9.23.26

The airline, hotel and travel industry is undergoing broad transformation as companies adapt to changing consumer tastes, new technologies and increasingly intense competition. The global travel and tourism sector supported about 366 million jobs in 2025, illustrating the industry’s enormous economic significance. Across airlines, hotels, cruises and travel booking, some of the most important trends are the growth of premium services, artificial intelligence, more efficient transportation, digital customer relationships, experiential tourism and new forms of lodging.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Travel Industry Center.

Plunkett’s Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. The premiumization of air travel.

Airlines are placing greater emphasis on business class, premium economy, extra-legroom seats and airport lounges rather than competing primarily on inexpensive economy seats. Scheduled U.S. domestic business- and first-class seats in 2026 were 27% above January 2020 levels, compared with a 10% increase in economy seats. Airlines have found that many consumers are willing to pay substantially more for comfort, convenience and better service.

2. Airlines are expanding their reliance on ancillary fees and loyalty programs.

Revenue from checked baggage, preferred seats, food, beverages and other optional services has become increasingly important. Carriers are also generating substantial revenue from relationships with credit card companies and frequent flyer programs. Southwest Airlines illustrates how low-cost and legacy business models are converging. The airline ended its longstanding free-bag policy for most travelers, adopted assigned seating and introduced additional premium options.

The distinction between discount carriers and traditional airlines is consequently becoming less clear. Budget airlines are adding premium products and international routes, while legacy carriers offer basic economy products in order to compete on price. This creates a travel market in which airlines increasingly serve very different customers on the same aircraft—from highly price-conscious travelers to passengers willing to pay large premiums for business-class comfort.

3. Aircraft efficiency and technology are transforming aviation.

Airlines continue replacing older planes with more fuel-efficient aircraft. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus’ A350 and A320neo families illustrate the industry’s emphasis on lightweight materials, advanced engines, longer range and improved passenger comfort. Modern aircraft also feature larger windows, improved cabin humidity and enhanced entertainment systems. Boeing and Airbus aircraft are dramatically more fuel-efficient per passenger mile than earlier generations, while hybrid-electric aircraft are being developed for possible service during the late 2020s and early 2030s.

Longer-term technologies could change aviation even more dramatically. Hydrogen-electric aircraft are under active development, with companies such as ZeroAvia working with major airlines on zero-emission propulsion systems. Supersonic flight is also attracting renewed investment. Boom Supersonic is developing its Overture aircraft, while other companies are pursuing alternative high-speed designs. These projects remain technologically and economically challenging, but they illustrate the industry’s search for both faster and more sustainable transportation.

4. Luxury, personalization and distinctive experiences are becoming major competitive tools in the hotel industry.

Affluent travelers continue to support strong demand for luxury hotels, resorts and travel experiences. At the same time, hotels are diversifying their offerings to reach very different market segments. Extended-stay properties, micro-hotels, hostels and alternative accommodations provide lower-cost or more flexible options, while upscale operators compete through highly personalized service and amenities.

Extended-stay lodging is an especially important growth segment. Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt are investing in properties that combine hotel services with apartment-like features such as kitchens, laundry facilities and larger living spaces. These hotels appeal to families as well as consultants, engineers, construction workers and other travelers who may remain in a city for weeks or months. The attached report also highlights continued interest in smaller rooms and “pod” concepts aimed at travelers who place location and price above space.

5. Hotels are becoming more localized and experience driven.

Travelers increasingly seek local foods, beverages, cultural experiences, outdoor activities and distinctive surroundings. Such experiences also work particularly well in an era dominated by social media, reviews and photo sharing. Hotels therefore have an incentive to create memorable settings and experiences that guests will promote themselves online.

6. Control of the customer relationship.

Online travel agencies provide travelers with convenient ways to compare hotels, flights and prices, but they can charge hotels commissions ranging from roughly 12% to 25%. Hotel companies therefore have powerful incentives to encourage customers to book directly through their own websites and apps. Loyalty points, member discounts and best-price guarantees are important weapons in this competition.

Mobile technology strengthens those direct relationships. Hotel apps increasingly support check-in, check-out, electronic room keys, concierge services, room-service orders and other functions. These tools provide convenience to guests while giving hotel companies more opportunities to build loyalty and gather information about customer preferences.

7. Artificial intelligence (AI) may become one of the industry’s most consequential technologies.

Travelers can use AI to compare destinations, plan itineraries and make booking decisions. Travel providers, meanwhile, can use AI for real-time pricing of hotel rooms and airline seats, route planning, maintenance and personalized recommendations. The result could be increasingly individualized travel experiences in which prices, offers and itineraries are adjusted to individual customers and changing demand.

8. Alternative accommodations are a disruptive force.

Airbnb, Vrbo and other platforms have expanded the choices available to travelers and placed additional competitive pressure on conventional hotels. Traditional hotel companies are responding with their own vacation-rental products, while platforms that began with home rentals are increasingly expanding into other travel services. The boundaries between hotels, vacation rentals and travel platforms are therefore becoming less distinct.

