THE CARRIER GUIDE TO 2025: TRAFFIC, TECHNOLOGY AND UNSUNG HEROES BY MATTIAS FRIDSTRÖM

MATTIAS FRIDSTRÖM, 20 YEARS In Telecommunication industry
The Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac symbolizes wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation—qualities that the telecom industry must embody in 2025. Faced with geopolitical challenges, tough market conditions, and increasing demands for resilience and sustainability, telecom companies must adapt to thrive. Here's an in-depth look at the key trends, innovations, and challenges that will define the global telecom landscape in the year ahead.
Global Carrier Industry Trends for 2025
- Embracing Route Diversity for Resilience
The era of relying on large “elephant” routes for network connectivity is shifting. While these major routes are economical, they are also vulnerable to disruptions. Instead, telecom companies will focus on building multiple smaller “ant” routes. Although more expensive to operate, these routes offer superior resilience, safeguarding networks from unexpected failures. In 2025, expect to see operators investing in previously overlooked routes to strengthen their infrastructure in response to geopolitical uncertainties. - AI-Powered Connectivity Revolution
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and telecom is no exception. The growing demand for AI data centers powered by GPUs will necessitate significant energy resources—preferably green energy. Telecom operators face a critical question: Should they invest in constructing new fiber routes to remote, energy-rich areas, or leave this connectivity to regional players? The decisions made in 2025 could shape the future of global connectivity. - Sustainability Takes Center Stage
While sustainability has been on the agenda for years, tangible progress has been slow due to cost constraints. However, new climate regulations, such as the CSRD, ESRS, and SEC climate disclosure rules, will compel telecom operators to take action. Customers are increasingly demanding greener solutions, and companies will need to report on their sustainability initiatives transparently. In 2025, there will be a stronger push toward achieving these goals, despite challenges.
Technology and Traffic Trends to Watch
- Expanding Optical Capacity with L-Band
As fiber resources become scarcer, the telecom industry is pushing the boundaries of optical technology. Using the L-band, alongside the traditional C-band, offers a promising solution to boost capacity without requiring additional fiber pairs. While the technology is still evolving, 2025 will likely see broader adoption, simplifying implementation and reducing costs. - The Return of Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN)
The concept of managed network solutions is making a comeback under a new guise—Managed Optical Fiber Networks. With increasing demands for high-capacity solutions and limited human resources, businesses are turning to operators for comprehensive managed services. This trend will grow significantly in 2025 as companies seek efficient and scalable network options. - 400G ZR Technology Becomes Mainstream
The maturation of 400G ZR and 400G ZR+ pluggable technologies promises significant cost savings and reduced power consumption for telecom operators. By adopting this technology, companies can connect more locations, scale their IP core networks, and achieve operational efficiency. In 2025, this will become a critical strategy for operators aiming to stay competitive.
Innovations in Fiber Technology
- Hollow-Core Fiber for Speed and Efficiency
Hollow-core fiber, which transmits light through an air-filled core instead of glass, offers unparalleled speed and efficiency. While scalability and cost remain barriers, the technology holds immense potential for meeting the connectivity demands of emerging applications like GenAI. In 2025, expect more discussions and pilot projects exploring this game-changing innovation. - Multicore Fiber for Space-Constrained Environments
Multicore fiber, featuring multiple optical cores within a single strand, can deliver higher bandwidth without increasing cable size. This innovation is particularly valuable in areas with limited space for new infrastructure. In 2025, the industry may explore long-distance applications of multicore fiber, addressing Shannon’s limit and expanding network capacity. - The Promise of Plastic Fiber
Plastic optical fiber has long been used for short distances due to its affordability. While long-haul deployment remains a distant dream due to technical limitations, continued innovation could make this cost-effective solution viable in the future. The telecom industry remains hopeful for breakthroughs that could revolutionize fiber deployment.
AI-Driven Enhancements for Carriers
- Predictive Maintenance with AI
Using AI and machine learning, operators can analyze vast amounts of operational data to predict equipment failures before they happen. By proactively addressing issues, telecom companies can reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. - Improving Customer Transparency During Outages
AI-powered systems will enable operators to provide real-time updates and detailed information during network disruptions. Enhanced transparency will improve customer experiences and reduce frustration, ensuring better communication during outages. - Automating Workflows for Faster Service Delivery
The telecom industry has traditionally relied on manual processes, but AI offers the potential to streamline operations significantly. By automating workflows, operators can deliver services faster, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency in 2025.
Threats to Network Stability in 2025
- Extreme Weather Events
Climate change is an ongoing challenge for telecom operators. From flooding to forest fires, natural disasters threaten physical infrastructure. In 2025, operators must invest in weatherproofing strategies and collaborate with authorities to anticipate and mitigate risks. - Submarine Cable Vulnerabilities
With the oceans crisscrossed by undersea cables, damage from shipping activities and sabotage poses a growing threat. Geographical diversity in routing and the recycling of older cables will be critical for building resilient networks in 2025. - Cybersecurity Challenges
Cyberattacks, particularly DDoS attacks, continue to evolve. The use of AI by both attackers and defenders will intensify this digital arms race. In 2025, operators must remain vigilant and innovative in their approach to cybersecurity.
Unsung Heroes of the Telecom Industry
- Billing Administrators: Ensuring accurate invoices amidst rapid changes is a complex but critical task.
- Cable Coiling Experts: These professionals ensure submarine cables are loaded correctly onto deployment vessels, playing a vital role in global connectivity.
- Corporate AI Monitors: With AI’s potential for both progress and mistakes, these individuals safeguard data integrity and ensure responsible AI usage within companies.
As the telecom industry enters a pivotal year, adaptability and innovation will be the keys to success. With a focus on resilience, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, 2025 promises to be a year of exciting transformations and opportunities.
To read the complete article, check out Issue 140 of the Sub Tel Forum Magazine here