Juniper Research foresees 10 key pivotal telecom trends that will influence the market in 2024

In 2024, Juniper Research identifies 10 pivotal telecom trends, shaped by four overarching themes: 5G technology advancement, AI-driven disruption, innovative sustainability in decision-making, and an evolving messaging landscape, notably Apple's adoption of Rich Communications Services (RCS). These trends, detailed in Juniper's white paper, span diverse areas, from satellite launches to open APIs, GenAI utilization, iSIM device proliferation, the impact of the European Union's Digital Markets Act, and the rise of Sustainable initiatives.

1. Satellite Launch Acceleration:

In 2024, Juniper anticipates an acceleration of satellite launches, integrating terrestrial and cellular non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Satellites will play a critical role in advancing 5G networks, extending coverage to underserved areas, enhancing performance, capacity, backhaul support, and network resilience. The firm predicts over 300,000 connections accessing 5G satellite networks in 2024.

2. Rise of Open APIs:

Juniper Research notes a greater use of open APIs in telecom, attributed to the increase in fraud and SMS pricing. Open APIs are becoming a crucial element in telecom operations, providing flexibility and enabling seamless integration between diverse systems and platforms.

3. GenAI in Conversational AI and Marketing:

The use of Generative AI (GenAI) is expected to revolutionize conversational AI and automate personalized marketing. Telcos can leverage GenAI to identify and segment audiences based on demographics and behavior, enhancing customer engagement and targeting.

4. Proliferation of iSIM Devices:

Integrated-SIM (iSIM) devices are projected to proliferate in 2024, driven by low-power wide-area (LPWA) network technologies prioritizing size reduction. This trend reflects a shift towards more compact and efficient devices, aligning with the evolving needs of telecom consumers.

5. European Union's Digital Markets Act Impact:

The enforcement of the European Union's Digital Markets Act regulation is compelling big tech gatekeepers to develop cross-platform interoperability. This regulatory push is reflected in recent developments, including Apple's support for RCS, highlighting the influence of regulatory frameworks on industry dynamics.

6. Adoption of GSMA's BCE 2.0 Protocol:

Juniper predicts that increasing 5G data roaming traffic will drive the adoption of GSMA's Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE) 2.0 protocol. This shift is motivated by revenue losses associated with the continued use of Transferred Account Procedure (TAP), enabling operators to apply differential pricing for roaming access on 5G standalone networks.

7. Prioritization of Sustainable Initiatives:

Telcos are expected to prioritize sustainable initiatives, incorporating AI and machine learning for sustainable supply chain practices and energy-efficient equipment. This reflects a broader industry commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns with the growing emphasis on corporate sustainability.

8. Role of Large Language Models (LLM) in Voicebot Implementations:

Large Language Models (LLM) are projected to lower barriers for voicebot implementations by enterprises. This shift is driven by the need for improved service quality, flexibility, and cost reduction. LLM-driven voicebots are anticipated to see increased adoption across various verticals.

9. 5G Advanced Networks and New Markets:

5G Advanced networks are expected to support new mobility and extended reality markets, offering significant benefits to entertainment and education sectors. Operators are urged to capitalize on emerging use cases by supporting business models that leverage APIs for service access.

10. Holistic Network-Wide AI Implementation:

Juniper foresees an increased focus on network-wide AI implementation in 2024. This approach involves AI services accessing data from the entire network, from core to edge nodes, enhancing overall function efficiency.