The telecoms industry in 2026: trends to watch
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The telecoms industry in 2026: trends to watch
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.
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The telecoms industry in 2026: trends to watch
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