Private networks are growing — but the market is becoming harder to read and harder to win. The latest update of STL Partners’ Private networks deployment tracks records publicly announced private network, up to May 2026.
As 5G SA deployments grow, more telcos will be in a position to offer differentiated connectivity. But the path to effective monetisation is not clear or easy. This report explores the most promising use cases and monetisation mechanisms that telcos should focus on.
As telcos deploy more resilient and programmable networks, they could become key suppliers to armed forces. Dual-purpose tech solutions by telcos are valuable also to the population and civilian critical services during extreme weather events or energy blackouts, as much as during military conflict.
Our telco AI data centre forecast examines the rise of AI factories alongside the evolution of network edge infrastructure, showing how AI-driven demand is accelerating growth in telco compute capacity. How will data sovereignty requirements and new industrial AI applications reshape the telco compute capacity landscape?
The telecom industry is going through a period of material change in respect to the silicon it utilises. This report examines the key dynamics and considerations in the locations where processing demand is at its highest: the RAN and AI factories.
STL Partners’ 26 predictions for 2026, focusing on change and growth in the telco industry
China has seen rapid growth in its low-altitude economy. Its experience offers important lessons and fresh insights on how telcos can better position themselves to enable and accelerate the future of this emerging sector.
Telcos continue to innovate in consumer services beyond connectivity. Recent trends point to a strong focus on AI-based services where telcos can add significant new value and address a real-life need in a new way.
Does 5G need to “defeat” Wi-Fi to break through private networks scaling barriers, or can these technologies exist side by side and complement each other?
STL Partners’ ‘Private network deployment
tracker’ (formerly known as the Global Insights Tool) has tracked publicly announced private network deployments worldwide since 2014. This rich dataset provides a clear view of market dynamics, revealing who is most active, where
deployments are taking place and where future opportunities may emerge.
This research note presents STL Partners’ forecast for the number of active private network sites over a 7-year period. It details site numbers across seven regions and acts as a complement to our Private network market forecast 2024–2030.
This report presents quantitative analysis of the global demand for private networks over a 7-year period. We explore the revenue trends across the value chain and provide insights into different deployment models and technologies across 14 verticals.
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.
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.
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?
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 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.