The global revenue for communications providers (CP) is projected to reach $5.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2025.
Omdia says this growth, while being spurred by traditional telecom services, is significantly bolstered by advancements in technology, infrastructure development, and increased investment in 6G and artificial intelligence (AI).
The report highlights that while traditional telecom revenue is set to grow modestly at a CAGR of 2.7%, the technology sector—which includes major hyperscale platforms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google—is anticipated to experience a robust 9.4% CAGR.
By 2030, this segment is expected to account for over half (55.9%) of total CP revenue, indicating a fundamental shift in how connectivity is provided and valued.
“Telecom operators are entering a new phase of strategic investment,” noted Dario Talmesio, research director at Omdia. “With 6G on the horizon and AI infrastructure demands accelerating, the connectivity business is shifting from volume-based pricing to value-driven connectivity.”
This shift is particularly relevant for IT infrastructure and network leaders in Southeast Asia as they navigate growing demands for bandwidth and enhanced connectivity.
Omdia also projects that capital expenditure (capex) in the telecom sector will reach $395 billion by 2030, reflecting a growth rate of 3.6%. In contrast, the technology capex is expected to soar to $545 billion, demonstrating a similar growth trend of 9.3%.
A noteworthy trend is that investment focus will commence shifting toward mobile networks starting in 2028, corresponding with preparations for 6G deployments, while fixed telecom capex is predicted to decline due to market saturation.
As preparations ramp up for these advancements, telecom operators are expanding their data centres and investing in specialised hardware to support AI infrastructures, cloud services, and emerging digital sovereignty policies.
For network security leaders in Southeast Asia, understanding these shifts is crucial. The increase in CP capex per person—expected to rise from $74 in 2024 to $116 by 2030—signals significant investment opportunities within this evolving landscape. The region, particularly Central and Southern Asia, holds promising growth potential as it adapts to these technological advancements.
