By Nizar Hneini, Jawad Shaikh and Chetan Anand
The telecommunications industry stands at a crossroads. Telcos are evolving from traditional connectivity providers into technology-centric enterprises, often referred to as “TechCos” – reflecting the growing demand for innovation, agility and digital-first services. By embracing advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, IoT and 5G, players position themselves not only as enablers of communication but as pioneers of digital ecosystems. As a result, they can unlock new revenue streams and competitive advantages in an increasingly tech-driven world. Thriving in the new digital economy means transforming your mindset and reimagining your strategic role. The question is, how?
The traditional services offered by traditional Telcos are stagnating: mobile voice, fixed voice, switches, routers and MPLS have all seen flat revenue growth in recent years. At the same time, advanced digital services – from Managed Network Services and SD-WAN to the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) – have experienced robust expansion. Indeed, services such as these are catalyzing the journey of telecommunication companies from mere connectivity providers to technology conglomerates or “TechCos”, signaling a major shift in industry dynamics.
"Telcos must evolve from data carriers to the architects of a digital future."
Globally, growth in the Business-to-Business (B2B) sector for telecommunications is increasingly driven by advanced digital services. Interestingly, the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA) are not just keeping pace but significantly outpacing global growth rates. This region is also witnessing faster adoption of these advanced services, indicating a ripe market for Telcos willing to innovate and adapt.
Discover our latest report on the future of business-to-business telecommunications and the shift from traditional Telcos to tech-centric “TechCos.” We explore the global forces reshaping the industry, highlight why the Middle East and Central Asia are outpacing global adoption of advanced digital services, and outline the three strategic pathways – infrastructure, transformation, and service – that will define tomorrow’s leaders. Drawing on global best practices and Roland Berger’s insights, the report provides a practical roadmap for telecom operators to unlock new revenue streams, orchestrate ecosystems, and thrive as integrated technology partners in the smart economy.
B2B telecommunications are evolving as Telcos adopt tech-centric models, embrace digital services and lead in the future of enterprise connectivity.
