Juniper Research Forecasts 2026 Telecom Transformation Driven by Direct-to-Device, 5G Advanced, and AI RAN
Juniper’s Connectivity Tech Horizon report highlights
Juniper Research has released its latest Connectivity Tech Horizon report, focused on three technologies expected to redefine global connectivity in 2026: Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity, 5G Advanced, and AI-powered Radio Access Networks (RAN).
The study evaluated 20 connectivity technologies and ranked them as either “Above the Line” (outperforming market expectations) or “Below the Line” (underperforming). The analysis provides operators and technology vendors with a “data-driven view of which innovations are delivering value - and which are falling short.”
“Enterprise demand for connectivity is not only growing, but becoming increasingly varied,” said Sam Barker, VP of Telecoms Market Research at Juniper Research. “Those in the telecoms market need to remain vigilant against both growing disruptive technologies and those that Juniper Research believes are slowly losing relevance.”
Forecasted technologies that may reshape telecom in 2026
AI RAN: Considered a major innovation in intelligent network automation, AI RAN is expected to deliver significant efficiency gains and operational savings. Juniper Research estimates that operator investments in AI technologies will reach $21 billion in 2025.
Direct-to-Device (D2D): Transitioning from pilot projects to early commercial deployment, D2D technology will be used to cost-effectively expand mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas without requiring expensive new infrastructure.
5G Advanced: Positioned as the bridge to 6G, 5G Advanced will bring enhanced uplink capacity, AI-native network management, and new enterprise-grade applications that extend 5G’s value.
Lagging technologies reveal shifting market priorities
The report also highlights several underperforming technologies—such as legacy 5G and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)—noting that market expectations have outpaced adoption in the real world.