At Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), the telecom industry faced a defining moment, as the focus shifted from connectivity to computing. ABI Research analysts attended the event and observed how high-performance computing, AI-driven automation, and cloud-native architectures are shaping the future of telecommunications.

Key Insights Include:

  • The Telco-to-Techco Shift: Operators are increasingly positioning themselves as compute-driven service providers, leveraging AI, edge computing, and hybrid cloud to move beyond traditional network services.
  • 5G and 6G Evolution: The industry continues its transition to Standalone (SA) 5G networks, but progress remains slow. Meanwhile, 6G discussions were subdued, with more immediate focus on network APIs and automation.
  • AI and Agentic AI: AI was a dominant theme, with multi-agent systems and AI-powered network management emerging as critical tools for optimizing telecom operations.
  • IoT and Private Networks: Enterprise 5G and IoT solutions are evolving beyond connectivity, integrating real-time analytics and AI-powered automation to drive business outcomes.
  • Cloud and Edge Infrastructure: Hyperscalers and telcos are deepening partnerships to create cloud-native telecom solutions, unlocking new revenue models through computing-as-a-service offerings.
  • China’s Growing Influence: Chinese telecom giants showcased advanced AI-driven infrastructure and autonomous network solutions, signaling their growing leadership in the global telecom landscape.

The telecom industry faces both opportunities and challenges as it navigates this compute-first transformation. Operators must accelerate investment in cloud, AI, and automation while aligning strategies with enterprise needs.

Download the whitepaper now to explore the trends and technologies shaping the next era of mobile communications.

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