The telecoms industry has hit an inflection point, with a newfound focus on computing-centric applications. This marks the era where communications alone is no longer enough for telcos to drive the revenue growth they seek. At Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), ABI Research analysts observed this transformation unfolding across the exhibition floor. As the event highlighted Artificial Intelligence (AI), edge computing, and data-driven solutions over conventional hardware, the telco value chain emerged as a key area of change. Here are five compelling examples from MWC25, each revealing a piece of this industry-wide pivot.
As we inch closer to Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) are a hot ticket item within the telecoms industry. They are a way for telco operators to provide developers with access to network capabilities, enhancing user experience and offering more efficient services, while unlocking new features otherwise not possible. APIs have unlocked opportunities across supply chains, with notable successes including app stores like Apple's and Google's, cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure, and various consumer and enterprise services.
Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 is fast approaching, and ABI Research will be there once again to witness the latest innovations shaping the future of mobile technology. Based on numerous pre-briefings ahead of Barcelona, our analysts are calling the most dramatic shift in MWC's history: watch the telecoms industry finally shed its old skin. Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not just joining the party, they are taking over the entire show.
We often take cellular connectivity for granted. Without it, we can’t text our friends, access email, or contact emergency services. For enterprises, a lack of mobile coverage means software tools are deemed worthless, vital communications get shut down, and operations come to a halt. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to deliver fiber-based broadband due to geographical constraints and outdated infrastructure. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a key connectivity solution that addresses these challenges as it does not require physical cable installation in a home or business.
The year 2024 provided numerous technology trends shaping the future of nearly every industry. ABI Research analysts have been covering these developments for some time, and now it’s time to reflect upon our studies in our annual trends whitepaper. Before we dive into the list, here’s a statement from Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer:
