Fierce Network Research

REPORT TOPICs

Check out the topic abstracts below and talk to your Fierce Network Research business development partner about building out a report. We can also work with you to create custom research.

5G & WIRELESS

Beyond the Hype: 5G Practical Business Cases

5G’s initial rollouts were inflated by hype, promising revolutionary applications like self-driving cars and remote surgery. The reality has been more grounded, with significant infrastructure costs making 5G a substantial investment for telcos. But 5G is beginning to show its true potential, particularly through network slicing and the creation of private networks that can augment or even replace traditional Wi-Fi systems. This report examines how 5G is delivering practical business benefits, beyond the hype. We explore how telcos and enterprises are leveraging 5G for enhanced connectivity solutions that offer both improved performance and new revenue opportunities. The report highlights the strategic advantages of 5G in creating more efficient and innovative business environments. This analysis serves as a vital guide for IT decision-makers looking to navigate the evolving 5G landscape.

Making the Business Case for 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) isn’t a new concept. Due to its ability to offer broadband to those in underserved areas, it is considered one of the best ways to connect the unconnected consumer. However, the consumer is one side of the equation, the limitations experienced in signal propagation and the spectrum being utilized meant FWA wasn’t necessarily a competitive solution for the enterprise customer. However, with recent advancements in 5G technology and more spectrum being made available, the FWA market is flourishing once again and is poised to be one of the best use cases for communications service providers (CSPs) to monetize their 5G investments by tapping into a wider variety of markets. This report will discuss how recent innovations in 5G technology have created a real opportunity for CSPs to capitalize on the 5G FWA business case, and what needs to be done to make it happen.

Have LEO Satellites Finally Found Their Wings?

Low-earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites provide connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. Interest from CSPs in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) is nothing new, with much of the previous discussion focusing on integration with terrestrial networks as a part of wider 5G deployment plans. Recent innovations in satellite design have reduced payload weight, meaning launch costs are cheap. Additionally, the FCC approved rules for direct-to-device communications, which could expand monetization opportunities. Is 2024 the year NTNs finally take off?  This report will find out.

Expanding 5G Revenue Opportunities with NaaS

Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) refers to a cloud-based architecture whereby users can easily operate their network without the burden of ownership or maintenance of the network infrastructure itself. Not only does NaaS provide communication service providers (CSPs) an opportunity to offer a solution to provision a service that meets the rapid and ranging needs of the enterprise, but the exposure of the network capabilities via APIs means enterprises are in a unique position to utilize network data to explore new revenue opportunities, a service many enterprises would be willing to pay a premium for. This report looks at NaaS models as well as explores how such models create a monetization opportunity for CSPs and enterprises alike.

Unlocking the Future of Connectivity with eSIM

As the demand for seamless, flexible, and efficient connectivity grows, eSIM (embedded SIM) is emerging as a pivotal innovation poised to redefine how operators and consumers interact with mobile networks. In this research report, we will delve into the fundamentals of eSIM technology, exploring its advantages over traditional SIM cards. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how eSIM simplifies the process of switching carriers, enhances device security, and supports the proliferation of IoT devices by enabling remote provisioning and management.

AI

Telco AI: The Business Cases That Matter

This report will delve into the transformative impact of AI to optimize operations and enhance customer relations. We’ll describe how AI-driven predictive maintenance prevents equipment failures, minimizing downtime and reducing costs, while advanced algorithms personalize customer interactions, elevating satisfaction and loyalty. We’ll explore AI-driven network management’s capability to dynamically adjust settings to ensure optimal performance, significantly cutting operational expenses and—eventually—delivering “smart cloud” networks that operate without human intervention. Moreover, we’ll assess how robust AI tools can detect and prevent fraud, and automate routine customer service and administrative tasks, freeing resources for strategic initiatives and enabling targeted marketing to boost revenue. This topic will equip telecom leaders with actionable strategies and proven AI applications to drive efficiency, secure data, and capitalize on new business opportunities, thereby transforming traditional challenges into avenues for growth and innovation. 

