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The main articles are:
- Telecommunications Services (Global Market)
- Technological innovation
- Artificial intelligence in telecom
2025
Top 5 Trends in Mobile Communications Technology in 2025
Mobile technologies are one of the key factors in socio-economic development over the years. It is expected that in 2025 further progress in this area will be demonstrated, including the continued elimination of digital inequality, the expansion of 5G infrastructure, the introduction of advanced artificial intelligence tools and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). The GSM Association (GSMA) outlined five main trends in the field of mobile communication technologies: TAdviser got acquainted with the review in early March 2025.
Top 51. 5G mobile networks
In 2025, according to GSMA analysts, the transformation of the cellular industry will continue amid the introduction of 5G. New deployments in emerging markets and expanded coverage in developed countries are expected. 5G Advanced, or 5.5G, technology is starting to gain momentum: it's an intermediate stage between 5G and 6G standards. The introduction of 5G Advanced will help increase the bandwidth of communication channels, reduce latency, increase the reliability and efficiency of IoT.
Another area is the development of 5G RedCap, or Reduced Capability. This version of 5G reduces device requirements while offering enhanced capabilities over 4G, including increased data speeds and reduced latency. RedCap networks provide basic connectivity features tailored to less powerful and demanding IoT hardware. With 5G RedCap, enterprises can more efficiently manage technology by simplifying network infrastructure, leveraging advanced video monitoring capabilities, receiving information from sensors, and integrating personal devices into an automated enterprise management system.
In 2025, according to GSMA, AI will continue to be one of the main topics on the telecom market. Operators are looking for ways to use AI to drive business growth, improve service quality and improve customer satisfaction. AI tools help automate many routine operations and also help improve security by detecting fraud. In addition, AI assistants are increasingly being used in customer support services.
3. Expansion of the Internet of Things
The mobile industry is expected to cross an important milestone in 2025 - more than a billion devices globally will be connected using specialized IoT technologies such as NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) or LTE-M. We are talking about smart meters, all kinds of sensors, etc.
In 2025, according to the authors of the study, the telecommunications industry will continue to explore the possibilities of using quantum technologies (including quantum sensors and quantum computers) to improve the reliability of telecommunications infrastructure. We are talking, among other things, about the integration of quantum encryption in order to increase the confidentiality and security of communications. In parallel, post-quantum cryptography is developing: these are next-generation encryption algorithms built on complex mathematical problems, during the processing of which quantum computers will not gain a computational advantage over traditional systems.
5. eSIM for IoT
Built-in SIM cards (eSIM) will continue to gain popularity in the IoT segment. eSIM technology allows you to solder a miniature chip into the equipment, and then load the necessary operator profiles onto it. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot, which reduces the size of devices and improves reliability. You can change user profiles on eSIM hardware remotely.[1]
10 main risks in telecom - EY
Carriers around the world are facing a growing number of threats, including increased cyber attacks, increased competition and unsafe use of artificial intelligence. In a review dated January 22, 2025, the international audit consulting corporation EY identified 10 main risks for the telecommunications sector.
1. Underestimate changing privacy, security, and trust requirements
Generative AI (Genia) has a positive impact on the telecom industry - especially in terms of user support. However, the EY study suggests that two-thirds of customers want more detailed information about how AI is used. At the same time, 40% of employees are not sure that they know how to use AI in a responsible way. Moreover, AI tools are actively used by cybercriminals to improve the effectiveness of cyber attacks and organize new fraudulent schemes.
2. Lack of employee skills development
The relatively high degree of remote work in the sector, as emphasized, creates problems for cooperation and advanced training. About 85% of telecoms workers believe HR functions will require major to moderate changes, reflecting the need for transformation to improve human resources and develop employee skills.
3. Not effective enough transformation
Process automation and software networks are seen as important elements in the transformation of companies, but AI will have the most significant impact on the industry. At the same time, in order to achieve maximum efficiency, market participants, according to the authors of the study, should determine the most priority indicators of technological transformation for themselves.
4. Mismanagement of the Sustainable Development Programme
It is noted that the formation of reports on progress in the field of sustainable development will be of great importance for telecom operators. As of early 2025, only 51% of telecom and technology companies are disclosing their plans to switch to renewable energy.
5. Inability to take advantage of new business models
In the current macroeconomic situation, telecommunications companies are forced to look for new ways to increase revenues, and the focus is on new network-as-a-service business models. But the introduction of innovations will be difficult due to the strong dependence of telecom industry participants on intermediaries.
6. Insufficient network reliability and stability
Despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the EY study suggests that more than one in four households often suffer from problems with fixed broadband internet connectivity.
7. Inefficient interaction with external ecosystems
It is noted that corporate clients prefer service providers who provide services through partners. Improving ecosystem relationships will be critical for telecommunications companies in the future.
8. Increased competition
Telcos expect pressure from cloud hyperscalers and satellite operators to mount. This will reduce research and development costs, potentially limiting the long-term ability to innovate.
9. Failure to adapt to changing regulatory and political environment
Telecom companies are at risk of facing an expanding range of regulatory and policy challenges, including regulation of AI.
10. Inadequate operating models
Operators in many regions separate or separate tower assets and data centers into separate structures. While this approach brings financial benefits, opportunities to reconfigure operational models are overlooked.[2]
2024: The most promising technologies in the field of corporate networks are named
Globally, a number of new network technologies have been actively developed, the implementation of which will provide opportunities to further increase bandwidth, improve security, improve efficiency and expand functionality. A list of the most promising developments in the field of corporate networks is given in a study by Gartner, the results of which were released in mid-June 2024..
Quantum networks or quantum communications
This is a technology for ultra-secure data transfer over long distances. Quantum networks have the potential to change the way information is transmitted in critical industries such as financial services, healthcare, power, defense and government services. New tools and systems, including quantum sensing and connecting distributed quantum computers, could potentially form the basis of the next generation "quantum internet." The creation of secure quantum communication channels on physical principles completely eliminates unauthorized access to them.
Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn)
A next-generation wireless standard designed to improve the reliability of Wi-Fi. Priority is given to service quality and delay guarantees by improving connectivity, spectrum availability, and stability. The new standard will be critical for industries such as health care, public safety and industrial automation, where specific requirements are placed on wireless reliability. Wi-Fi 8 is expected to be available by 2028.
Digital Network Twins
The complexity of corporate network infrastructures continues to grow along with the increased burden on them. Against this background, organizations are faced with the need to implement effective modernization while ensuring the proper level of protection. Digital twins allow you to test different configurations and security policies applied to individual components. The technology makes it possible to speed up tests and subsequent implementation of changes while minimizing time and financial costs.
6G networks
Compared to 5G, sixth-generation networks will provide higher peak data transfer rates (from 100 Gbps to 1 Tbit/s), lower latency (at 0.1 ms), as well as much higher connection density and energy efficiency. 6G networks will allow end users, including ordinary consumers and enterprises, to transmit and process huge amounts of data in real time. This will lead to the emergence of qualitatively new interactive services, advanced telemedicine and autopilot platforms, improved virtual, augmented and mixed reality devices, etc.
Zero Trust Universal Network Access (ZTNA)
The ZTNA concept assumes that no user or device can be trusted initially, even if they are already inside the perimeter of the network. Thanks to ZTNA, the attack surface is significantly reduced, since in this case only authorized users, devices and applications gain access to nodes on the security surface. The ZTNA universal model applies to both remote and local users.
Networks with artificial intelligence
The introduction of AI tools improves network availability and end-user experience, reduces the operational resources required to manage the infrastructure, and reduces the time to resolve incidents. AI tools offer predictive management and simplified problem-solving recommendations. As a result, financial costs and customer support calls are reduced. In addition, AI tools help deploy complex network infrastructures, such as multi-cloud environments.
Network Accelerators
To improve the efficiency of network infrastructures, specialized accelerators are increasingly used - DPU/IPU and/or SmartNIC cards. They reduce the load on central processors of servers, increasing their availability and performance. In addition, such network solutions provide an opportunity to improve security. Accelerators are mainly used by hyperscalers and large cloud providers. The introduction of SmartNIC is especially important in light of the rapid development of AI applications, which can create high loads on network channels.
Multi-Cloud Environment Software (MCNS)
Such software allows you to design, deploy and operate networks in several public clouds. MCNS tools provide a single network policy, security, and availability across platforms. These products are responsible for routing, protecting inbound and outbound traffic, and integrating with public cloud services.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Communications Networks
Such groupings can be deployed to provide broadband Internet access or develop IoT systems. In addition, LEO satellites can provide transit channels for cellular services.
