- Telecom industry leaders predict 2026 will be defined by quantum-safe communications, telco-trained AI and flexible capacity services.
- Telstra International highlights a shift towards dynamic “capacity as a service” models as networks become more autonomous and demand more intelligent operations.
What happened: How telecom leaders see 2026 taking shape
Industry figures from Ciena, Telstra International and Neos Networks have laid out their expectations for the telecommunications sector in 2026, signalling a shift from technological experimentation towards practical execution of emerging tools and paradigms.
A growing theme in these discussions is quantum-safe communications. Ciena’s Paulina Gomez has suggested 2026 could be the year when quantum-safe encryption moves from theoretical discussion to real-world action. This involves combining established cryptographic standards with quantum key distribution to protect sensitive data against future quantum computing threats.
Another prediction focuses on AI tailored to telecom networks. Instead of generic artificial intelligence tools, operators are expected to adopt telco-specific AI models that actually understand network structures, performance trends and historical events. These domain-aware systems will power digital twin simulations — virtual replicas of networks that allow operators to test changes before applying them live, reducing risk and improving efficiency.
Neos Networks’ CEO Lee Myall also emphasises a broader infrastructure shift, particularly in the UK. He argues that AI-driven changes in traffic demand will drive connectivity deployments and influence where operators build high-capacity fibre, moving away from a simple race to lay more cables towards smarter investment in areas with meaningful demand.
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Why it’s important
These predictions matter because they frame how major network operators and infrastructure providers are thinking about the near future of digital connectivity. The adoption of quantum-safe communications reflects increasing concern about long-term data security in an era where future quantum computers might break today’s encryption schemes. Moving this area from “awareness” to action suggests organisations are beginning to prioritise long-term confidentiality rather than short-term convenience.
The rise of telco-trained AI highlights a broader industry realisation: telecom networks have unique complexities that general-purpose AI tools struggle to interpret and optimise. If networks can be modelled and managed more intelligently, this could reduce operational costs and improve reliability, but it also raises questions about new vulnerabilities. For example, if AI agents that control networks are manipulated or misconfigured, they could introduce significant operational issues or security risks.
As 2026 approaches, the telecoms industry appears poised to implement technologies and business models that could significantly impact how global digital infrastructure operates. Whether these innovations deliver the promised benefits — especially in terms of security, cost efficiency and real-world performance — remains to be seen once they are broadly deployed.
