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Top 5 Trends in Telecommunications Digital Services and Monetization to Watch in 2026

Publisher IDC
Published Feb 18, 2026
Length 14 Pages
SKU # IDC20900794

Description

This IDC Market Perspective discusses how, in 2026, telecom providers are transforming into intelligent, AI-driven infrastructure platforms, moving beyond traditional connectivity to monetize programmable networks, sovereign AI, and standardized APIs. The top 5 trends are agentic AI operations, telco-led sovereign AI, network API monetization, 5G-Advanced (5GA) commercialization, and satellite-telco convergence. These shifts enable telcos to deliver differentiated, outcome-based services, expand digital reach, and secure new revenue streams, positioning them as central players in the next era of digital services and infrastructure. "The next phase of telco growth will be defined by execution rather than ambition, as operators scale agentic AI into operations, commercialize networks through APIs, anchor trust with AI sovereignty, and extend reach via satellite integration. Those that treat these shifts as a unified platform transformation will capture the greatest value," said Peter Chahal, research director, Worldwide Telecommunications, IDC.

Table of Contents

14 Pages

Executive snapshot

Key takeaways

Recommended actions

New Market Developments and Dynamics

AI-driven and agentic operations

Transformation of telcos into architects of sovereign AI

Network API monetization as a core strategic pillar

5G standalone monetization and the rise of 5G‑Advanced

Satellite and telco convergence for universal connectivity

Advice for Technology Suppliers and Service Providers

Unleash the power of agentic AI across the telco stack

Seize the AI sovereignty advantage

Monetize network APIs at scale

Turn 5G‑Advanced performance into real revenue

Transform network reach through satellite integration

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