GlobalData: AI and tokenomics to redefine telecom managed services

Telecom service providers are increasingly looking toward managed services to drive growth amid intensifying competition and shrinking data margins. According to GlobalData, the managed network services sector is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% between 2025 and 2030.

While AI-driven automation offers opportunities to counteract margin erosion and expand services to new segments like small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), it also presents significant risks. Automation may lead to commoditization, causing enterprises to demand lower costs and higher standards.

Furthermore, the integration of AI introduces the challenge of tokenomics. Gary Barton, Research Director at GlobalData, warns that the costs associated with building AI models and the ongoing consumption of tokens for Large Language Models (LLMs) must be carefully managed. If service providers do not factor these costs into their business models from the outset, the expense of token consumption could negatively impact their financial stability.