Lifecycle Software predicts 2025 telecom industry trends
Lifecycle Software has released its predictions for 2025, highlighting significant trends anticipated within the telecom sector, including the growth of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), changes in AI regulation, and advancements in 6G technology.
The MVNO market is expected to experience significant expansion in 2025, as market saturation and the demand for niche customer segments grow. Research from Juniper anticipates that revenue from MVNO-in-a-Box services will exceed USD $1 billion by 2029. Increasing numbers of consumers are opting for MVNOs, attracted by the cost savings, flexibility, and specialised services they offer. Additionally, eSIMs, cloud-based Business Support Systems (BSS), and white-label solutions are making it more feasible for brands and enterprises to create their MVNOs, reaching specific audiences with relatively low initial investment.
Liz Parry, CEO of Lifecycle Software, stated, "In 2025, MVNOs will become a go-to model for businesses aiming to personalise customer experiences and create new revenue streams. The rise of influencer-driven ventures and enterprise-specific MVNOs showcases the adaptability and scalability of this model, making it a key growth area in the telecom sector."
The telecom industry is set to face increased regulatory scrutiny in 2025, particularly in relation to AI technologies. Regulations like the EU AI Act will play a crucial role, focusing on transparency, ethical oversight, and data protection. These frameworks present both challenges and opportunities.
Lifecycle Software suggests that while these regulatory frameworks might initially slow down AI integration, they will ultimately build consumer and stakeholder trust, which is essential for broader adoption. Telecom operators who successfully adhere to these regulations can provide advanced, personalised services and operational efficiencies, while maintaining user privacy.
"AI regulation in 2025 will push the telecom sector toward more secure, transparent, and responsible use of AI technologies," Parry noted. "By embracing these frameworks, operators can drive innovation while ensuring ethical AI deployment, creating better customer experiences in the long term."
Efforts to implement hybrid cloud strategies and targeted AI models trained on internal datasets are expected to help mitigate compliance risks and exploit AI's potential fully. This balanced approach between innovation and regulation aims to improve operational efficiencies and customer service offerings.
Significant strides in 6G technology development are also anticipated for 2025, with early use cases and more defined standards emerging. 6G technology is expected to offer speeds up to 1 Tbps, utilise terahertz frequencies, and provide sub-millisecond latency, enabling transformative applications across various industries.
"6G represents the next frontier of connectivity, and its potential is staggering," commented Parry. "The standards and applications are still in their early stages, but 2025 will bring greater clarity to how it will take shape. Use cases range from industries like healthcare and retail to enabling autonomous systems and sustainable smart cities."
6G's promise includes AI-driven optimisations, edge computing, and energy efficiency, setting the stage for unprecedented speed and precision. Emerging use cases include haptic internet experiences for remote surgeries, immersive retail applications, autonomous drones and vehicles, and advancements in smart city infrastructure.
However, challenges such as infrastructure readiness, spectrum allocation, and cybersecurity remain significant. Addressing these issues will be critical to harnessing 6G's potential and integrating it successfully into the global telecom landscape.
Parry summarised, "As 2025 unfolds, the telecom industry is set to experience a year of significant transformation. MVNOs will rise as a flexible and scalable solution for reaching niche audiences, AI regulation will redefine the adoption landscape with a focus on trust and transparency, and 6G development will open doors to groundbreaking innovations."
"Lifecycle Software is at the forefront of these changes, helping telecom providers and businesses looking to launch a mobile offering navigate the complexities of this dynamic landscape. With a commitment to empowering innovation and driving forward the possibilities of telecom technology, Lifecycle Software is ready to support its partners in shaping the future of connectivity in 2025."
