Mobile World Congress 2026 reinforced that the telecoms industry is entering a new phase. The focus is shifting away from deploying connectivity infrastructure toward extracting economic value from networks through real-world applications.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has matured from a niche concept to a core enabler of digital infrastructure. As investor interest grows, the market remains fragmented—populated by under-scale and niche providers. With emerging tech like edge-based AI and increasing regulatory demands, the next wave of growth will favour full-stack, scalable platforms. This article explores how investors can capitalise on consolidation opportunities in this evolving landscape.