Staying safe: operators see strong demand for security as enterprises navigate pandemic

Telecoms operators have a distinct role to play in tackling fraud and scams. Their access to network intelligence allows them to reveal scam indicators earlier in the attack chain than other ecosystem participants can. The GSMA Data Exchange Proof of Concept shows that privacy-preserving telecoms data sharing is both feasible and effective. Its learnings provide a blueprint for moving beyond isolated pilots towards trusted, ecosystem-wide scam-intelligence infrastructure.

B2B has emerged as a strategic growth area for operators and the wider tech/digital ecosystem. As the digital transformation of vertical sectors accelerates, gaining insights directly from enterprises is key. GSMA Intelligence surveyed almost 900 enterprises from 10 vertical sectors across the GCC and wider MENA region to gain insight into their digital transformation. The research focused on strategic objectives, investment plans, use of technology, deployment challenges, supplier decisions, tech sovereignty, and policy and regulation.

Mobile operators face a defining moment in authentication. SMS one-time password (OTP) remains widely used and commercially important, but fraud, rising costs and competition from passkeys and app-based solutions are weakening its position. At the same time, the customer authentication market is growing. This presents operators with an opportunity to build on the reach and trust of the mobile number to secure a larger role in a rapidly expanding market. API-based solutions will be central to this.