9. Cruising continues to expand while becoming increasingly segmented.

Large ships provide resort-style entertainment and economies of scale, while small luxury, expedition and river cruises target travelers willing to pay more for intimacy, personalized service and access to unusual destinations. Expedition cruising has expanded into destinations such as Antarctica and the Galapagos. Luxury cruise passenger numbers are expected to rise from 1.2 million in 2024 to 1.5 million by 2028, with growth projected to outpace the broader cruise industry.

10. The future.

Taken together, these trends reveal a travel industry increasingly organized around premium experiences, personalization, technology and choice. Airlines are monetizing comfort, hotels are selling distinctive experiences rather than simply rooms, digital platforms are competing for control of the traveler, and cruise operators are developing products for nearly every market niche. The companies that adapt successfully will increasingly compete not simply on transportation or accommodation, but on the complete experience surrounding the journey.

Key Concepts:  Airlines, business, hotels, economics, resorts, entrepreneurship, finance, travel, globalization, tourism, innovation, investing, marketing, cruises, trains, AI

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2026

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/travel-tourism-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry
2. Introduction to the Travel Industry
3. Discount Airlines Compete with Legacy Airlines, but the Differences Are Beginning to Blur
4. Major Airlines Change Strategy, Charge Fees
5. Business Class/Premium Economy Are Big Money Makers
6. Private Jet Sharing and Rentals Are Big Business/Semi-Private Airlines Compete
7. Boeing and Airbus Compete for New Orders
8. New Aircraft Designs Offer Greater Passenger Comfort/More Efficient Engines
9. Supersonic Jets Fly Again
10. Hydrogen and Electric Powered Airplanes Are Under Research and Development
11. Airports Expand
12. China Makes Immense Investments in Railroads, Highways, Airports & Silk Road
13. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)/Hotels Fight to Keep Control of the Customer
14. Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Volunteerism Gained Popularity as Certification Standards Are Set
15. Luxury Hotel Chains Expanded Globally
16. What Millennials and Mobile-Savvy Consumers Want as Tourists and Travelers
17. Hotels Target Young Customers with Strategies Ranging from Micro Rooms and Hostels, to Hip Hotels that Encourage Mingling to Fitness Options
18. Localization Drives Hotel Features, Marketing
19. Dog-Friendly Hotels Gain Market Share
20. Sharing Economy Gains Market Share in Travel with Online Sites Like Airbnb, Vrbo and Many Global Competitors
21. Cruise Industry Enjoys High Occupancy and Launches New Ships
22. Small Cruise Ships Feature Adventure, Luxury, Intimacy or Access to More Places
23. River Cruise Lines Reap the Benefits of Low Capital Investment and High Fares
24. Chinese Tourists Create Growth Opportunities for the Cruise and Hotel Industries
25. New Technologies Show Promise for Port and Airport Security
26. High Speed Passenger Trains, Including Maglev, Advance in China and Europe
27. U.S. Passenger Train Projects Receive Funding, Including Light Rail and Brightline in Florida
28. Aging Baby Boomers Will Cause Significant Changes in the Leisure Sector, Including Sports and Activity-Based Travel
29. The Future of Travel

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Statistics

1. Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Air Carrier Traffic Statistics, U.S.: 2000 – 2025
3. Consolidation in U.S. Airlines
4. U.S. Airline Passenger Activity: 2010-2046
5. Top Regions of U.S. Residents Traveling Abroad (Outbound): 2024-2025
6. Top 10 U.S. Airlines & Airports Ranked by 2026 System Scheduled Enplanements
7. Cruise Line Industry Overview, U.S.: 2017-2025
8. Estimated U.S. Hotel & Accommodations Sector Quarterly Revenues: 2023 – 2025
9. Employment in the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry, U.S.: 2020 – June 2026
10. Quarterly U.S. Scheduled Service Passenger Airlines Financial Reports: 1st Quarter 2025-1st Quarter 2026
11. Total Scheduled U.S. International Passenger Traffic, U.S. Commercial Air Carriers: 2010-2046

9.21.26

The biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and genetics industry is entering one of the most consequential periods in its history. Artificial intelligence, gene editing, dramatically cheaper DNA sequencing, personalized medicine, new cancer treatments and a booming market for obesity drugs are changing both the science and economics of medicine. At the same time, drug companies face intense pressure from soaring research costs, patent expirations, biosimilar competition and government efforts to restrain prices.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Biotech Industry Center.

Plunkett’s Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into pharmaceutical research and development.

Drug companies are using AI for target identification, molecular design, protein analysis, clinical-trial optimization and patient selection. AI systems can analyze enormous quantities of biological and chemical data and run simulations continuously, potentially reducing the time and expense involved in finding promising new compounds. The technology is also being used to identify new uses for medicines that have already received regulatory approval. AI is therefore shifting from an experimental tool into a core part of pharmaceutical R&D.

