit of doing is ever revisiting those insightful, interesting bits of commentary and doing anything with them that would benefit anyone other
- AI RAN market to hit $10B by 2029by Juan Pedro Tomás on July 11, 2025 at 3:16 pm
According to Dell’Oro, early use cases of AI RAN will center on Distributed RAN, single-purpose deployments and 5G networks In sum – what to know: AI RAN momentum – AI-driven RAN solutions will account for nearly one-third of the RAN market by 2029, focusing initially on D-RAN, 5G efficiency and power reduction. Efficiency over revenue
- Invest in SA, grow B2B – experts tell Vietnamese telcos, as 5G expandsby Juan Pedro Tomás on July 11, 2025 at 3:11 pm
Top telcos have now deployed 11,000 5G base stations, delivering 5G coverage to nearly 26% of the Vietnamese population In sum, what to know: Infra expansion – Vietnamese carriers have deployed 11,000 5G base stations, now reaching 26% of the population, with tens of thousands more BTS units planned for 2025. Growth targets – Viettel
- India’s Reliance Jio delays IPO until 5G starts to pay, portfolio growsby Juan Pedro Tomás on July 11, 2025 at 3:03 pm
Reliance Jio Platforms seeks to expand its telecom subscriber base and grow its broader portfolio of digital services before going public, according to the report In sum, what to know: IPO postponed – Reliance Jio Platforms has pushed back its public listing beyond 2025 as it seeks to grow revenue and subscriber numbers. Digital bets
- Telefonica buys back Brazil fibre network from La Caisseon July 11, 2025 at 9:22 am
(Telecompaper) Telefonica Brasil has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 50 percent of Fibrasil from La Caisse Group, the Quebec pensions investor...
- Indonesia launches National AI Center of Excellence with IOH, Cisco, Nvidiaon July 11, 2025 at 9:01 am
(Telecompaper) Indonesia's Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs has established an AI Center of Excellence. This CoE is powered by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), Cisco, and Nvidia...
- UK to join Eutelsat capital boost with EUR 163 mln investmenton July 11, 2025 at 8:48 am
(Telecompaper) The UK government intends to participate in the planned recapitalisation of Eutelsat Group with an investment of EUR 163 million, including EUR 90...
- International travel eSIM provider Airalo raises USD 220 millionon July 11, 2025 at 8:46 am
(Telecompaper) Global eSIM provider Airalo announced a USD 220 million investment led by new investor, CVC. The investment includes new growth capital valuing Airalo at more than USD 1 billion...
- T-Mobile secures competition clearance to buy UScellular assetson July 11, 2025 at 6:56 am
(Telecompaper) T-Mobile US has obtained clearance from the Department of Justice for its proposed acquisition of UScellular's customer base and operations, including around 30 percent of its spectrum rights...
- Investing in the Future of Mexico’s Telco Landscapeby TeleGeography Staff on July 9, 2025 at 12:15 pm
We're sure many of our readers are gearing up for Mexico Connect. Let us help you prepare for the main event in Mexico City. Here's what you need to know, when to register, and which topics to review in advance.
- It’s Going to Take $3 Billion to Ensure Submarine Cable Repair Ships Can Keep the World Connectedby TeleGeography Staff on June 30, 2025 at 3:48 pm
A new report details what is needed to sustain current service levels and reduce repair delays for the undersea cables that carry global internet traffic.
- Find the Right SD-WAN Vendor With Our Free 2025 Guideby bboudreau@telegeography.com (Brianna Boudreau) on June 23, 2025 at 3:05 pm
It’s been almost a decade since SD-WAN burst onto the scene, and the service is undeniably a critical component of today’s enterprise WAN. The core benefits associated with SD-WAN technology are consistent across all provider offerings—reduced cost and network complexity, ease of upgrades and policy changes, increased flexibility and network performance, and increased visibility into application performance. But a dizzying array of SD-WAN service options still remain in the market. Providers continue to add new service and security features to distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace. And this multitude of different service options are reflected in the range of reported prices in the market. Luckily, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: TeleGeography’s 2025 SD-WAN Vendor Guide.
- A Fistful of Dollars: The Cable Cowboy Ropes Cox Communicationsby tleins@telegeography.com (Tom Leins) on June 13, 2025 at 11:50 am
In May, U.S. cable giants Charter Communications and Cox Communications entered into a definitive agreement to combine their businesses in a “transformative transaction” that will create an industry leader in the U.S. cable sector.
- 2G and 3G: Closing Time for Legacy Networksby pbell@telegeography.com (Pete Bell) on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
It’s been a couple of years since we reviewed the state of the 2G and 3G mobile markets to see how network closures were coming along. There has been plenty of activity since then, and 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year for shutdowns.
- An FCC Commissioner Explains Spectrum Allocation + Broadband Expansionby gbryan@telegeography.com (Greg Bryan) on June 5, 2025 at 1:29 pm
In this episode of the TeleGeography Explains the Internet podcast, FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington joins the show for a deep dive into the evolving world of spectrum allocation, broadband infrastructure, submarine cable policy, and cybersecurity. With a unique background in finance, law, and policy, Simington offers an interesting perspective on the complexities of the current telecom environment and where federal policy is headed.
- Why Legacy Telecom Networks Are Giving Way to the Futureby rschult@telegeography.com (Rob Schult) on June 4, 2025 at 2:28 pm
“Everyone’s getting rid of it.” That’s how one carrier I spoke with described aging technologies like SONET/SDH and TDM. Another used the term “accelerated outphasing,” while a third opted for a simple “RIP.”
- OceanIQ on Cable Faults, Climate Change, and Collaborationby jmiller@telegeography.com (Jayne Miller) on May 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Can you stop a cable break before it happens? We know how and why cable faults occur, but could damage be mitigated beforehand?
- The Key Trends Shaping Long-Haul Capacity Demandby jhjembo@telegeography.com (Jon Hjembo) on May 27, 2025 at 12:05 pm
What's shaping the trajectory of the global bandwidth market? To answer that question, we identified four significant trends worth watching within our recently updated Transport Networks Research Service. To understand the future of long-haul capacity demand and pricing, bookmark these industry headlines.
- 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.