In 2024, Telecom Review Group conducted over 250 exclusive interviews, physically attended more than 30 global events, presented 47 awards, hosted seven virtual panels, and, for the 18th consecutive year, welcomed 600 delegates to the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit over two inspiring days.
Moreover, Telecom Review, which has long maintained a strong presence in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Africa, and North America, now covers all the Americas, as of April, 2024. In addition, Telecom Review Europe launched in July, 2024, with plans for significant growth in the coming years.
Reflections from the Founder, Mr. Toni Eid
Reflecting on Telecom Review’s performance in 2024, Telecom Review Founder, Mr. Toni Eid, stated, “For me, 2024 was a remarkable year of achievements, both for the telecom industry and for Telecom Review as a platform that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a company, we’ve grown in ways that reflect our commitment to supporting this dynamic sector and building meaningful relationships across the globe.”
Highlighting Telecom Review’s activities throughout the year, Eid noted that the year began on a high note at MWC Barcelona 2024, where he had the pleasure of reconnecting with friends and colleagues from across the industry, while at the Comarch User Group event in Kraków, he spoke alongside participants from 40 countries. Telecom Review’s presence at MWC Shanghai further solidified its ties with the Asian market.
Eid mentioned that a particularly proud moment emerged at BATIC 2024, where Telecom Review was honored by Telin with a token of appreciation for its enduring partnership. And at FutureNet Asia 2024 in Singapore, Telecom Review’s Asia Pacific team returned as the media partner, reaffirming its leadership in the region’s digital evolution.
The year was also filled with milestones, such as attending the Global NaaS Event by MEF for the 18th consecutive year and joining the insightful conversations at Innovate Asia 2024 in Bangkok. Eid added, “A standout was my chat with Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of IOH, which showed the power of personal engagement in driving innovation.
“From Doha’s M360 to our 2024 Awards Gala Dinner and certification ceremony, each event celebrated industry progress and strengthened our connections with long-standing partners.
“Of course, the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit remains a personal highlight. This year, the enthusiasm from our partners to actively participate was truly exceptional. I was especially excited to witness the ‘World’s First 5G-Advanced Region Sets Sail’ panel, a special addition that showcased the vast potential of 5G-Advanced technologies.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Eid remarked that the industry is poised for incredible advancements, noting that, “At the 2024 ITU CxO meeting, which we’ve hosted for six consecutive years, I saw firsthand how the standards required for sustained growth are firmly in place. The discussions and breakthroughs surrounding 5G-Advanced are particularly thrilling—it’s clear we’re entering a transformative era.”
WATCH: More from Toni Eid
18th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit
The 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit brought together telecom leaders and innovators to chart the future of connectivity, digital transformation, and AI-driven progress.
Industry leaders discussed cutting-edge infrastructure strategies, setting the stage for the event’s exploration of technological advancements.
AI emerged as a central theme, with panels featuring experts from du, Huawei, Bayobab, Cisco, MYCOM OSI, Reailize, Comarch, TELUS, and Netcracker. Further discussions highlighted AI’s role in transforming networks into highly autonomous systems.
Fintech innovation took the spotlight in a panel focusing on the evolution of digital financial services. Meanwhile, cybersecurity was tackled by experts, addressing the growing need for secure, resilient networks in an interconnected world.
The UAE’s digital leadership was a focal point, with TDRA representatives delivering keynotes on the nation’s ICT progress and providing an update on telecom innovation.
Inclusivity was celebrated during the Women in ICT panel, featuring voices from TELUS, PMP Strategy, du, Verizon Partner Solutions, Somos, the Polistratos Institute, e& Egypt, and TDRA UAE, highlighting the efforts being made in breaking gender barriers and fostering diversity in the telecom sector.
Collaboration across the industry was underscored by IOH’s Vikram Sinha and bolstered by two Leaders’ panels, which focused on innovation and strategic partnerships.
