Chilli bites: STL Partners’ take on the quarterly hot topics in telco – 2Q 2026
STL Partners’ analysts share their bite-sized expert opinions on the key topics in telecoms in the last quarter
STL Partners’ analysts share their bite-sized expert opinions on the key topics in telecoms in the last quarter

As telcos move beyond connectivity, platform strategies are becoming a key route to growth. This report looks at how operators are approaching the shift, and the underlying capabilities and organisational traits that are shaping success across the industry.
Following early AI investment, in 2021 SK Telecom announced its intention to become an AI company for the AI era. What actions has SK Telecom undertaken to this end? What role is AI playing across its business? And is AI paying off?
Neutral host networks play an essential and growing role in ensuring indoor coverage of mobile networks. This report examines the evolving business models and technology of this market, and how it relates to private mobile networks.
Can the right spectrum policy framework create momentum and help scale the private network market?
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.
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.
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.
This report looks at the AI, automation and analytics a telco needs to effectively deploy, manage and operate private networks and slicing at scale for enterprise customers.
We leverage our extensive research on the industry to advise telcos, systems integrators, managed service providers and technology vendors on how to develop successful private networking propositions. All of these players will need to collaborate in order to navigate complex enterprise demands and achieve measurable transformation benefits for their customers.
STL Partners’ Research team present their observations from and analysis of the biggest mobile industry event of the year. There was a lot of buzz around AI and API but behind the tech jargon, we saw evidence that our industry continues to morph to become more open and customer-focused.
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.
Based on its deep industry knowledge, STL Partners is sharing its vision on how telcos can reverse the trend of stagnating consumer revenues by focusing on innovation, new ventures and excellent customer experience.
The utilities sector is a promising opportunity area for private LTE and 5G networks. But it is not an easy one for telcos to address, as utility companies often deploy and manage networking technology in-house or via specialist service providers to satisfy service requirements. This report examines the sector realities.
In the rapidly evolving ecosystem of private networks, collaboration and partnerships are becoming critical for success. Our report examines the key elements shaping this dynamic market and how partnerships, verticalisation strategies, and wide-ranging channel approaches are reshaping the private networks landscape.
Telcos are looking to expand their enterprise services and capture a larger share of the revenue opportunity. But to do this they must carefully consider where they are best placed to compete and how they can build on existing expertise and reputation.