Industry Futures: Telecom by 2030

Wipro’s Industry Futures for Telecom report examines the strategic shift required for telcos to evolve from infrastructure-driven models to ecosystem-centric businesses by 2030. It identifies emerging technologies, such as AI in telecom, enabling telcos to transform into a customer-centric and innovative telecom service provider. The report also highlights key areas of innovation that will allow enterprises to build nextgen network, seamlessly deliver enterprise xG solutions, and provide enhanced customer experience in telecom.

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Experience-Centric Telco

Enterprises are shifting their focus from commoditized connectivity to providing exceptional customer experience in telecom. This shift aims to enhance customer loyalty and create opportunities for upselling additional services. Enterprises need to leverage advanced analytics and AI in telecom to understand customer needs better, enabling them to offer personalized services and experiences. Additionally, adopting virtual agents in operations and customer service will significantly reduce response time, improving overall customer satisfaction.

Enterprise xG

Telcos are harnessing advanced 5G capabilities to provide tailored solutions to enterprise clients, expanding into vertical markets with industry-specific enterprise xG solutions. Enabling telcos to tap into high-value markets and build long-term relationships with enterprise clients, strengthening their market position in B2B segments. Telcos are prioritizing enterprise xG initiatives in the short to medium term to capitalize on immediate revenue opportunities and maximize returns on their substantial 5G investments, ensuring sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

NextGen Network

Nextgen network establishes the foundation for future telco services by enabling ultra-low latency, exceptional reliability, high bandwidth, and massive connectivity, critical for advanced technological solutions such as autonomous vehicles and other data-intensive applications. Telcos are investing heavily in innovation, including autonomous networks, non-terrestrial networks and Open RAN to enhance infrastructure resilience and flexibility. These advancements ensure networks are future-ready, supporting the increasing demands of digital transformation and next-generation connectivity solutions.

Telco Platformization

Telcos are shifting towards a platform business model to unlock new revenue streams and growth opportunities. This transition enables service diversification, reducing reliance on commoditized connectivity while fostering innovation through ecosystem development. By leveraging partnerships and digital solutions, enterprises can expand their offerings, enhance customer engagement, and build dynamic marketplaces. This strategic shift drives long-term competitiveness and positions businesses for sustained success in an evolving digital economy.

Green Telco

The industry is transitioning from energy-intensive networks to sustainable practices by optimizing energy consumption, adopting renewable resources, and embracing the circular economy principles. Aligning with sustainability goals is essential to minimizing carbon footprints, enhancing brand reputation, and mitigating regulatory risks. Implementing energy-efficient networks, sustainable IT technologies, and AI in telecom can drive long-term value while meeting environmental and industry standards.

By 2030, telcos will face major technological disruptions and advancements, creating new opportunities and challenges. Partnering with leaders like Wipro will help businesses stay competitive, achieve sustainable growth, build nextgen network, and deliver enhanced customer experience in telecom.

About the Authors

Padman Kumar

Padman Kumar is the Global Head for Communications & Media Consulting, with over 26 years of management and IT consulting experience in the telecom, media, and entertainment industries. Drawing on his deep experience in business and digital transformation, he is currently responsible for driving business performance with a strong focus on market development, value selling, offer creation, growing talent and solution delivery.

Varun Dube

Varun Dube is the Head of Tech Strategy at Wipro. He is a seasoned technology consultant, advising CXOs on transformative business outcomes. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies and their potential to disrupt industries, Varun drives innovation and digital transformation for Wipro clients . His expertise in crafting and executing technology strategies, combined with his focus on emerging tech and co-innovation, helps organizations achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage.