Ruza Sabanovic, Executive Vice President, Telenor

What was the most significant change/evolution your respective industry underwent in 2024?

1. Industry Consolidation

Major Mergers and Acquisitions: High-profile mergers, such as good year 2 execution in Thailand - Telenor dtac and CPs TruCo  in Thailand, Celcom(axiata) and Digi (Telenor) in Malaysia. This year Vodafone UK merging with Three UK and Verizon acquiring Frontier Communications, reshaped the competitive landscape. These consolidations aimed to scale operations, reduce costs, and accelerate 5G rollouts.

2. Expansion of 5G and Private Networks

5G Growth: Continued global expansion of 5G networks brought faster speeds and lower latency to both urban and rural areas.

Private 5G Networks: Enterprises adopted private 5G for industrial IoT, smart factories, and secure, low-latency communications, unlocking new efficiencies and innovations.

3. Satellite-Terrestrial Integration

Global Coverage: Partnerships with satellite providers like SpaceX and OneWeb enabled seamless connectivity in remote regions.

Direct-to-Device Technology: Satellite integration provided enhanced mobile services, reducing reliance on traditional infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas.

4. Generative AI and Network Automation

Customer Service: AI-powered solutions improved customer support, enhancing personalization and operational efficiency.

Network Optimization: AI-driven tools enabled predictive maintenance and automated network management, reducing downtime and enhancing performance.

Revenue Growth: New AI-driven analytics and automation tools opened up business opportunities for telecom operators.

5. Sustainability in Telecom Operations

Green Energy Investments: Operators increased reliance on renewable energy to power networks, aligning with global carbon neutrality goals.

Circular Economy Practices: Recycling and refurbishing equipment became integral to reducing e-waste and promoting sustainability.

Enhanced Cybersecurity in 5G Security: With the growth of 5G networks, protecting against cyber threats became a top priority. Collaboration with Governments: Joint efforts with regulatory bodies strengthened telecom cybersecurity frameworks.

In terms of your respective industry, which industry/market trend are betting big on for 2025

1. The race for revenue growth will heat up /even more than this year given the significant innovation and investments into tech and business model.

2. Generative AI Integration/Telecom operators are expected to deepen their collaboration with AI technology providers, particularly in the GPU space, to integrate generative AI with existing system, BB , 5G networks, and edge computing. Data and AI integration aims to enhance service reliability, enable ultra-low-latency streaming, and facilitate real-time analytics.

3. Further strengthening home market positions and simplification in both business and operations

4. Satellite Broadband Revolution – it will move into the mainstream. The integration of satellite technology is anticipated to play a crucial role in providing global broadband coverage, especially in remote and underserved areas. This development will enhance connectivity and bridge digital divides, offering new opportunities for telecom operators to expand their reach.

5. Continues focus on Sustainability Initiatives and cybersecurity taking central stage