The region’s transition into the 5G-A Mobile AI era featured contributions from the GSMA, TDRA UAE, du, e&, Vodafone Qatar, Vodafone Oman, Ooredoo Qatar, Huawei MECA, Ericsson MEA, and Nokia.
On the side-lines of the summit, Telecom Review hosted the prestigious ITU CxO meeting, extended gratitude to its sponsors and the ITU for their invaluable support through a certification ceremony, and celebrated industry excellence at the Telecom Review Excellence Awards.
WATCH: Day 1 Sessions
WATCH: Day 2 Sessions
WATCH: TRS-24 Highlights
2024 by Edition
Telecom Review Middle East
In 2024, Telecom Review Middle East solidified its reputation as the premier platform for ICT and technology insights in the region. Top discussions highlighted LEO satellites disrupting communication, 5G-A advancements, AI-driven operations, and new data center launches. With its comprehensive coverage and expert interviews, the flagship edition continues to set the benchmark for industry reporting in the Middle East.
- Most Viewed Insights:
LEO Satellites: Disrupting Communication Industry Innovation
e& UAE: Bringing 5G-A Capabilities to Consumers and Enterprises
Huawei: Bridging 5G Excellence and 5.5G Leadership in the AI Era
- Other Top Articles:
Es'hailSat Enhances its Capabilities with DataMiner's AI-Driven Operations
Netcracker's Digital Satellite Solution Propels Satellite Industry Forward
Telecom Egypt Reports Solid Growth and Resilient Performance in Q3 2024
Beta Launch: MYCOM OSI Brings EAA GenAie to the Forefront of CSP Decision-Making
Omantel Launches New Data Center in Salalah, Dhofar Region
du Pay Partners with Visa to Foster Inclusive Digital Economy
Harnessing Technology for National Growth: Ooredoo Oman's 2024 Ambition
Telecom Review Asia
In 2024, Telecom Review Asia cemented its role as the leading platform for telecommunications and ICT insights across the Asia Pacific. Top discussions included the Philippines' ICT growth, digital inclusion efforts, and data privacy challenges, reflecting the country’s digital transformation journey.
Other significant highlights covered advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), 6G development, and spectrum allocation, among others. The platform continues to shine a light on groundbreaking projects, regulatory updates, and emerging technologies shaping the region's digital future.
- Most Viewed Insights:
The Growth of ICT and the Digital Evolution of the Philippines
Data Privacy and Security Concerns in the Philippines Telecom Sector
Advancing Digital Inclusion Efforts and ICT Development in the Philippines
- Other Top Articles:
GTI Initiates Global Recruitment for Intelligent RAN, Ubiquitous AI Project
BSNL Prepares for 4G Launch in Chennai and Surrounding Districts
China Mobile's 5G Integration Advances Global Business Success
Hong Kong’s Communications Authority Announces New Spectrum Allocation
South Korea Establishes ‘6G Society’ to Advance Mobile and Satellite Collaboration
India's DoT Launches Experimental License Module for 5G Lab
Indian Government Implements USSD Call Forwarding Suspension to Combat Fraud
Telecom Review Africa
In 2024, Telecom Review Africa stood out as a leading platform offering insights into ICT trends, cybersecurity, and transformative technologies shaping the African continent. Other key developments featured regulatory milestones, groundbreaking partnerships revolutionizing infrastructure, and emerging innovations. The platform continues to be a trusted resource for brands, governments, and organizations driving Africa’s digital evolution.
- Most Viewed Insights:
2024 Cybersecurity Outlook: Strengthening South Africa's Digital Shield
Exploration des innovations technologiques et des initiatives durables
Strengthening Cybersecurity in The Gambia: An Interview with Sanusi Drammeh
Insights on Mobile Trends and Innovations from Mustapha Salah at Nokia
Africa Goes Cashless: Contactless and Mobile Money Take the Lead
- Other Top Articles:
Nigeria Sets Deadline for SIM Card Registration
Huawei appelle les developpeurs a rejoindre l’ecosysteme HarmonyOS
Telecom Egypt and Huawei Revolutionize Telecommunications Infrastructure Across Africa
Starlink Launches Affordable Hardware Rental Option in Kenya
Ethio Telecom Has Announced a 22% Increase in Revenue and a 21% Growth in Profit
Telecom Review Americas
Rebranded in April, 2024, Telecom Review Americas broadened its reach across Canada, the USA, Latin America, and Asia, becoming a key B2B publication for ICT trends and telecom news. It bridges carrier and enterprise markets, offering global branding opportunities for industry leaders.
