Direct-to-Device, 5G Advanced, & AI RAN to Redefine Global Connectivity in 2026.
Juniper Research.Global tech strategists Juniper Research today released its new Connectivity Tech Horizon; spotlighting the three technologies expected to have the greatest impact on the telecoms industry over the next year. These are:
1. Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity
2. 5G Advanced
3. AI Radio Access Network (RAN)
The Tech Horizon offers a visual assessment of 20 connectivity technologies; ranking them as either 'Above the Line' (strongly performing) or 'Below the Line' (underperforming) in relation to market expectations. Giving operators and vendors a clear, data-driven view of which innovations are delivering value - and which are falling short.
"Enterprise demand for connectivity is not only growing, but becoming increasingly varied," said Sam Barker, VP of Telecoms Market Research. "Those in the telecoms market need to remain vigilant against both growing disruptive technologies and those that Juniper Research believes are slowly losing relevance."
Top 3 Movers in Connectivity Technologies
AI RAN: Positioned as a breakthrough in intelligent network automation, AI RAN will drive major efficiency gains and operational savings. Juniper Research forecasts $21 billion in operator investment in AI technologies this year.
Direct-to-Device (D2D): Moving from pilot to early commercial deployment, D2D will extend mobile coverage to remote and underserved regions without the need for costly new infrastructure.
5G Advanced: Acting as the bridge to 6G, 5G Advanced will deliver enhanced uplink capacity, AI-native network management, and new enterprise-grade applications that redefine the value of 5G.
The report also identifies underperforming technologies, including legacy 5G and NB-IoT; highlighting where expectations have outpaced real-world adoption.
About the Tech Horizon he Connectivity Tech Horizon provides a free evaluation of 20 connectivity technologies across the telecoms ecosystem; serving as an introduction to the comprehensive analysis and strategic insights offered through Juniper Research's Connectivity Subscription.
About Juniper Research
Juniper Research is a global tech strategist firm providing research, data, and forecasting across the fintech, telecoms, and IoT sectors. For over 20 years, Juniper Research has delivered actionable insights that help industry leaders navigate disruption, seize opportunities, and make confident strategic decisions.
www.juniperresearch.com
SEMICON Japan 2025 to Spotlight Sustainability in AI and Semiconductor Innovation
Registration is Open for Exhibition Dec. 17-19 in Tokyo.
SEMICON Japan 2025, the largest gathering of leaders from the microelectronics manufacturing supply chain in Japan, will bring together more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing semiconductor solutions from December 17-19 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event will showcase the latest innovations and trends in the global semiconductor industry through a range of exhibitions, seminars, and forums. Key topics will include advancements across the design and manufacturing supply chain, emerging technologies such as quantum computing, photonicselectronics convergence, advanced packaging, as well as AI, gaming, robotics, mobility, aerospace, and medical applications. Registration is open.
Two new summits will be held, including the AI x Sustainability x Semiconductor Summit tied to this year's event theme, and the Metrology and Inspection Summit (MIS). Additionally, SEMICON Japan will feature concurrent events Advanced Packaging and Chiplet Summit (APCS), which will bring together top players in the semiconductor packaging and board assembly fields, as well as the Advanced Design Innovation Summit (ADIS), which will focus on new-generation semiconductor design and verification.
In conjunction with SEMICON Japan, the Strategic Materials Conference (SMC) will be held for the first time in Japan on December 16, convening executives to discuss and learn about the latest technologies and market trends in AI and advanced semiconductors.
SEMICON Japan 2025 Featured Speakers
* Mukesh Khare, GM and Vice President of Hybrid Cloud Research at IBM Semiconductors
* Scott DeBoer, Executive Vice President of Micron Technology
* Akiko Kudo, Representative Director and Executive Vice President of NTT Docomo Business
* Toshiki Kawai, President and CEO of Tokyo Electron
Additional Conference Highlights
Market and Advocacy: Experts from various fields, including government officials, researchers, and analysts, will discuss the latest semiconductor market trends with a focus on business. Sessions include the SEMI Market Forum, Semiconductor Materials Forum and Bulls & Bears featuring Japan's top securities analysts.
Special Events and Guests: Guests active in a variety of fields will add color to the event, including Narita Yusuke's Passion Lab, where economist Narita Yusuke and 100 students will discuss the future of digitalization, and Monozukuri Taro Presents the Semiconductor and Robotics Industry, a seminar by manufacturing YouTuber Monozukuri Taro.
Workforce Development: These programs support early career professionals and talent development who will lead the industry in the future.
Thursday Wakamono Night, a forum highlighting a new project to engage students and young employees.
58 semiconductor-related companies will gather together at the semiconductor industry research event Mirai College.
The College of Technology exhibits technology and research results of young students.
Academia exhibition of semiconductor research results by university laboratories, and the Academia Award recognizing achievements.
Technology Events: These sessions allow attendees to experience the latest technology and learn from entertainment to specialized knowledge.
Two new projects include: The Game, which uses a card game as teaching material for SoC design, and Circuit Design, a competition aimed at students who will be responsible for the future of semiconductor design.
In addition, the Semiconductors & e-Sports section will introduce the intersection between the latest games and semiconductor technology and will also feature an exhibition by professional players.
www.semi.org
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | RESEARCH |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Database and Network Journal |
| Date: | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Words: | 866 |
| Previous Article: | Agentic AI Supply Exceeds Demand, Market Correction Loom. |
| Next Article: | Mobile Network Breakthrough Could Enable Remote Medical Procedures. |
| Topics: | |