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Top Six Telecom Trends 2026

Introduction

The telecom industry enters 2026 with more momentum and possibilities than ever. New forces—from AI-native networks and cloud-native cores to satellite integration and early 6G development—are redefining how modern networks are designed, delivered and monetised. 2025 signalled this shift clearly: margins tightened, service commoditisation accelerated, and operators began rethinking how value is created across the ecosystem.

As we move into 2026, one theme stands out! The operators that thrive will be those that embrace intelligent, open and autonomous networks while transforming into multi-service digital platforms. The following are the top six telecom trends for 2026:

1. AI-Native and Agentic AI Networks Become the Operating System of Telecom

Telecom operators are shifting toward AI-native and agentic architectures that enable autonomous optimisation, predictive maintenance, and intelligent orchestration across RAN, core, and cloud layers. The global AI-in-telecom market is growing at 38% CAGR through 2030¹, with investments moving from NOC automation to closed-loop RAN/core optimisation, agentic provisioning, autonomous slicing, self-healing networks, and AI-governed security. Reported benefits include 30–50% MTTR reduction², 20–25% OPEX savings³, and up to 40% fewer call-centre interactions⁴. Deployments are already in motion: Airtel uses agentic AI for workflow automation and real-time optimisation, and platforms such as Csmart support AI-ready workflows and multi-tenant orchestration for autonomous service delivery.

2. 6G Roadmaps Begin to Shape Investments

6G development is moving from research to structured global roadmaps with global 6G infrastructure spending expected to exceed $100B by the early 2030s⁵. With commercial momentum building around 2026, this pushes operators to prepare for new spectrum bands, AI-integrated architectures, sensing-enabled networks, and terahertz communication.

6G networks are expected to deliver <1 ms latency⁶, native AI processing, and high-bandwidth sensing applications — requiring early spectrum planning and cloud-native core upgrades. Operators modernising their 5G SA and edge infrastructure today can cut 6G migration costs by 20–30%⁷ through aligned cloud and edge foundations. Telefónica’s 6 GHz trials with Nokia and UPV highlight how mid-band spectrum validation is shaping early network evolution.

3. Open RAN & Network Disaggregation Enter Commercial Scale

Open RAN and cloud-native cores are moving into mainstream deployment as operators seek modular, programmable, and vendor-agnostic networks. The Open RAN market is projected to grow at a 39.4% CAGR⁸, driven by lower TCO, vendor diversification, and hyperscaler collaboration. Standardised, disaggregated RUs can cut deployment costs by up to 30%, while public macrocells account for more than half of current revenue. Private networks are the fastest-growing segment, with a 34.6% CAGR, and Asia-Pacific leads adoption with 40.7% market share⁹. AT&T’s $14B, five-year Open RAN program with Ericsson—targeting 70% of traffic on open platforms by 2026—signals accelerating commercial scale.

4. Satellite & NTN Connectivity Become Mainstream

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are becoming central to 5G/6G strategy as satellite, HAPS, and stratospheric layers integrate into the broader architecture. The satellite communications market is expanding at a 10.2% CAGR¹⁰. NTNs extend coverage without proportional RAN CAPEX, enabling remote, maritime, and underserved-area connectivity. Direct-to-Device (D2D) services are growing from $0.57B (2025) to $2.64B (2030) at 35.6% CAGR, with 30M IoT connections expected by 2030¹¹. Early commercial milestones—such as Eutelsat/MediaTek/Airbus’ first 5G NTN connection and Starlink’s direct-to-cell partnership with Veon—demonstrate the maturation of standards and new wholesale, roaming, and enterprise revenue models. Operator priorities include satellite backhaul, hybrid terrestrial–satellite plans, NTN-ready devices, and enterprise-grade D2D offerings.

5. Telcos Shift to Digital Ecosystem and Value Platforms

With connectivity commoditising and ARPU declining (mobile at –1.3%¹² CAGR; fixed voice at –4.7% through 2028¹³), operators are pivoting toward digital ecosystem models spanning cloud, IoT, security, fintech, and enterprise platforms. High-growth operators demonstrate that adjacent digital businesses outperform legacy telco revenue. Vodafone Business generates €8B¹⁴annually from IoT, cloud, and security, while Singtel’s IoT and digital services are offsetting legacy declines. Investment priorities include selecting 2–3 adjacent domains, building IoT/cloud/ICT capabilities, exposing APIs through NaaS/marketplaces, and scaling specialised B2B units. Csmart supports this evolution by enabling multi-tenant partner onboarding, bundled lifecycle orchestration, and monetisation of connectivity plus digital services.

6. Digital-First Customer Experience Reinvented by eSIM + AI

Digital-first experiences are becoming core to operator differentiation as customers expect instant onboarding, seamless roaming, and intelligent support. AI-driven CX is scaling as the AI-in-telecom market rises from $1.89B (2024) to $50B+ by 2034¹⁵. AI assistants handle up to 95%¹⁶ of interactions, improving accuracy and reducing costs. Verizon’s Gemini-powered assistant processes complex billing and account queries at >90% accuracy, while Airtel and others deploy agentic AI for onboarding, upselling, and troubleshooting. eSIM-first models allow operators and MVNOs to cut acquisition costs, reduce physical distribution, and expand internationally via fully digital onboarding. The global eSIM market is projected to reach $21.75B by 2030 (12.85% CAGR)¹⁷, with travel eSIMs growing from 70M (2024) to 280M (2030)¹⁸. Digital-first and eSIM-enabled models benefit operators by simplifying device lifecycle management, remote workforce connectivity, and IoT deployments across markets without complex SIM logistics.

Conclusion

Telecom’s evolution in 2026 is defined by AI-native automation, 6G readiness, disaggregated networks, satellite integration, platform-driven business models, and fully digital customer journeys. Operators that act now can unlock new value pools, extend coverage, reduce costs, and deliver next-generation experiences. The challenge and opportunity lie in adopting these technologies while ensuring security, agility, and ecosystem collaboration. The future belongs to players who modernise quickly, automate intelligently, and build beyond connectivity.

To explore how Covalense Digital can accelerate your transformation, reach out to us at reachus@covalensedigital.com or fill out a quick contact form. We will be in touch with you shortly!

Author

Nandini Shivananjappa, Associate - Product GTM

Nandini is an expert in product positioning and go-to-market (GTM) strategies that drive product adoption and growth. By leveraging various market research tools and techniques, she analyses market trends and customer needs to build a bridge between the product and its target market. She also excels at presenting complex data in a visually appealing way to help teams make informed decisions.

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