Global Scans · Telecoms · Weekly Summary

• [New] 2026 will mark a strategic shift in telecom: from human-driven networks to AI-augmented operations, empowering both people and systems. Telecoms
• [New] If SpaceX executes, it could force hyperscalers and telecom operators to accelerate their own edge and satellite strategies - potentially triggering a new wave of partnerships or M&A. Futurum
• [New] A challenge for telecom operators is clear: they must bridge the gap between ambition and execution to lead the charge toward a hyper-connected future, or risk being outpaced in a world where connectivity defines competitiveness. Mobile Industry Review
• [New] IT & telecom will remain the dominant end-user, while defence and automotive will deliver outsized growth rates. Cision PR Newswire
• [New] The world's demand for connectivity, capacity, and intelligent communication services will only continue to grow, and telecommunications will remain at the heart of meeting that demand in ever more creative ways. Telecoms
• [New] How infrastructure dependencies become political leverage, with Washington pressuring Five Eyes alliance members and European partners to ban Chinese telecommunications equipment under threat of severed intelligence sharing. Planet Crust
• [New] If a chain reaction of collisions occurs, certain altitudes could become unusable, threatening the $190+ billion worth of global satellite infrastructure we rely on for GPS, telecommunications, and climate monitoring. Innovation News Network
• [New] Project Kuiper's carrier-centric strategy and OneWeb's partnerships with telecom operators could help integrate LEO capacity into national broadband plans rather than positioning it purely as a premium product. Programming Helper
• [New] Experts have repeatedly warned that adversaries have treated American power, water, telecommunications, and energy systems as latent battlefields. The National Law Review
• [New] In 2026, telecom companies will see somewhat higher revenues from upgraded 5G and fiber networks. ING Think
• [New] NEC plans to collaborate with telecommunication carriers to conduct performance evaluations and verification tests, aiming for a product launch in Japan in the first half of fiscal year 2026. IOT Insider
• [New] Planning deals around foreign direct investment (FDI) screening obligations will remain central to infrastructure in 2026, with energy, water, transport, telecoms, and data centers increasingly falling within scope as governments tighten controls. Freshfields
• [New] Telecom growth in 2026 will come from smarter networks, not bigger ones. Mobile Industry Review
• [New] Infrastructure and Security Risks The use of Chinese-manufactured telecoms and network equipment has generated sustained concern among European governments. Netaxis Solutions
• [New] Access to the digital infrastructure of internet service providers and telecom companies would position PRC-based threat actors to steal sensitive data and potentially affect the flow of internet traffic. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Starlink's IPO could help establish satellite internet as a defined and measurable category alongside traditional telecom and broadband services. Yahoo Finance
• [New] IT system and telecommunications network disruptions are expected to remain one of the key risks in 2026, as organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms and real-time communications. InterRisk Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
• [New] What we expect in 2026: With ongoing spectrum auctions, telecom operators will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure to support the increasing demand for connectivity and advanced communication technologies. The Protiviti View
• [New] What we expect in 2026: As AI technology evolves, telecom operators will continue to refine their AI strategies to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. The Protiviti View
• [New] Telecom coherent bandwidth will grow over 40% in 2025 and faster in 2026 as 400 ZRx, 800 ZRx, and 1.2 T + embedded optics ramp to support AI-driven scale across and and long haul builds; pluggable coherent modules are expected to carry over 60% of telecom bandwidth by 2026. Cignal AI
• Nokia will adopt Nvidia's accelerated computing platform, which helps telecommunications companies seamlessly transition from 5G to 6G through software upgrades. Yahoo Finance

Last updated: 09 February 2026