IoT Analytics flags seven telecom trends at MWC 2026
Mon, 1st Jun 2026 (Yesterday)
IoT Analytics has published an analysis identifying seven telecom and IoT networking trends at Mobile World Congress 2026. The findings point to a shift in how the sector is combining connectivity, compute and device management.
The Hamburg-based research firm drew the trends from its review of the event and discussions involving more than 60 companies. The assessment focuses on how operators, equipment vendors and module makers are adjusting network strategies as artificial intelligence, satellite links, eSIM management and security take on a larger role in telecom infrastructure.
AI in networks
One of the main themes was the growing focus on AI-RAN, or artificial intelligence in radio access networks. IoT Analytics said telcos are using the concept to explore shared compute infrastructure, reflecting a broader move away from treating connectivity as a separate access layer.
The firm argued that network infrastructure is increasingly being viewed as a combined environment for communications and computing. The same shift was visible at the device layer, where edge AI is being positioned for low-power IoT nodes so more processing can happen on the device rather than being sent back across the network.
Satyajit Sinha, senior principal analyst at IoT Analytics, set out that view in a statement accompanying the research.
"MWC 2026 showed that connectivity is no longer treated as a standalone access layer. A key theme was the convergence of connectivity and compute at the network infrastructure layer. AI-RAN was the clearest example. Edge AI showed the same pattern at the device layer, with inference moving into connected devices to reduce data traffic, latency, and power use."
"Satellite NTN, SGP.32 eSIM, and security pointed to a second theme: connectivity control is changing. The integration of satellite NTN into the cellular ecosystem was a key signal. SGP.32 is moving eSIM value from provisioning to orchestration and resilience, although fleet-wide switching remains constrained. Security is becoming part of the connectivity lifecycle, with eSIM, managed connectivity, and post-quantum readiness moving closer to device and network architecture," said Sinha.
6G and Wi-Fi 8
The analysis also found that suppliers are reframing discussion around 6G and Wi-Fi 8. Rather than presenting them as isolated future standards, vendors are placing them within AI-native connectivity roadmaps, suggesting that the next stage of network development will be linked more closely to software and compute architecture.
That approach reflects a wider industry effort to define next-generation networks in practical commercial terms, even as some standards remain at an early stage. For network suppliers, AI has become a reference point for explaining both long-term infrastructure plans and shorter-term product decisions.
Satellite expansion
Another notable theme was the closer integration of satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies into cellular and IoT connectivity workflows. Rather than treating satellite as a niche service, mobile operators are increasingly examining how it fits into mainstream coverage and device management models.
This matters particularly for industrial and remote deployments where terrestrial coverage can be inconsistent. The analysis suggests the industry is moving towards a more blended view of connectivity, with terrestrial and non-terrestrial options managed together rather than as separate systems.
Cellular IoT split
IoT Analytics said module vendors are increasingly dividing the cellular IoT market into two tracks. One is Cat 1 bis, treated as the current volume segment. The other centres on RedCap and eRedCap as the next migration path.
That split suggests suppliers are trying to match different device classes and deployment economics more precisely. In practice, the market is no longer being framed around a single broad upgrade cycle, but around distinct stages tied to cost, power use and network needs.
eSIM and control
The report also highlighted the commercialisation of SGP.32, the latest eSIM standard for IoT device management. According to the analysis, the commercial focus is shifting away from basic provisioning and towards orchestration, resilience and broader control of connected fleets.
Even so, fleet-wide switching remains constrained, indicating that operational complexity still limits how far businesses can push remote SIM management across large deployments. That leaves room for software and service providers that can simplify orchestration across fragmented connectivity environments.
Security shift
Security was the seventh major trend identified in the analysis. Vendors are moving IoT security towards post-quantum readiness and secure silicon, signalling a stronger link between device hardware, network architecture and lifecycle management.
The report suggests that security is no longer being positioned solely as an overlay or compliance requirement. Instead, it is being designed more directly into modules, connectivity management and device identity frameworks as operators and vendors prepare for longer-term cryptographic risks.
Across the seven themes, the common thread is a telecom sector broadening its definition of connectivity. Network access remains central, but more of the commercial and technical value is shifting towards compute integration, orchestration software, device intelligence and embedded security.
The review covered key highlights from across the telecom industry and assessed presentations and announcements from more than 60 companies.