The global telecommunications industry is evolving rapidly as major players push to extend their reach and build more durable, reliable relationships with customers and partners worldwide.
Today, the sector is focused on removing the remaining barriers to mobile technology, expanding LTE coverage, virtualizing services, and harnessing cloud computing, big data analytics, IoT and M2M solutions, and robust cybersecurity measures. Smart technologies are increasingly woven into daily life, driving strong growth in information and communication technologies and creating diverse business models to meet changing customer demands.
Global experience shows that the primary revenue sources for telecom operators are shifting toward innovative services such as Fixed Broadband (FBB), Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), cloud platforms, Mobile Financial Services (MFS), and a broad range of applications. Meanwhile, revenue from legacy services—traditional fixed lines, conventional cable television, and basic mobile voice—continues to decline as new technologies take their place.
As digital services advance, all telecom companies are undergoing digital transformation. This shift is accelerating industry consolidation and integration: larger operators are acquiring smaller providers and entering new digital market segments, forming diversified holdings that span multiple service categories.
Customer-centric strategies are becoming essential. Telecoms are redesigning operations to offer a suite of services accessible with a single click and to implement social, omnichannel communication strategies. To achieve this, companies must adapt business processes, update business models, and become capable of delivering more affordable, consolidated service packages while investing in new and upgraded infrastructure.
According to a GSMA report, global mobile phone users reached 5 billion in 2017 and were projected to grow to 5.7 billion—about three-quarters of the world’s population—by 2020. The report also forecasted that 73% of mobile subscribers would have broadband mobile connections, with most growth concentrated in Asia; India alone was expected to add roughly 310 million subscribers within three years. The GSMA estimated that the mobile ecosystem would support 30.9 million jobs directly or indirectly, and that operator capital investment would total around €567 billion (approximately US $700 billion) by 2020.
In light of these trends, McKinsey & Company advises executives to take decisive steps to boost revenue and guide transformational change that improves customer communications. Their research suggests that adopting new technologies and accelerating digitalization can streamline business processes, lower costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sales growth.
Wireless operators have strong incentives to act now, since the requisite technologies and management practices are available today. Deloitte’s Forecasts for Telecommunications, Media and Technology also highlighted that live online events and streaming were poised to generate substantial new revenue streams for the industry.
For professionals interested in hearing industry leaders discuss these topics and share practical use cases, there are numerous sector events and expos where telecom, IoT, AI, blockchain, security, and cloud experts convene to explore the future of enterprise technology.