Telecoms
Trends to Watch 2026
Omdia Telecoms Trends to Watch 2026 examines AI’s impact, geopolitical shifts, and new opportunities in enterprise and connected home services, offering insights into telecom growth and innovation.
Digital Sovereignty
AI Infrastructure
Telco B2B and AI Monetization
Monetizing the Connected Home Beyond Fiber
About Omdia
Telecoms Trends to Watch 2026
Research VP, Telecoms
The telecoms industry is poised for a transformative year in 2026, marking a pivotal shift from the era of digital transformation to the dawn of AI transformation. This evolution will redefine how communications service providers (CSPs), vendors, and their partners operate, innovate, and compete in an increasingly complex landscape. AI will move beyond proof-of-concept trials to widespread live deployments, unlocking new efficiencies and revenue streams.
From network automation designed to reduce operational expenditure to the launch of AI-driven services tailored for enterprise customers, the industry will witness a surge in practical applications of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the global and local build-out of AI factories will further accelerate innovation, enabling CSPs to capitalize on advanced capabilities and deliver differentiated offerings.
However, the path forward will not be without challenges. Geopolitical dynamics will continue to reshape the operating environment, presenting both risks and opportunities. The resurgence of sovereignty, for instance, is expected to favor local incumbents over global challengers. Yet, this trend also opens the door for strategic partnerships between global hyperscalers and local service providers, fostering collaboration that balances global expertise with local market needs. As the telecoms industry navigates this new era, adaptability and strategic foresight will be critical to thriving in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
In this e-book, we will dive deep into the telecom trends that matter most in 2026, with key explorations of:
Digital sovereignty: How geopolitical shifts and sovereignty concerns are reshaping the competitive landscape.
AI infrastructure: The rise of AI factories and their role in driving innovation and operational efficiency.
Telco B2B and AI monetization: Unlocking new revenue streams in next-generation wholesale and enterprise services.
Monetizing the connected home beyond fiber: Exploring opportunities to deliver value-added services in the connected home ecosystem.