Software Defined Network (SDN)
This concept assumes that the network management layer is separate from the data transmission devices and implemented programmatically. These networks reduce maintenance costs by centralizing management on the software controller.[3]
2023:10 main trends in telecom for 2024 named
On November 27, 2023, Juniper Research named 10 key trends that will significantly affect the telecommunications landscape in 2024. It is noted that the global industry is on the verge of serious changes associated with the rapid introduction of generative artificial intelligence, the development of communication technologies and changes in business models of enterprises against the background of ongoing digital transformation.
1. Accelerating the launch of satellites
Juniper Research believes that spacecraft will play an important role in the development of 5G networks in 2024. Advantages of satellite communications include increased network coverage, improved transport infrastructure support, increased infrastructure capacity and capacity, and improved resilience due to an additional level of channel redundancy. At the same time, the integration of terrestrial and satellite 5G networks is expected.
2. Increased use of open APIs in telecommunications
Fraud and rising prices for traditional SMS, according to analysts, will lead to a change in the landscape of mobile messages in 2024. Enterprises and developers will begin to actively explore and implement alternative ways to exchange information through open program interfaces (APIs), such as Number Verify and SilentAuthentication.
3. Generative artificial intelligence
Dialogue AI goes to a new level. Juniper Research predicts that generative services will revolutionize the automation of personalized marketing campaigns. In particular, such systems will allow businesses to identify and segment audiences based on demographic data and behavior. Chatbots using generative AI will be able to interact more effectively with users - through personalized conversations, recommendations and answers.
4. Distribution of iSIM-enabled devices
In 2024, analysts believe that Internet of Things devices will become the main sector stimulating the introduction of the iSIM (integrated SIM card) standard. The use of iSIM will allow you to abandon a number of hardware components and transfer the functionality of SIM-cards to the software level. And this will help reduce costs.
5. European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Juniper Research believes that in 2024 the telecom market will be significantly influenced by the DMA law, which, among other things, provides for tougher regulation of the activities of large technology corporations that manage popular communication platforms and services such as WhatsApp and TikTok. Their operators, for example, will have to ensure the compatibility of different messaging services.
6. Accelerate BCE 2.0 implementation
According to analysts, in 2024, the growth of 5G traffic in roaming will lead to the fact that operators will begin to actively implement the BCE (Billing and Charging Evolution) standard. This is a more flexible and easy way for telecommunications companies to bill for the wholesale use of communication services.
7. Sustainable development
In 2024, Juniper Research expects, operators will focus on new initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impacts. These are the introduction of AI and machine learning, improving the operation of supply chains, electrification of delivery vehicles, etc.
8. Using Large Language Models (LLM)
The implementation of LLM will allow businesses to improve the personalization of services such as recommendations and customer support. In addition, the response time to appeals will be reduced, which will help improve business efficiency.
9. 5G Advanced Networks
The implementation of this standard in 2024 will benefit a wide variety of sectors - from entertainment, advanced reality (XR) and the Internet of Things to education, autonomous vehicles and industry.
10. Application of AI to improve the efficiency of operations
In 2024, the introduction of AI technologies at the level of the network architecture of operators is expected. This will allow companies to further optimize the operation of their infrastructures.[4]
1999: WiFi
Wi-Fi (1990s). Distribution since 2000. Flexibility and availability of the Internet.
1998: Internet of Things
Internet of Things (1990s). Development since 2010. Integration of devices into the global network.
1979: Mobile
Mobile communications (1970s). Distribution in 2000-2020 has changed the way people communicate, access to information and media.
1978: GLONASS and GPS
GLONASS and GPS (1970s). Distribution in 1990-2010. Transformation of navigation and cartography.
1968: Internet
Internet (1960s). Distribution in 1990-2010. Transformed communications, trade and access to information.
1928: Television
1920s - Television. Development in 1950-1980 transformed entertainment, news, and cultural perception.
1895: Radio
1895 - Radio. Distribution in 1920-1950 is a huge influence on mass communication and entertainment, at least until the 1980s.
1876: Telephone
1876 - Telephone. Widespread adoption in 1890-1940 changed the ways of communication in business and everyday life.
See also