Tariffs and telcos: Uncertainty and long-term moves
No one can foresee how and when import tariffs will stabilise – but some
long-term implications are starting to arise.
Research
Defining the future telco — and what it means for operators and their partners
Total addressable market for AI solutions in the mobile telco network and OSS: USD18bn by 2030
Mobile operators have used intelligence in their networks and OSS for a while. What has changed recently is how new techniques (e.g., generative AI and/or agentic AI) can be applied, often on top of traditional methods, to accelerate the use of AI in the network domain and move telcos along their journey to higher levels of network autonomy. This forecast estimates the value for vendors of selling AI-enabled solutions to mobile operators to support their network and OSS processes.
Telco cloud deployment tracker Q1 2025: The various flavours of open RAN
Most large-scale deployments of virtualised RAN (vRAN) at Tier 1 telcos are currently based on single-vendor architecture. But operators are deploying vRAN in innovative ways that aim to preserve many open RAN benefits. This report looks at the current status of vRAN and open RAN deployments as well as the increasing awareness of the importance of deploying cloud-native RAN across multiple containers-as-a-service (CaaS) layers.
Connect and protect: Telcos’ avenues of growth in consumer cybersecurity
Consumers need protection from fast-evolving cyber threats. Telcos are in a position to deliver credible solutions to this attractive market, building both increased consumer loyalty and new revenue streams.
Telecom network evolution forecast: A platform approach to monetising 5G
Taken in isolation, investment in 5G has thus far failed to deliver on its promises – both technically and commercially. In this combined market forecast for edge computing, private networks and telecom APIs until 2030, we identify how telcos can leverage all their assets to help deliver on the original ambitions of 5G.
Enabling customer centricity in enterprise networks through NaaS
Analysing the relationship between NaaS implementation and customer success metrics in enterprise network services
Future skills tracker report 2025
Telcos need new skill sets to enable their organisations to compete and add value like technology companies. Insights from our Future skills tracker tool show that telcos remain behind techcos in the penetration of key role types and provide direction on the expert capabilities required to become more innovative, agile and technology-driven overall.
Private networks: What’s the big deal?
The hype around private networks has died down and left many with a sense that they have ‘failed’ as a source of new growth. But this market still offers good opportunities for those who know how to find them.
An investment quandary: How AI is redefining enterprise connectivity
In this report, we discuss the extent to which AI adoption will transform enterprise networking and set out a framework of key questions that decision-makers should consider when developing and designing their AI strategies.
Connected health: Enabling smarter, secure and scalable care
At MWC 2025, we held the Digital Health Summit in collaboration with the GSMA. At the event, we explored the opportunities and the challenges in smart hospitals, IoT, direct-to-consumer services and AI in healthcare. This report outlines the key takeaways and insights from the summit.
The future of (really) useful smartphone personal assistants
Who is most likely to win the battle for contextually aware personal assistants on smartphones – and is there an opportunity for telcos?
Networks for AI: Segmenting the growth
AI will create large potential opportunities for telcos in connectivity and use case enablement. But telcos must manage expectations and prioritise their investments carefully.
Edge computing market sizing forecast: Fourth release
This report outlines the main findings of our latest quantitative research on the global demand for edge computing services towards 2030. We identify the total revenue across the value chain and explore the growing demand for network, regional and on-premises edge across 20 use cases and 16 verticals globally.
Preventing multimillion dollar data centre losses through reporting
This report assesses the impacts of delays in data centre construction on operational financial metrics, budget and internal rate of return, and examines the role of effective reporting in ensuring on-time delivery.
Cybersecurity: What do small and medium businesses in Saudi Arabia need?
We recently surveyed 104 SMBs in Saudi Arabia to understand this market and help cybersecurity solution providers address the Saudi opportunity. It follows a survey in seven other markets (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and the US) executed in late 2024.
5G: The next phase
The range of optional additional features in 5G has expanded massively since previous generations. This report covers the technology, use cases and timelines for six of the less-discussed domains of 5G evolution – RedCap, sidelink, URLLC and time-sensitive networking, drone connectivity, precise positioning and real-time communication.
MWC 2025: A tech show, not a telecom one
It was no surprise that AI dominated MWC this year. But there were lots of other notable trends on the rise – including cybersecurity and data centres – and some that were disappointingly overlooked. Find out what the STL Partners team saw and missed at MWC 2025.
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