- Most Viewed Insights:
Infinera Insights: The Evolution of OTN Switching in Modern Networks
Data Centers Face Challenges in the AI Era
EXA Infrastructure: The Digital Bridge of North America and Europe
6G Standardization: Roadmap for Future Connectivity
Verizon Partner Solutions: The Customer Experience
Transformative Tech: ICTs in North and South America
- Other Top Articles:
China Mobile Expands Global Business in Hong Kong With Two New Companies
Nokia and Claro Complete First Stage of Colombia's Largest 5G Deployment
Nokia Divests ASN, French State to Gain Ownership for Next Phase of Development
Ribbon Selected to Modernize Verizon’s Telecom Infrastructure
Telecom Review Arabia
In 2024, Telecom Review Arabia reinforced its position as a leading Arabic platform for ICT and telecom updates across the MEA region. Key topics included the advancement of submarine cables, 5.5G innovations, digital infrastructure challenges, satellite coverage expansion, and the transformative impact of ChatGPT. In addition to presenting exclusive articles and topics, Telecom Review Arabia also covers the industry’s latest events.
- Most Viewed Insights:
الكابلات البحرية: خطوط التكنولوجيا الحديثة تحت الماء
الإمارات تحقق تقدماً ملحوظاً عبر انضمامها إلى مشروع إنشاء محطة الفضاء القمرية
- Other Top Articles:
البنية التحتية الرقمية بين الخدمات والتحديات
بعد عام على اطلاقه كيف تحوّل شات جي بي تي؟
سهيل سات تقدّم تغطية واسعة النطاق على مستوى الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا
شركة "أمنية"... الريادة في سوق الاتصالات الأردنية
نوكيا تدعم شبكات الإتصالات وتُمكّن التكنولوجيا في السوق السعودية
تمكين المرأة وتعزيز حضورها في مجال التكنولوجيا: التحديات والفرص وهيكلية الدعم
دو تطلق “du Pay” للخدمات المالية الرقمية في الإمارات
Telecom Review Europe
Officially launched to the public in July, 2024, Telecom Review Europe has quickly become a prominent platform for industry insights and developments across the continent. The publication spotlights critical topics such as 5G evolution, data privacy, sovereign clouds, and data center advancements, drawing considerable attention from telecom professionals.
- Most Viewed Insights:
Telecom’s 5G Evolution in Europe: Regulatory and Data Privacy Challenges
Sovereign Clouds: Europe’s Answer to Data Privacy Challenges
Challenges and Advancements in Europe’s Data Center Market
- Other Top Articles:
Tele2 Launches Secure Communication Solution for Public Sector
Nokia and NL-ix expand IP routing relationship
Major European Companies Criticize EU Cloud Security Proposal
NJJ Holding’s Xavier Niel Maps Out Telecommunications Ambitions in Ukraine
Vodafone and Microsoft Sign Symbiotic 10-Year Africa/Europe Digital Services Partnership
TIM Partners with Oracle to Propel Cloud Adoption in Italy
T-Systems Expands Private Cloud Footprint
Telecom Opinions, ICT Trends: LinkedIn Poll Findings
In 2024, Telecom Review leveraged its LinkedIn platform to actively engage with its audience and capture industry insights. From July to December, 2024, we posed a range of questions across all editions to gauge awareness and evaluate the understanding of critical topics relevant to each region.
Middle East’s Path to Tech Advancement
The Middle East’s ICT and telecom landscape is evolving, but several barriers persist. Based on the LinkedIn poll results from Telecom Review Middle East, for individuals, work-life balance challenges (52%) and a lack of affordable resources (36%) remain significant obstacles to improving ICT skills, while an unsupportive environment affects 12%.
On the operators’ side, revenue growth strategies hinge on customer excellence (60%), with network investments (26%) and competitive pricing (10%) also playing pivotal roles. A mere 4% believe a strong market position alone is sufficient.
Cloud adoption is apparently a mixed journey for companies in the region. Data security and compliance concerns dominate (52%), while legacy system integration and cost management challenges are equally significant at 24% each.
When it comes to deploying Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology to boost connectivity, barriers such as regulatory policies (43%) and high implementation costs (33%) are key factors. Technical challenges (19%) and a shortage of trained professionals (5%) add to the complexity.
What’s more, optimism surrounds 5G-Advanced deployment in the Middle East, with 62% expecting an accelerated rollout. However, 28% foresee challenges, and a small minority (10%) see the regulation of emerging technologies shaping the trajectory. Setting sail as the world’s first 5G-A region, the Middle East has already demonstrated significant milestones, with no signs of slowing down in the near future.
Africa’s Telecom Challenges and Opportunities
Recent LinkedIn polls on Telecom Review Africa shed light on the critical factors shaping Africa’s telecom and ICT sectors. Infrastructure development was identified by 72% of respondents as the top priority for improving telecom services, reflecting ongoing challenges in deployment costs, which were cited as the biggest hurdle to rural connectivity by 63%. Infrastructure gaps followed at 25%, while unreliable power and regulatory barriers tied at 6%.
In AI adoption, regulatory issues (36%) and cost/investment challenges (32%) emerged as the most pressing barriers, with skills gaps (18%) and data quality (14%) also significant factors. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking AI’s potential in the region.
On the other hand, mobile penetration was deemed the primary driver for digital financial services by 70% of respondents, highlighting its transformative impact on financial inclusion.
In terms of 5G deployment, infrastructure investment (64%) topped the list, followed by demand for 5G services (18%). Spectrum availability and regulatory support each received 9%, underscoring the importance of balanced strategies for success.
Satellite connectivity’s key advantage lies in its ability to reach remote areas, as indicated by 74%. Quick deployment (16%) and competitive pricing (10%) further support its role in bridging Africa’s digital divide.
ICT Evolution in the Americas
Recent LinkedIn polls on Telecom Review Americas highlight pivotal challenges and priorities in Latin America and North America's ICT and tech industries.
In Latin America, spectrum costs emerged as the primary challenge for operators, with 45% of respondents identifying it as a major barrier. Government bureaucracy (33%) and infrastructure deployment (22%) also weigh heavily on operators' progress.
Regarding IT budget priorities, 50% of respondents anticipate a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting its transformative potential. Cybersecurity follows at 31%, with software updates (13%) and new equipment (6%) rounding out the list.
Aligned with this, AI implementation is expected to be holistic, with 60% advocating for organization-wide adoption. Meanwhile, IT departments (20%), sales and marketing (10%), and production and operations (10%) are other areas set to benefit.
Moreover, cloud transformation journeys across ICT companies in this region are varied. While 43% are in the planning phase, 29% are early adopters, and 28% have reached scalable implementation.
Nearshoring is also gaining momentum in Latin America, with software development (43%) and cloud services (29%) perceived as primary beneficiaries. ICT services (21%) and hardware (7%) are following suit.
In North America, AI/cloud/data center partnerships dominate projections (46%), followed by public-private collaborations (36%) and connectivity upgrades (18%). These insights underscore the region's rapid digital evolution and strong presence of hyperscalers, operators, manufacturers, and other key ICT industry players.
Tech and Telecom Trends Shaping the Middle East
Recent LinkedIn polls on Telecom Review Arabia unveiled the key telecom and tech trends in the Middle East. A resounding 70% believe transitioning from telcos to techcos boosted profits, with 20% crediting this transition to improved service quality and just 10% noting minimal impact on customer experience. 5G network deployment is facing hurdles, with inadequate infrastructure identified by 66% as the main barrier to deployment, followed by a lack of capital (25%) and issues in digital culture (9%).
Cyberattacks are also increasingly prevalent in the region, with 58% attributing the rise to technical gaps and outdated applications, while 25% blame unsafe robotics adoption. In terms of satellite services, 56% view them as essential for bridging gaps and providing alternatives, while 33% highlight their responsiveness to customer needs.
Regarding AI's role, 56% advocate for achieving a balance between innovation and job security, though 33% acknowledge its significant workforce impact. Lastly, Arab countries’ commitment to digital transformation is seen as a catalyst for investment by 72%, though 20% express concerns over potential cyberattacks and 8% doubt its reliability.
AI's Role in Advancing Network Connectivity and Key Sectors in APAC
In the Asia Pacific region, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer in telecommunications and beyond. Based on Telecom Review Asia’s LinkedIn polls, the majority of respondents (69%) believe AI will have the greatest impact on transforming network connectivity through network optimization, enhancing performance and efficiency. Predictive maintenance, crucial for preventing network downtime, garnered 19% of the votes, while 12% identified better network security as a key area of impact.
Beyond telecommunications, generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing various industries in APAC. Manufacturing leads the charge, with 38% of respondents highlighting its role in automating processes and improving operational precision. Education follows with 24%, as generative AI transforms learning experiences through personalized content and tools. Healthcare and retail each received 19% of the votes, showcasing the technology's potential in advancing patient care and reshaping consumer interactions.
Emerging Technologies Reshaping Smart Cities and Businesses in Europe
Emerging technologies and evolving priorities are reshaping Europe’s smart cities, telecom, and business landscapes. According to Telecom Review Europe’s LinkedIn polls, the Internet of Things (IoT) leads smart city transformation with 45% of respondents citing it as essential for urban management, followed by AI and blockchain for city services and data (22% each), and edge computing for latency (11%).
Having said that, data security and privacy dominate concerns for cloud adoption in Europe, with 70% of respondents affirming this stance, while system integration (20%) and scalability (10%) also weigh heavily. AI integration is seen as a boon for European businesses, particularly in predictive maintenance (34%) and enhanced cybersecurity (33%), with advanced data analytics (22%) and automated customer support (11%) also making strides.
5G expansion is expected to have a transformative impact, with 58% anticipating improved experiences and services. Meanwhile, 21% see its potential to drive innovation and competition.
With this in mind, telecom regulation remains pivotal, with competition policies and infrastructure sharing deemed equally crucial (36% each) for fostering innovation, followed by spectrum management (18%) and data privacy laws (10%). These insights underscore Europe’s focus on balancing technology adoption, security, and regulatory frameworks to drive progress.
2024 was a noteworthy year for the global ICT sector. The Middle East embraced disruptive technologies, with LEO satellites, 5G-A advancements, AI-driven operations, and expanded data centers shaping the region’s digital trajectory. In APAC, rapid strides in 5G, AI, and 6G development highlighted the region's technological leadership. Africa made significant progress with regulatory milestones, partnerships revolutionizing infrastructure, and innovative solutions addressing its unique challenges. Arabia saw notable progress in submarine cables, 5.5G innovations, and satellite coverage expansion amid challenges in digital infrastructure. In the Americas, the focus remained on the B2B carrier and enterprise markets, driving digital transformation across industries. Europe’s 5G evolution stood out, with a focus on data privacy, sovereign clouds, and data center growth.
Teasing what’s to come for Telecom Review in 2025, Eid concluded, “We promise you that 2025 will be a year of growth and expansion, especially given that we have plans to deepen our presence in Europe, ensuring that our platform continues to grow alongside the industry it serves.
“As I reflect on 2024, I’m grateful for the journey so far and energized for what lies ahead. Here’s to continuing this incredible momentum into 2025 and beyond!”
Read the End-of-Year Industry Report: 2024 in Review: Telecom and ICT’s Radical, Rapid, Resilient Odyssey
