Telecoms is moving toward connectivity that users can activate on demand. Across IoT, 5G, and fiber, software now defines more services. Networks are becoming flexible platforms, not only fixed infrastructure products.
Danish provider Onomondo reflects this wider change in IoT. The company has a reported €100 million funding base for expansion. Its goal is to move IoT beyond the traditional SIM model. Instead, it wants connectivity to act like programmable software infrastructure.
That shift matters for enterprises deploying many connected devices. They need simpler provisioning, better control, and faster global rollouts. Technologies such as eUICC and SGP.32 support remote SIM management. This reduces manual work and speeds device activation.
At the same time, programmable connectivity brings new operational demands. Providers must ensure security, reliability, and clear service control. Enterprises also need skills to manage more flexible network tools. Without that discipline, software-defined services can become hard to govern.
The same discussion now surrounds AI-RAN. Operators want artificial intelligence to improve radio access networks. These networks connect mobile users and devices to the wider mobile core. AI can help tune performance, reduce energy use, and automate daily tasks.
However, AI-RAN may not create major new revenue by itself. Dell’Oro analyst Stefan Pongratz expects a broadly flat RAN market through 2030. The post-5G market correction may be ending. Yet growth in AI-RAN, cloud RAN, and massive MIMO may stay contained.
This creates an important split for telecom leaders. AI for RAN focuses on making current networks better and cheaper. RAN for AI relies on future demand from machines and AI agents. The first opportunity is already visible in live network trials.
Operators including Orange, Optus, and SK Telecom are testing real AI-RAN use cases. Their work appears more meaningful than broad industry promises. It shows where AI can help networks today.
Private wireless remains a brighter growth area. Enterprises can fund new factory, logistics, and industrial deployments directly. These projects bring fresh capital into the market. They also align with robotics, automation, and physical AI.
Still, the telecom sector should balance ambition with evidence. On-demand connectivity can make networks more useful and responsive. AI can make operations leaner and more automated. But lasting growth will depend on real demand, not only smarter infrastructure.