Is AI Introducing Security Risks into Telecom Networks?

AI-Powered Network Optimization in Telco Operations

Explore the transformative impact of AI on network optimization in the communications sector. This topic delves into real-world applications, showcasing how AI-driven solutions enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and pave the way for a more resilient and responsive communications infrastructure. Specific topics include network operations, AI voice, AI for OSS/BSS, AI security and more. 

Exploring Data Center Transformation in the Rise of AI-Driven Industries

With the world undergoing a momentum of digital transformation not seen before, many organizations are adopting AI technologies such as predictive maintenance and data-driven analysis to become more efficient and profitable. It is largely expected that the AI industry will reach an impressive value of $407 billion by 2027. Data centers are fundamental in AI infrastructure, and the additional power and storage capacities required to support the rise of AI applications will need to be addressed to foster in the era of AI-driven applications. To manage these additional service demands, data center operators need to consider ways to enhance data center capacity and efficiency. For instance, what role could advanced distribution units and high-efficiency power systems play in not only meeting additional energy requirements but simultaneously ensuring sustainability goals are also met? What innovations in cooling system methodologies are required to cope with additional heat generated by AI demands, and how can AI itself be utilized in the data center to ensure they are running efficiently? This report covers the essential innovations required to cope with the demands of an AI-driven world and see what progress is being made.

Building a Network Fit for AI’s Ferocious Data Appetite

This report explores how advanced network designs deliver the performance needed to unlock AI business value and optimize the utilization of precious GPU resources. These designs are enabled by SDN frameworks that deliver high throughput and sophisticated multi-tenant traffic management. Fierce Network Research will explore how cloud-native architectures offer the necessary scalability and flexibility for AI demands. 

BROADBAND

U.S. Rural Broadband Strategies: Access Choice, Funding Availability and Workforce Management 

U.S. states are working on delivering on their five-year plans alongside communications service providers to deliver broadband to underserved communities across the nation. However, there are many challenges due to market demands, funding availability and workforce shortages thanks to the widening skills gap. From developing a local workforce to deliver federally funded networks on time and within budget to understanding the economic impact on local communities and reskilled workers, this research report looks at how service providers are balancing rural and remote deployments with the need for connectivity, bandwidth and economic returns. U.S. Rural Broadband Strategies also examines funding availability, workforce management and the role of technology in assisting with affordability and open access.

Municipal Broadband Deployment Strategies

U.S. municipal networks are gaining momentum as local authorities and wider geographic areas build their own broadband infrastructure. A recent Community Networks survey found that over 900 municipal networks run either through cooperative agreements or solely community-owned operations across the U.S. — with more in development or planning. The reason for municipal networks is clear — a community can deploy a network specific to the needs of its constituents without having to wait for a major or local ISP. However, the necessary investment and financing, market research and technical and industry knowledge needed before even tackling their deployment can act as a barrier to deployment. The Municipal Broadband Deployment Strategies report explores key issues such as: economic and logistical challenges and considerations for municipal-run networks; understanding the legal framework for municipal networks; pursuing the deployment of a public broadband network; partnership models and financing; public funding mechanisms and their take on municipal broadband; and subscription models, pricing models and uptake.

The Rise of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Transforming Broadband Connectivity

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is emerging as a disruptive broadband solution, leveraging 4G, 5G, and emerging technologies to deliver high-speed internet without traditional fiber or cable infrastructure. As network operators expand coverage and improve spectrum efficiency, FWA is rapidly gaining traction in urban, suburban, and underserved rural markets. This report explores the key drivers behind FWA’s growth, including advancements in millimeter-wave and mid-band spectrum, cost-effective deployments, and increasing demand for flexible, high-performance connectivity. It examines competitive dynamics, market trends, and the impact of government broadband initiatives on FWA adoption. With major players like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T scaling their offerings, alongside growing interest from regional ISPs, FWA is reshaping the broadband landscape.

