As we move toward 2025, the telecommunications industry stands on the cusp of transformative change, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, and an increasingly complex digital landscape. Connectivity has become the bedrock of our modern society, essential not just for personal communication but as the backbone of digital economies, global businesses, and critical infrastructure. The latest insights from Juniper Research reveal the top telecom and connectivity trends expected to shape the industry’s future—from cutting-edge network technologies like Wi-Fi 7 and quantum-resistant encryption to shifts in business models such as MVNO-in-a-Box.

The rapid evolution of connectivity and the growing reliance on data-intensive applications are pushing operators to innovate and stay competitive. Digital fraud, data consumption, and network inefficiencies are top concerns for operators who are now compelled to find sustainable, efficient solutions to meet these challenges. Meanwhile, emerging technologies like 6G, travel eSIMs, and direct-to-cell satellite communications are set to redefine the possibilities of connectivity, unlocking potential in regions where network infrastructure was previously limited and catering to consumers’ rising expectations for fast, reliable, and affordable mobile data solutions.

Top 10 Telecoms & Connectivity Trends 2025

Each year, Juniper Research’s team of market experts identifies the key trends that will drive the telecoms market for the year ahead in the areas of connectivity, mobile messaging, and communication services.

The following trends are presented in the order of number one being the most influential, to number ten being the least.

For 2025, the prevailing trends are:

1. AIT Fraud Prevention: Turning the Tide Against SMS Fraudsters

Artificially Inflated Traffic (AIT) involves the creation of fake A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS traffic, leading to inflated SMS volumes and unnecessary costs for enterprises. This fraud has escalated due to the widespread use of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and two-factor authentication, which fraudsters exploit by sending non-genuine SMS messages. With advancements in SMS firewalls, 2025 is set to see an 8% reduction in AIT-related enterprise losses globally.

MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and firewall vendors are working together to create layered defenses. By enhancing the ability to detect and block AIT, SMS can regain its value as a secure business communication channel, particularly for authentication. However, as AIT declines, there is concern that fraudsters may pivot to other forms of SMS fraud, like SMS phishing, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and innovation in fraud prevention.

2. Travel eSIMs Rising as Roaming Disruptors

A travel eSIM is a digital profile that enables international travellers to access mobile networks without needing a physical SIM. It provides temporary mobile data plans while travelling abroad. In 2025, Juniper Research forecasts that global revenue from
travel eSIMs will exceed $2 billion for the first time. Travel eSIMs will provide significant competition to traditional roaming services, as an increased number of consumers opt for travel eSIMs as an alternative connectivity solution when travelling.

In Juniper’s latest report, they estimate that operators will lose $1.2 billion of potential roaming revenue to travel eSIMs in 2025.
Compared with traditional roaming solutions, travel eSIMs provide users with more control over what they are spending and the data that they are consuming. For example, in 2025, the cost of 1GB of data when travelling using a traditional roaming package is anticipated to be 50% higher compared with 1GB of data on travel eSIM packages.

Since the visited network can set the price of roaming, this has resulted in rising inter-operator charges over the last two years as operators seek new ways to increase revenue. Currency conversion costs can also cause additional charges, which are subsequently passed on to the consumer. This has resulted in the increasing costs to roam over the last few years; further driving consumers to alternatives for staying connected whilst travelling.

By the end of 2024, the number of connected consumer devices that will leverage eSIMs for connectivity will surpass 1 billion, with most mobile operators globally supporting eSIMs for connectivity.
Juniper Research expects an increasing number of travel eSIM vendors to partner with online travel agencies and airlines next year to widen distribution channels for travel eSIM packages. This will increase consumer awareness of travel eSIMs for connectivity in 2025 and make it possible to provide tailored offerings to consumers based on the travel destination and duration.
The increased convenience of being able to download an eSIM profile, as opposed to swapping a physical SIM, will be an important factor driving this increased adoption.
Juniper Research has identified China, Japan, the UK, and the US as key markets in which this trend will be most felt. Outbound travellers from these countries are expected to increasingly demand travel eSIM packages the most; owing to the higher penetration of eSIM-compatible consumer devices, high demand for mobile data, and the high proportion of travellers that roam whilst abroad, with many of those that currently roam expected to look for more cost-effective alternatives.

3. Direct-to-Cell Connections: Satellites Bridging the Coverage Gap

Direct-to-cell connectivity, enabling cellular devices to connect directly to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites without terrestrial infrastructure, promises to provide coverage in underserved areas like remote and maritime locations. Companies like AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, and Sateliot are preparing to launch their first commercial services in 2025, with initial deployments targeting enterprises in remote sectors.

Decreasing satellite launch costs and growing interest in private space ventures have expanded the market for direct-to-cell services. For telecom operators, this technology offers an immediate user base and the potential to establish high-revenue enterprise clients, though initial consumer demand is expected to be low in areas with existing terrestrial coverage.

4. Wi-Fi 7: A Complement and Competitor to Cellular Networks

Expected to gain traction in 2025, Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) promises lower latency and greater bandwidth, making it ideal for applications requiring fast, reliable connectivity, including IoT networks, mobile gaming, and high-quality video streaming. By operating on 6GHz and 5GHz bands, Wi-Fi 7 offers seamless multi-link operations that enhance throughput and reduce network congestion.

With the launch of devices like the iPhone 16 and AI-integrated PCs, the number of Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices is set to rise significantly. This new Wi-Fi standard offers enterprises a cost-effective alternative to cellular networks, as it avoids recurring subscription fees, instead requiring only compatible hardware. However, due to regulatory inconsistencies around the 6GHz band, global availability may vary.

5. Managed Connectivity Services Targeting SMEs

Mobile network operators are increasingly eyeing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) for growth by offering managed connectivity services. The adoption of modular, virtualized network services like 5G Advanced and 5G RedCap will allow operators to provide tailored connectivity solutions suited to various business needs, especially for SMEs that may lack in-house networking expertise.

Operators are developing consulting and advisory services to support these managed connectivity offerings, helping SMEs optimize network performance while expanding revenue from enterprise clients. While average spending per SME might be lower than for larger corporations, this segment offers significant aggregate potential, enabling operators to diversify revenue in a competitive market.

6. RCS (Rich Communication Services): A Real Alternative to SMS

With Apple’s recent support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iOS, this protocol, initially introduced in 2007, is finally positioned to fulfill its potential in business messaging. Unlike SMS, RCS allows users to send multimedia messages, such as images and videos, within standard messaging apps. With the increasing demand for secure, rich media channels, 2025 is anticipated to be the year RCS usage grows significantly, particularly in authentication traffic, where traditional SMS has seen diminished trust.

The global number of RCS messages is projected to rise by over 50% in 2025, led by transactional and authentication use cases. As RCS adoption rises, operators are expected to invest heavily in developing an RCS ecosystem that provides value to enterprises through conversational and promotional messaging.

7. MVNO-in-a-Box: Lowering Barriers for New Market Entrants

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer consumers affordable and often customized mobile services, with the MVNO market set to grow from $73 billion in 2024 to over $100 billion by 2029. The emergence of “MVNO-in-a-Box” solutions—a package of managed services and network capabilities enabling enterprises to launch MVNOs quickly—is driving this trend. Such solutions offer organizations without telecom expertise a simplified way to enter the MVNO market, allowing them to add connectivity services alongside their core offerings.

In 2025, MVNO-in-a-Box will attract companies seeking to diversify revenue and customer loyalty programs, especially in sectors like streaming and e-commerce. For example, retailers could offer connectivity as part of their loyalty schemes, rewarding customers with MVNO services that add value to existing purchase points.

8. 6G Standardization: A Leap Beyond 5G

Though still in its early stages, 6G research is gathering momentum. With the first 3GPP TSG-wide 6G workshop set for 2025, the initial focus is on standardizing highly monetizable use cases, with energy efficiency and network sustainability as top priorities. Lessons from 5G will inform 6G development, prioritizing advanced features like AI-native network management and energy-optimized core architectures.

Juniper Research expects AI integration across 6G networks, enabling real-time performance optimization, anomaly detection, and network automation to reduce operational costs and meet environmental goals. Ultra-low latency and high bandwidth will support innovations like augmented reality and high-speed broadcasting, providing telecom operators with new revenue streams.

9. Network Efficiency Takes Precedence Over Capacity Expansion

In 2025, telecom operators will increasingly focus on enhancing network efficiency rather than capacity. The rising costs of operating cellular networks and regulatory demands for sustainable practices are driving this shift. Operators are expected to adopt AI-driven networks, dynamic spectrum sharing, and renewable energy sources to manage costs and improve performance.

Radio Access Networks (RANs), which consume up to 50% of a telecom operator’s operational expenditure, are set for optimization through AI and cloud virtualization. By maximizing network efficiency, operators aim to better handle growing data demand without proportionally increasing infrastructure investment.

10. Quantum-Resistant Networks: Securing the Future of Data

Quantum computing poses a growing threat to current encryption standards, as these advanced systems could eventually break classical cryptographic algorithms. In response, telecom operators are investing in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to enhance network security by providing secure key exchange and real-time eavesdropping detection.

Countries like China and members of the European Union are spearheading initiatives to develop quantum-resistant infrastructure. In 2025, QKD is expected to become more widely implemented, with telecom operators forming partnerships with quantum computing providers to tailor security solutions for sectors like healthcare, government, and finance. This layered security approach, combining classical and quantum methods, is crucial for protecting sensitive data against emerging quantum threats.

Juniper Research’s VP of Telecoms Market Research, Sam Barker, commented:

“The telecoms industry has experienced radical transformation that has reshaped stakeholders’ approaches to established markets like mobile messaging. Looking ahead, Juniper Research expects even greater disruption in 2025, with these trends representing the most substantial impacts on telecoms next year.”

Final Thoughts

The top telecom and connectivity trends for 2025 point to an industry prioritizing efficiency, security, and enhanced connectivity. With a focus on AI-driven solutions, quantum resistance, and sustainable practices, telecommunications companies are poised to lead in a world where data demands, security risks, and network expectations continue to rise. Whether through next-gen Wi-Fi, direct-to-cell satellites, or the long-awaited rise of RCS, the telecom landscape is set for transformative changes that will redefine how we connect, communicate, and protect data.