The telecommunications industry is in a curious place right now. Mobile phone usage, internet traffic and data consumption has exploded and is only set to accelerate as far as most can see, yet telecoms companies that provide the facility to do any of these things, are struggling to grow at present.
There are multiple issues but principally it is not obvious what business model telecoms companies should adopt in order to secure their futures. Furthermore all kinds of large new disruptive events in the industry are looming over the next decade, from the emergence of new technology that might disrupt the main players, the building of the 5G network, trying to realize the dream of the internet of things and colossal M&A activity.
There are some good opportunities present in the industry, but without careful planning and redesigning of the traditional telecommunications business model, it is entirely possible some of the world’s biggest carriers might struggle to stay independent over the next few years.
Key Questions Answered
- What are the big players doing in the telecoms industry to cope with static revenue problems?
- Why is the industry suffering from issues of static revenues?
- Will 5G and the internet of things give the industry a boost?
- What players have a successful strategy at present?
Scope
As traditional voice, fixed line and messaging business models are eroding away, telecoms companies are having difficulty finding the best method to innovate and capture new business.
All kinds of internet based services are effectively absorbing the key areas that telecoms companies once dominated. The future for these companies involves finding new monetization pathways, but deciding just which to pursue is proving complex for the world’s largest carriers.
Reasons to buy
- Examine the business landscape in the telecoms industry and how the big players are coping.
- See just how the environment is difficult and new business strategies need to evolve.
- Explore some of the biggest M&A deals, why they happened and how they are faring.
- Prepare for the new 5G and Internet of thing environments and how they might affect the big carriers.
Companies mentioned
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 2
The telecoms business model is under threat 2
5G is perhaps not the boost that the telecoms industry needs ...
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 2
The telecoms business model is under threat 2
5G is perhaps not the boost that the telecoms industry needs 2
Merger and acquisition activity in telecoms forecast to change market landscape 2
Internet of Things to transform industry and consumer behaviors 2
Telecoms industry disruptors are approaching from all angles 3
The Telecoms business model is under threat 8
The era of static revenues is proving difficult to escape 8
What business model to choose is a huge problem for the carriers 9
Reinvesting in networks and becoming a utility company is working for some 10
Content provision is an expensive and imperfect solution 11
Many that have invested in content cannot make it work 12
A three stage solution focusing on advertising might be the answer for some carriers 12
5G is perhaps not the boost that the Telecoms industry needs 14
5G is a significant upgrade over the previous generations 14
Carriers see IoT as being their key opportunity with 5G 15
Is upgrading the mobile network worth it for struggling telecoms companies? 15
It is difficult to predict whether IoT tech will even need 5G support 16
5G might not actually generate any new revenues for the big carriers 17
Some carriers and manufacturers are being more cautious around 5G technology 17
There is a battle developing between Wi-Fi and 5G 18
Merger and acquisition activity in telecoms forecast to change market landscape 19
AT&T and Time Warner merger deal will transform telecommunications in United States 19
Judge ruling on AT&T and Time Warner ignites showdown for possession of 21st Century Fox 20
T-Mobile deal with Sprint faces obstacles but would appear likely to go ahead 21
Ability of Europe to create genuine global player is about to be tested 22
Mixed signals from French telecoms regulators leaves much uncertainty regarding the future of European market 23
Internet of Things to transform industry and consumer behaviors 24
Initially sidestepped, telcos are finding relevance in IoT development 24
Industrial Internet of Things will provide opportunities for telecommunications in industry of tomorrow 25
Automotive market is first industry to bring mass market appeal to IoT 27
Everyday life is expected to be a natural home for Internet of Things, attracting telecoms firms, but progress has been slow 28
Telecoms industry disruptors are approaching from all angles 30
Telecoms disruptor companies see internet access as an opportunity market for new satellite broadband tech 30
New generations of Wi-Fi and disruptor tech Li-Fi are en route and how that will affect the market is unclear 32
Telecoms carriers are responsible for internet security and the threat is increasing 32
OTT brands are continuing to disrupt telecoms business models 33
The point of complete saturation might be approaching 33
Key Findings 35
Appendix 36
Sources 36
Further Reading 37
Ask the analyst 38
About MarketLine 38
Disclaimer 38
List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 1: UK 5G spectrum auction 5th April 2018 18
List of Tables
Table 1: UK 5G spectrum auction 5th April 2018 18
List of Figures
List of Figures
Figure 1: Average UK household spend on communications services 2005 to 2015 8
Figure 2: Fixed line and wireless telecoms global market ...
List of Figures
Figure 1: Average UK household spend on communications services 2005 to 2015 8
Figure 2: Fixed line and wireless telecoms global market value 2013-2022 9
Figure 3: T-Mobile network coverage map 2014-2017 10
Figure 3: Leading global telecoms companies revenues compared 2013-2017 11
Figure 5: UK Average monthly data consumption per household GB 12
Figure 6: 5G theoretical speeds compared to previous technologies, Mbps 14
Figure 7: 5G theoretical latency compared to previous technologies, milliseconds 15
Figure 8: Top ten countries by average mobile speed in 2018 16
Figure 8: Top ten countries by average broadband speed in 2018 17
Figure 10: AT&T Time Warner merger 19
Figure 11: Comcast merger with 21st Century Fox is possible 20
Figure 12: T-Mobile and Sprint merger in US is being mooted 21
Figure 13: Vodafone 22
Figure 14: Amazon Web Services revenues 2013 to 2017 ($bn) 24
Figure 15: BP 25
Figure 16: Model of a ‘connected power station’ 26
Figure 17: Huawei and Groupe PSA, DS 7 Crossback artists impression 27
Figure 18: Internet of Things home 28
Figure 19: OneWeb satellite 30
Figure 20: Li-Fi connecting to a device 31
Figure 21: OTT messaging and voice services 33