DATA CENTER TECHNOLOGIES

Exploring Data Center Transformation in the Rise of AI-Driven Industries

With the world undergoing a momentum of digital transformation not seen before, many organizations are adopting AI technologies such as predictive maintenance and data-driven analysis to become more efficient and profitable. It is largely expected that the AI industry will reach an impressive value of $407 billion by 2027. Data centers are fundamental in AI infrastructure, and the additional power and storage capacities required to support the rise of AI applications will need to be addressed to foster in the era of AI-driven applications. To manage these additional service demands, data center operators need to consider ways to enhance data center capacity and efficiency. For instance, what role could advanced distribution units and high-efficiency power systems play in not only meeting additional energy requirements but simultaneously ensuring sustainability goals are also met? What innovations in cooling system methodologies are required to cope with additional heat generated by AI demands, and how can AI itself be utilized in the data center to ensure they are running efficiently? This report covers the essential innovations required to cope with the demands of an AI-driven world and see what progress is being made. 

Exploring Alternative Power Sources for Data Centers

It’s no secret that the world is experiencing a climate crisis. In the advent of rising global temperatures and severe weather becoming more commonplace, it is the social responsibility of industries to ensure that they are operating in the most energy-efficient ways possible, and data center operators are no exception. What is perhaps more difficult for data center operators is that their operations are very energy-rich, with some reports suggesting it accounts for 1.5% of global energy consumption. As such, data center operators must explore alternative renewable energy sources that can meet current and future energy demands, while simultaneously aligning themselves with net-zero targets. This report covers how alternative energy sources, such as wind, hydro, nuclear and solar could be used to power data centers and address key concerns such as meeting increased energy demands due to increased capacity requirements, and how data center operators can transition to more renewable sources. 

Innovative Liquid Cooling for Future-Proof Data Centers: Ensuring Efficiency and Sustainability 

As data centers evolve to meet escalating computational demands, the thermal challenges posed by densely packed silicon chips become increasingly prominent. This topic explores the paradigm shift towards liquid cooling solutions as a pivotal strategy for future-proofing data centers. By delving into the principles of liquid cooling and its application to silicon chip cooling, we unravel the potential of this technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability in data center operations. Through a comprehensive analysis of current trends and emerging technologies, readers will gain insights into the transformative impact of liquid cooling on data center design and management. From optimizing performance to mitigating environmental impact, this webinar offers a roadmap for leveraging liquid cooling as a cornerstone for the next generation of data centers, ensuring scalability, resilience, and environmental responsibility in the face of evolving computational demands. 

OPTICAL NETWORKING

Optical Network Requirements for AI Data Centers

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence workloads is driving a fundamental shift in data center infrastructure, with optical networking playing a critical role in supporting massive data movement. AI training and inference require high-bandwidth, low-latency and scalable interconnects to efficiently process large datasets across distributed compute clusters. Traditional data center networks are being pushed to their limits, necessitating the adoption of high-capacity optical links, including 400G, 800G and beyond. As AI workloads continue to grow, scalable and energy-efficient optical networks will be essential in enabling the next wave of AI-driven innovation.

Optical Network Requirements Across Backbone, Middle-Mile and Access Networks

The evolving digital landscape demands high-capacity, low-latency and scalable optical networks to support growing data traffic across backbone, middle-mile and access segments. Each of these network layers has distinct optical requirements tailored to their specific roles in data transport. But the convergence of these optical layers is critical for delivering seamless, high-performance digital services. Future network evolution will rely on greater automation, energy-efficient designs and software-driven optical architectures to optimize performance across optical networks.

Drivers for 200G and Beyond in Optical Networks

The rapid expansion of cloud computing, AI workloads, 5G/6G, IoT and high-definition video streaming is pushing network operators to adopt 200G, 400G, 800G and beyond to meet growing bandwidth requirements. Hyperscale data centers, content delivery networks, and global interconnectivity further necessitate high-capacity, low-latency optical transport solutions. The transition to 200G+ is essential for reducing congestion, optimizing fiber utilization, and improving energy efficiency, ensuring that next-generation networks can support the increasing data needs of digital transformation.

TELCO APIS

Telco APIs: Unlocking a New Wave of Operator Value

As telcos face increasing pressure to unlock new revenue streams, APIs present a powerful tool for innovation and growth. By exposing network functions through APIs, operators can enable third-party developers to create new applications and services, driving value beyond traditional telecom offerings. This report explores how telcos can build successful API ecosystems to serve diverse industries, foster collaboration with partners, and deliver enhanced services like security, network slicing, and real-time analytics. It also examines the key challenges—such as integration, security, and standardization—that operators must overcome to capitalize on the API economy and accelerate digital transformation.

PUBLISHED REPORTS

Redefining Connectivity for AI-Driven Enterprises: The unexpected evolution of SD-WAN

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations is fundamentally transforming network infrastructure requirements. Traditional networks, designed for predictable data flows, now face challenges in accommodating AI workloads characterized by high bandwidth, low latency, and dynamic data patterns. Enterprises must transition from static, centralized infrastructures to flexible, distributed networks that can efficiently handle the complexities of AI workloads. This report explores the evolution of network architectures to meet these demands, emphasizing the need for intelligent, adaptive systems that can seamlessly integrate AI applications across various industries and demonstrating how SD-WAN can meet these challenges. By examining current trends and technological advancements, this research report provides insights into building resilient networks capable of supporting the next generation of AI-driven enterprises. Download this exclusive report here.

Telco Transformation at Speed: Harnessing Hybrid Cloud to Drive AI-Powered Industry Progress

Telcos face staggering challenges adapting their business models and networks to meet the demands of artificial intelligence (AI). Winners will reap rewards from new opportunities serving enterprise and government customers through this revolutionary change. Hybrid cloud is foundational to that transformation, providing the flexibility to deliver AI where it’s needed, from the network core to the edge. This report, informed by a survey of industry leaders, examines the critical areas where telcos integrate AI to enhance network efficiency, improve customer service, enable new 5G opportunities and unlock new revenue streams. The report explores emerging business opportunities, including GenAI, digital twins, edge inferencing and infrastructure-as-a-service, while assessing how telcos balance the needs of more powerful networks with sustainability goals by harnessing liquid cooling and energy-efficient data infrastructure. Additionally, the report addresses security and operational complexities associated with hybrid cloud for AI, highlighting strategies telcos employ to navigate these hurdles and drive competitive differentiation in the enterprise and government sectors. Download this exclusive report here.

AI sovereignty: Seizing the opportunity for transformative telco infrastructure investment

As AI reshapes the demands on cloud infrastructure, this transformation creates a crucial moment for emerging players and nations to develop sovereign AI platforms. These platforms not only secure a competitive edge in the global market but also foster domestic innovation by supporting ecosystems of startups, enterprises, and government entities. Telecommunications companies are uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. With their trusted relationships, expansive data center resources, and expertise in managing complex systems, telcos can become the backbone of sovereign AI ecosystems, accelerating economic growth and technological progress. Central to this shift are AI factories—specialized data centers designed to handle the unique needs of AI workloads. Telcos are already leveraging their assets and relationships to capitalize on the rising demand for these facilities. Discover how telcos can seize this opportunity to lead in the AI-driven cloud economy and redefine their role in national and global technology landscapes. Download this exclusive report here.

Telecom Automation and AI - Let's Get Real

Automation and AI will continue to be key buzzwords in the telecom industry in 2024, but this year service providers need to get past the hype and establish the actual business case for these technologies. 'Telecom Automation and AI - Let's Get Real' addresses fundamental topics, including: which implementations of automation deliver the highest value; which automation and AI features are must haves for service providers to resell to enterprises; what is the unicorn market for service provider automation/AI; the business cases that matter; and how long until service providers feel safe letting AI call the shots on their networks. Download this exclusive report here.

Overcoming Data Misery

Carriers and tower companies need accurate, up-to-date data to operate efficiently and plan for a competitive future, but these businesses are overwhelmed. Assets are managed today in siloed systems that don’t integrate or scale, including databases, document management systems, project management software and — especially — spreadsheets. Based on in-depth interviews with technology and business leaders, this report conducted by Fierce Network Research measures the extent of data misery today and what businesses need to do to solve it. Download this exclusive report here.

21st Century Cloud Networking: Transformational Opportunities, Serious Challenges

Change is nothing new to the communications industry, with innovative technologies continually disrupting the status quo. As cloud technology now undergoes a transformative shift toward distance independence, data equality, and technological advancements, it is more important than ever to address critical questions about the industry's readiness for the next decade. This detailed narrative of the cloud industry’s current state and future trajectory delivers valuable insights for navigating this pivotal year in cloud technology. Download this exclusive report here.

Transforming Telcos with Cloud-Native OSS

In the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry, the transition to cloud-native operations support systems (OSS) marks a significant shift towards more agile, scalable, and cost-effective network management solutions. This report, tailored for IT decision-makers in telco, emphasizes how modern cloud-native OSS platforms outpace traditional systems by being inherently more turnkey and productized and providing multi-cloud freedom of choice and freedom from platform lock-in. We explore the architectural and operational advantages that these next-generation systems provide, such as enhanced automation, improved integration capabilities, and superior flexibility. Additionally, the report will highlight how cloud-native OSS can dramatically reduce deployment times, minimize operational complexities, and lead to substantial cost savings, as well as enable open, flexible artificial intelligence (AI) implementation to automate back-office operations. This report will equip potential customers with a clear understanding of how cloud-native solutions can revolutionize their operational frameworks and pave the way for innovative service delivery. Download this exclusive report here.

Breaking Down Network Silos: Integrating Networks for 5G Monetization at the Edge

Network silos are killing communication service providers. These businesses struggle to manage the network core, Radio Access Network (RAN), fiber, copper, satellite, undersea cables, and other legacy and new services. For CSPs to survive and prosper, these multiple, separate networks need to be combined into a “smart cloud," which is a holistic, unified and singular network that is automated and programmable with APIs. This smart cloud also leverages AI and open RAN with SD-WAN as an intelligent overlay and 5G tying it all together. But how do CSPs monetize this smart cloud that relies on 5G? The future is at the edge in business-to-business applications such as smart factories, agriculture, and intelligent aircraft, trains and cars. By leveraging 5G, CSPs can transform disparate networks into a cohesive ecosystem, enabling advanced capabilities such as predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and autonomous operations that facilitate innovation and growth and unlock value for network providers and their customers.  Download this exclusive report here.

AI and the Network: Optimizing Network Design and Operations to Meet AI Demands

AI has a voracious data hunger and requires robust data center networking that delivers the performance needed to leverage its full capabilities. This report explores how optimal network design and operations can reduce costs while boosting performance and maximizing utilization of precious GPU resources. High throughput and sophisticated multi-tenant traffic management are crucial for AI applications, which demand rapid processing of large data volumes. Advanced traffic engineering, enabled by SDN frameworks, allows for dynamic resource allocation, ensuring high-priority AI tasks receive the necessary bandwidth. Additionally, cloud-native network architectures provide required scalability and flexibility and steer clear of legacy system pitfalls. This alignment between AI needs and network capabilities maximizes current technological investments and future-proofs enterprises against evolving AI demands. Download this exclusive report here.

Creating New Telco Opportunities in the Cloud with Open RAN

After being overshadowed in the cloud by hyperscale platforms, telcos are finding a new competitive edge with open RAN technology. This report examines how open RAN offers telcos a path to reclaim competitive relevance by enabling more flexible, interoperable network architectures. By facilitating a mix of vendor solutions, open RAN reduces operational costs and enhances service capabilities, allowing telcos to provide bespoke connectivity. These strategic advantages not only help telcos compete with established cloud providers but also support their evolution towards cloud-native functionalities with dynamic network slicing. Highlighting industry shifts towards open, efficient network infrastructures, this report underscores open RAN's potential to reshape telco strategies and level the playing field in the cloud services market. Download this exclusive report here.

*Topics and dates subject to change 

Don't see something you like? Contact us to discuss how we can create a custom research report to meet your company's needs.