CCS Insight

On SpaceX’s earning call, CEO Elon Musk discussed the company becoming a mobile network operator in the US. To date, Starlink’s satellite connectivity has provided fixed broadband services that are mainly used in areas without good fibre broadband, and a messaging service for smartphones as a back-up if terrestrial connectivity is unavailable or not working. Launching its own mobile service would be a big move. But how viable is it to use satellite as a primary mobile connectivity technology?

One of the most keenly watched trends in the telecom industry is the entry of new brands in the mobile market. The charge is being led by companies in financial services, notably well-known “neobanks” like Monzo and Revolut. However, organizations in a range of other sectors, such as utilities and retail, are also taking the plunge. In the UK, this is likely to include Octopus Energy and Lidl, among others.

At two recent conferences, DTW Ignite and MWC Shanghai, the role of AI emerged as the dominant theme. But there remains tremendous debate about the business opportunity for AI among telecom operators and suppliers. Should telecom operators become AI factories and charge for tokens, or should they focus on charging for data as now? How can telecom build the right digital infrastructure for an AI world? Will the rise of robotics lead to opportunities for operators in physical AI at the network edge?

MWC Shanghai in June 2026 highlighted optimism for the future. This year’s event centred on the path to 6G, including the role of 5G-Advanced as a stepping stone, and AI everywhere. As at many recent events, there were numerous robots at the show, including predominantly humanoid models. Despite clashing with DTW in Copenhagen, MWC Shanghai claimed 37,000 attendees from 143 countries.

Having access to large quantities of wireless spectrum capacity is essential to support large numbers of mobile users. Without sufficient capacity, networks become congested, speeds and error rates worsen, and users complain. But finding new spectrum that’s available globally is becoming increasingly difficult. The 6 GHz band is critical because it’s high capacity, already available and suppliers are ready to go. It has already been allocated for mobile use in most countries.

A 25% fall in IBM’s share price on 14 July left little room for measured judgment. After the largest one-day drop in IBM’s history, commentators jostled to explain what’s gone wrong and what it means for the technology sector. Many concerns are justified, but some criticism has bordered on the terminal and others assume the problem will pass once supply constraints loosen. The facts were uncomfortable.

Every year in Copenhagen, TM Forum brings the telecom world together at DTW Ignite with the goal of improving networks, adopting best practices from IT and enabling more-autonomous operations. This year, Huawei had its 11th OTF event next door. DTW used to be focused on BSS and OSS suppliers and their customers at telecom operators. This is no longer the case. DTW Ignite is now focused on telecom AI throughout the network, not just in the monetization, BSS and OSS domains.

Tesco has announced a major revamp of its International Calling app, which includes a new travel eSIM service in partnership with SIM Local. The service offers low-priced connectivity in more than 200 countries. International Calling originally launched as a physical calling card over 12 years ago before evolving into a standalone app. However, the rise of rival peer-to-peer calling apps like WhatsApp has steadily changed the way many people connect.

It’s now easier to hack and then steal many modern cars than to nick a phone that costs a fraction of the price of a car. Also, it’s considerably easier to track the location of a stolen mobile phone than to find a car that has been taken by a thief. This is crazy because all modern cars and phones contain the same mobile technologies. Both have mobile radio connectivity, satellite GPS chips for location fixes and modern smart operating systems.

Interest in satellites is at an all-time high. Earlier in June, SpaceX successfully filed for an IPO with a massive $1.77 trillion valuation, making it one of the most-valuable companies on Earth. The main reason for its high valuation is the excitement and opportunity that this space — pun intended — has to offer. However, SpaceX’s pursuits rely on launch capacity. The same is true for any company that’s eyeing opportunities in this growing market.