5G and network transformation: five trends to watch in 2026
This insight is available to those subscribed to the Mobile Operators and Networks module.
Report details
5G and network transformation: five trends to watch in 2026
Throughout 2025, GSMA Intelligence has analysed developments and innovation across the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem. But how will the industry evolve in 2026? Which trends will continue to run their course? Which trends will take a new direction? And which will enter the fray for the first time?
To help navigate 2026, this series of reports highlights the key trends to watch and the implications for ecosystem players. The analysis covers five key areas: 5G and network transformation; spectrum; IoT and the wider enterprise market; the digital consumer; and fixed and pay-TV markets. This report examines 5G and network transformation.
Report details
5G and network transformation: five trends to watch in 2026
Related research
Network Transformation 2026
In GSMA Intelligence’s seventh annual survey of network technology executives, one data point stands out: 85% of operators claim opex efficiencies as a priority business objective for deploying AI in their networks.
Operators in Focus: Network Transformation Survey Dashboard 2026
GSMA Intelligence surveyed 100 telcos from around the world, gaining insights into their deployment plans and challenges, where they plan to invest, how they see the value of new technologies, and what they think is needed to meet end-user demand.
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Network Transformation 2026
In GSMA Intelligence’s seventh annual survey of network technology executives, one data point stands out: 85% of operators claim opex efficiencies as a priority business objective for deploying AI in their networks.
Operators in Focus: Network Transformation Survey Dashboard 2026
GSMA Intelligence surveyed 100 telcos from around the world, gaining insights into their deployment plans and challenges, where they plan to invest, how they see the value of new technologies, and what they think is needed to meet end-user demand.
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics