Technology, media and telecoms predictions for 2026

Analysys Mason has been examining today’s dynamics and disruptions to predict what will shape risks and opportunities during 2026. Our nine predictions explore the dissolving of AI hype, how fixed and mobile operators will respond to D2D, hyperscalers and data-centre specialists, and the sharpening focus on infrastructure resilience.

Mark Billige Chief Executive Officer

Predictions

GPUaaS revenue will quadruple in the next 5 years, powering new data-centre investment opportunities

Sylvain Loizeau

Principal, expert in telecoms strategy and regulation

Businesses will discover that AI can become kryptonite if they do not grasp how to wield this superpower

Oli Barnett

Partner, expert in transformation and value creation

Accelerated investment in AI data centres in the GCC region will reach USD5–7 billion in 2026

Arun Pai

Principal, expert in TMT strategy, fintech and AI

Operators will progress from GenAI-based agents to agentic AI systems in pursuit of true autonomy

Adaora Okeleke

Principal Analyst, expert in AI and data management

France is likely to be the next major European market to go from four to three mobile operators in 2026

Charles Murray

Partner, expert in transaction services

Satellite D2D will benefit early adopter MNOs in 2026

Lluc Palerm-Serra

Research Director, space and satellite, expert in satellite strategies for telcos

Telecoms operators will battle for position as their infrastructure capex is dwarfed by spending on AI

Caroline Gabriel

Partner, expert in network and cloud strategies and architecture

AI adoption is surging, but <25% of portfolio companies’ AI tools will fully succeed in 2026

Christian Fischer

Senior Principal, expert in B2B strategy and value creation

Regulatory policy will demand a pivot from higher speeds to network coverage and resilience

Janette Stewart

Partner, expert in spectrum policy, pricing and valuation

Technology, media and telecoms predictions for 2026

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