The changing shape of smart cities: new trends and new roles for operators
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise module.
Smart cities are not new, but recent developments indicate a shift to smart and sustainable cities where digital technology is used for multiple purposes including environmental aspects. This requires closer collaboration between city stakeholders throughout the entire smart city lifecycle, from the initial assessment to strategy design and implementation. Operators are increasingly involved in smart city projects. For some, their role is moving beyond providing connectivity to become smart city solution providers.
Technology is key to realising the potential of smart cities. Some technologies have already become essential (e.g. IoT, connectivity, cybersecurity and data management). Others, such as 5G, AI, digital twins and edge computing, offer opportunities for more advanced smart city applications. The diverse range of technological capabilities also requires the use of smart city platforms, which are becoming new decision-making centres.
This reports looks at the drivers of smart cities and their progress so far. It examines the possible roles for operators in phases of the smart city lifecycle, provides a selection of case studies, and offers an outlook on the potential accelerators ahead.
Related research
Industry Checkpoint: digital industries, Q4 2025
This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on digital industries, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications. The report considers four major developments: operators expanding their sovereign infrastructure and AI-driven offerings; the increasing use of 5G-Advanced to support applications in robotics; drones gaining prominence for public safety and emergency response in Europe; and the emergence of early forms of quantum-safe networking services.
The telco culture pivot: adapting sales strategies to win in the enterprise
Business challenges, technology priorities and buying behaviour vary significantly by industry, customer size, technology maturity and geography. Operators should more finely segment and prioritise specific customer segments and tailor go-to-market strategies and value propositions accordingly.
10 years of LoRaWAN: The Things Conference 2025 signals a new phase for a converged IoT future
The Things Conference 2025 recently concluded in Amsterdam, marking a milestone for the global LoRaWAN and broader IoT community. Coinciding with the 10-year mark since the creation of The Things Industries and the founding of the LoRa Alliance, the conference offered reflections on a decade of IoT evolution. Discussions also highlighted the emerging edge AI opportunity and the impact of the EU Cyber Resilience Act for the wider IoT ecosystem.
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
Industry Checkpoint: digital industries, Q4 2025
This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on digital industries, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications. The report considers four major developments: operators expanding their sovereign infrastructure and AI-driven offerings; the increasing use of 5G-Advanced to support applications in robotics; drones gaining prominence for public safety and emergency response in Europe; and the emergence of early forms of quantum-safe networking services.
The telco culture pivot: adapting sales strategies to win in the enterprise
Business challenges, technology priorities and buying behaviour vary significantly by industry, customer size, technology maturity and geography. Operators should more finely segment and prioritise specific customer segments and tailor go-to-market strategies and value propositions accordingly.
10 years of LoRaWAN: The Things Conference 2025 signals a new phase for a converged IoT future
The Things Conference 2025 recently concluded in Amsterdam, marking a milestone for the global LoRaWAN and broader IoT community. Coinciding with the 10-year mark since the creation of The Things Industries and the founding of the LoRa Alliance, the conference offered reflections on a decade of IoT evolution. Discussions also highlighted the emerging edge AI opportunity and the impact of the EU Cyber Resilience Act for the wider IoT ecosystem.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics