Top telecom trends for 2025: Wi-Fi 7 & 6G lead the way

Juniper Research has unveiled the ten telecommunications trends set to reshape the industry in 2025, emphasising emerging technologies and strategic investments.

The insights anticipate substantial changes as telecommunications companies focus on innovations such as Wi-Fi 7, the MVNO-in-a-Box model, and early explorations of 6G technology. Additional advancements like travel eSIMs and quantum computing are highlighted as new avenues for enhancing global connectivity.

The comprehensive list of trends identified by Juniper Research encompasses areas of connectivity, mobile messaging, and communication services, forecasting a dynamic year for telecom stakeholders. The key trends for 2025 include a decline in Artificially Inflated Traffic due to improved firewall technologies, escalating competition for traditional roaming through travel eSIMs, and the commercial launch of Direct-to-Cell technology.

The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 devices is projected to offer viable alternatives to cellular technologies, while managed connectivity services are expected to seek out new market opportunities. Additionally, the report anticipates the hype surrounding Rich Communication Services will come to fruition, spurred on by its adoption by major players like Apple.

The MVNO-in-a-Box model is posited to bring substantial changes to connectivity markets. Meanwhile, the initiation of the 6G standardisation process, taking cues from previous 5G implementations, is expected to gain momentum. Furthermore, telecom operators are predicted to concentrate on boosting network efficiency instead of just expanding capacity.

Another significant trend includes the acceleration of developing quantum-resistant networks to counter future security challenges.

Vice President of Telecoms Market Research at Juniper Research, Sam Barker, remarked: "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."

The trends outlined by Juniper Research offer a lens into the future of telecommunications, indicating strategic directions and technological advancements that may redefine connectivity and communication worldwide.

Juniper Research has, for two decades, provided market intelligence and advisory services to the global telecommunications sector, and is retained by many of the world's known network operators and communications platforms.