Verizon: Targeting consumer 5G monetisation through innovative pricing plans, FWA and digital entertainment

Our latest consumer survey shows that almost half of non-5G users plan to upgrade to 5G. However, the work remains cut out for operators in terms of capitalising on this positive consumer sentiment for successful 5G monetisation. More efforts across areas such as 5G network quality, 5G customer segmentation, tariff innovation and 5G partnerships are key to advancing consumer 5G adoption and monetisation. In this report we explore the above and further aspects of consumer 5G in depth, supplemented with three operator case studies on consumer 5G from around the globe.

Last month, China’s three major telecoms operators became the first to launch token-based AI plans, packaging AI usage in a way that resembles traditional mobile data bundles, signalling a broader push by operators to commercialise AI, cloud and compute capabilities. This reflects growing interest among operators in monetising AI by moving beyond internal AI efficiencies and towards commercial AI opportunities. The logic is simple – tap the surging interest in AI and put a meter on it – but the concept goes beyond just offering tokens for cash.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US is set to capture the attention of football fans around the world, with operators playing a significant role in its success. The event in many ways represents a microcosm of operator strategy: combining infrastructure performance, customer experience and service innovation to meet immediate demand and strengthen long-term competitive positioning.