Telecom operators are looking to break out of the rut of simply providing connectivity, but face fierce opposition in the form of technology interlopers, according to GlobalData, data and analytics specialist.

GlobalData’s latest thematic research report, ‘Telecom Operator Scorecard – Thematic Research’, states that, in domains like the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI) and software defined networks (SDN), operators globally need to establish their relevance and build a convincing proposition.

In the report, GlobalData’s Thematic Research Team sets out the big themes impacting telecom operators globally, predicts how they will evolve over the next 12 months and identifies the leading and lagging companies in a world filled with disruptive threats.

Laura Petrone, senior analyst for GlobalData, comments, “Telecom operators are increasingly seeking to move beyond the dumb pipe of simple connectivity and diversify in the cloud, AI and SDN.”

“This trajectory will bring them into direct competition with technology interlopers that are also actively targeting segments that telecoms operators might once have seen as their own.”

Telecoms operators should also watch out for China’s growing influence over technology standards as part of the country’s ambition to dominate next generation technologies.

Petrone concludes, “China’s commitment to technology leadership is not just a matter of record; it is an intrinsic part of the country’s strategic plan. We expect to see China trying to exert greater influence over the rules for next generation telecom standards such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), in much the same way as Europe dominated 2G and the US 3G and 4G.”