We’re back with our first episode of Chanel Corner of the new year and we’re kicking things off by looking ahead.
In this episode we asked James:
“What are your predictions for the industry in 2026?”
James' top five predictions are....
1. Continued Economic Challenges
Ongoing economic pressure is set to continue challenging the channel. This will push businesses to rethink how they approach their products, customers and overall strategies, including who they choose to partner with. Value, flexibility and efficiency will be more important than ever when choosing your vendors.
2. AI Integrations
AI will play an increasingly prominent role within telecoms and the wider businesses. From AI-powered service agents and chatbots to deeper integrations within business systems, automations and intelligence will become key to improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
3. Cyber Security
Cyber Security is no longer a ‘nice to have’ service. As threats continue to evolve, protecting customers businesses will be a growing priority. We expect to see cyber security solutions becoming a standard part of telecoms portfolios and not just an add-on.
4. Market Consolidation
Market consolidation is likely to accelerate, particularly across the alt-net landscape. Merges and acquisitions will continue as providers look to strengthen their positions, streamline operations and achieve greater scale.
5. Connectivity Movement
We’re already seeing this happen, and it’s only set to continue. Customers are reassessing their connectivity needs and in many cases downgrading or reshaping products to achieve better value. Cost efficiency and right-sizing solutions will be key themes moving forward.
Will James’ predictions come true? We will have to wait and see…
Stay tuned for the next episode of Channel Corner with James Drake, where we’ll share more insights and practical advice on how to succeed in the channel.
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