Research

Defining the future telco — and what it means for operators and their partners


Flavours of private networks: Key delivery models

This report explores private network delivery models – on-premises, hybrid and network slicing. It also offers insights into deployment strategies, market opportunities and actionable recommendations for telcos to address diverse enterprise connectivity needs across industries.

A guide to edge computing for investors

Edge computing is a key enabling technology for AI and GenAI applications, providing the local processing power and low-latency connectivity needed for real-time decision-making and data processing. This report looks at the trends in investments in edge computing companies – from edge data centres to platforms and applications – and the market outlook for 2025.

Real-time automation: The future of transport & logistics

Real-time automation is transforming the transport and logistics sector – and growth in demand for enabling technologies such as edge, AI and IoT is expected to be faster than in any other vertical. In this report, we outline strategies geared towards enabling ecosystem players to capitalise on the opportunity by addressing critical challenges and opportunities.

Network edge data centre forecast: Building the base

Our latest iteration of the Network edge data centre forecast shows that deployments are gradually bringing this market to life, despite the first early exits happening in 2024. What impact will 5G SA, data regulation and AI have on development of the network edge landscape? 

Live experiences: How telcos can score a winner

This playbook provides telcos with an understanding of the fundamentals of the live experiences market and where they could fit into it. Following a thorough assessment of telco activities in this area, STL Partners presents four service types and roles that telcos can take, with detailed case studies and analysis to help operators choose their path in live experiences.

SMBs: How telcos should approach them

SMBs are embracing 5G, cloud, and automation but face hurdles such as security, integration complexity, and resource limitations. This report examines how telcos can meet SMBs’ demands for seamless, secure, and manageable solutions, positioning themselves as integral partners in SMBs’ digital transformation journey.

Telco generative AI adoption tracker

The Telco generative AI adoption tracker is a database of announcements, trials and deployments of generative AI within telcos around the world.
In the latest update, we have added a list of generative AI solutions targeted at telcos.

Industry survey: Understanding network edge demand

There is much debate in the industry on the topic of telco edge computing, but little clarity for players within the telecom industry and potential customers on how much capacity will be available.
In this report, we provide insights from our annual industry survey on the state of network edge, including the key triggers for deployments.

Super apps: An attractive, yet elusive opportunity

Many have tried to capture the elusive opportunities in the super apps domain, but very few are succeeding. This playbook examines the different approaches to super apps and offers valuable recommendations to telcos that aim to pursue opportunities in this area.

Quantum technologies: Strategic paths for telcos

With quantum technologies touching on many areas of telco business, it can be unclear where telcos should make early investments. However, there are some common priorities for telcos – and by considering a small number of strategic perspectives, decisions on next steps can be made.

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