Security has emerged as the leading investment priority for telecom operators in 2026, driven by the escalating threat of cyberattacks, according to the Telecoms.com Intelligence Annual Industry Survey 2025.
The survey drew responses from over 200 professionals across Communication Service Providers (CSPs), vendors, and system integrators, providing a comprehensive snapshot of industry priorities for the year ahead.
The report highlights a marked shift in spending focus compared to 2025, noting that security has gained momentum as an investment area.
This change is being propelled by a growing wave of cyber threats targeting telecom networks worldwide, including denial-of-service attacks, malware campaigns, service delivery disruptions, and data exfiltration attempts. Such threats, the report says, are compelling organisations to strengthen their cyberdefences and make security not just a priority but an urgent business imperative.
For CSPs specifically, while 5G standalone deployments remain a top focus, security ranks closely behind, reflecting a growing recognition that technological advancement must be paired with robust protection measures. Beyond security, the survey also identifies other key investment areas, including digital transformation initiatives and broadband expansion.
Digital transformation, in particular, encompasses a wide array of technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront; applications range from network optimisation and customer experience enhancement to the creation of entirely new service offerings.
Yet, the report warns that the diversity of investment priorities could stretch operators’ budgets thin in 2026, underscoring the challenge of balancing innovation with the urgent need to safeguard networks.
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Security concerns extend beyond traditional infrastructure to newer technologies, such as network APIs and AI systems. In the survey, respondents consistently identified privacy and data protection as their primary worry when it comes to both APIs and AI.
With thousands of internal and third-party APIs in operation across telecom networks, coupled with the sensitive data these systems handle, ensuring the security of these digital touchpoints is increasingly critical.
Real-world examples underscore the consequences of underestimating cyber threats. High-profile breaches at Australian telco Optus and T-Mobile US have served as cautionary tales, demonstrating the financial, operational, and reputational risks associated with inadequate security. In T-Mobile’s case, the company was required to make significant security investments as part of a regulatory settlement, highlighting the tangible costs of security lapses.
AI adoption, while a key driver of innovation, adds a further layer of complexity. Telecom operators are increasingly using AI to process vast volumes of data, some of it sensitive. This has sparked debate over the ethical and secure use of AI systems.
The report notes the challenge of balancing rapid AI-driven advancements with the ethical, unbiased, and safe handling of data, warning that organisations may inadvertently treat consumers’ information as collateral damage in the race to innovate.
Another emerging concern is the potential societal impact of overreliance on AI. Studies cited in the survey suggest that extensive use of AI tools could lead to a measurable decline in human cognitive connectivity, raising broader questions about the long-term implications of technological dependence.
Despite these risks, the report offers a cautious note of optimism. About a third of respondents indicate that their organisations are investing in internal upskilling and reskilling program to address future AI talent needs, suggesting that operators are seeking to balance automation with human expertise.
Overall, the Telecoms.com survey paints a picture of an industry navigating a complex technological and security landscape. While operators remain committed to innovation and digital growth, the rise in cyber threats has cemented security as the foremost spending priority for 2026.
With breaches already demonstrating the high cost of inaction, telecom companies are moving to ensure that protection measures keep pace with technological advancement.
The survey’s findings signal that, for telecom operators worldwide, investment in security is no longer optional; it is central to sustaining both operational integrity and consumer trust in the hyperconnected digital era.