2. The extraordinary growth of GLP-1 obesity and diabetes treatments

Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound helped demonstrate that drugs acting on GLP-1 pathways could produce major weight loss while also treating diabetes. Researchers are now exploring potential benefits involving cardiovascular, kidney and liver disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s disease and even alcohol or drug addiction.

The market is also becoming more competitive and convenient. Newer oral alternatives reduce the need for injections, while expanded manufacturing capacity and competition are putting downward pressure on prices. The report notes that the global market opportunity remains immense and that these treatments could rank among the highest-grossing pharmaceuticals in history.

3. Genetics and personalized medicine evolve.  

The cost of sequencing a nearly complete human genome has fallen from roughly $100 million in 2001 to about $100 to $200 today. That extraordinary decline makes it increasingly practical to analyze patients’ genetic profiles and select drugs based on how an individual is likely to respond. Genetic information may also help physicians determine appropriate dosages and identify mutations that are driving disease.

4. Gene therapy and CRISPR gene editing make great strides.

Gene therapies attempt to correct defective genes or introduce functioning copies, potentially attacking the underlying cause of an illness rather than simply treating symptoms. CRISPR provides scientists with an increasingly precise way to edit specific portions of DNA. Research is also moving toward in vivo treatments that edit genes directly inside the body.

Perhaps even more significant commercially, genetic medicine may eventually move beyond extremely rare diseases. Researchers are exploring epigenetic approaches that alter gene activity without permanently cutting DNA, including therapies aimed at cardiovascular disease. If successful, genetic medicines could address much larger patient populations and become a major part of mainstream medicine.

5. mRNA technology is moving beyond its pandemic-era role.

COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated that mRNA platforms could be designed and produced rapidly. Pharmaceutical developers are now applying the technology to cancer and personalized medicine. The report highlights 2026 Phase 3 results from Moderna and Merck involving an individualized mRNA treatment combined with Keytruda for advanced melanoma. Tumor material is sequenced and used to create a customized vaccine that teaches the patient’s immune system to recognize specific cancer cells.

6. Cancer treatment becomes more targeted and personalized.

Immunotherapies encourage the immune system to attack malignant cells, while CAR-T therapies re-engineer a patient’s white blood cells. Antibody-drug conjugates deliver cancer-killing agents more directly to tumors. Genetic sequencing is simultaneously helping physicians determine which therapies are likely to work for particular patients. These techniques represent a fundamental shift away from treating cancers solely according to where they originate in the body and toward treating them according to their underlying biological and genetic characteristics.

7. Large pharmaceutical companies increasingly rely on smaller biotech firms for innovation.

Patent expirations threaten established blockbusters, encouraging large firms to acquire, license or partner with companies that possess promising drug pipelines. Rather than relying only on gigantic corporate mergers, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly making smaller acquisitions and licensing deals that spread risk across multiple technologies and drug candidates.

8. China emerges as a major source of new drugs rather than merely a manufacturing base or sales market.

Western and Japanese pharmaceutical companies entered 70 deals with Chinese biotech firms during 2025, paying a cumulative $5.6 billion for rights to promising molecules. Major 2026 agreements included AstraZeneca’s deal with CSPC Pharmaceutical and Bristol Myers Squibb’s partnership with Hengrui Pharma.

9. Innovation is extremely expensive while governments and consumers increasingly demand lower drug prices.

U.S. prescription-drug spending was forecast at $561.5 billion in 2026, while Plunkett Research estimated the global pharmaceuticals market at roughly $1.9 trillion. Drug development can require investments approaching or exceeding $1 billion per successful therapy, while many experimental compounds never reach the market.

Pressure will intensify as major patents expire, biosimilars become more common and Medicare exercises new drug-price negotiating powers. Generics already represented about 90% of U.S. prescriptions by volume in 2025, while major products such as Keytruda face eventual patent expiration.

10. The future.

Taken together, these developments point toward an industry that is becoming increasingly AI-enabled, genetically targeted, personalized, global and partnership-driven. The scientific opportunities are extraordinary, but so are the financial and regulatory challenges. Companies that can combine breakthrough biology with efficient development, scalable manufacturing and sustainable pricing are likely to shape the next era of medicine.

Key Concepts: Biotechnology, business, genetics, economics, genomics, entrepreneurship, finance, science, globalization, healthcare, innovation, investing, marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), CRISPR, mRNA

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2026

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/biotech-pharmaceuticals-genetics-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry
2. The State of the Biotechnology Industry Today
3. A Short History of Biotechnology
4. Fast Track Drugs Come to Market in the U.S. with FDA Cooperation
5. Ethanol Production Is Massive for Fuel Additives
6. Cellulosic Ethanol Makes Slow Commercial Progress
7. Major Drug Companies Acquire or Partner With Smaller Biotech Firms
8. Pharmaceutical R&D Improves with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
9. Nations Compete Fiercely in Biotech Development/China Ranks as Major Center
10. Patients’ Genetic Profiles Plummet in Price as DNA Sequencing Technologies Advance
11. Gene Therapies Target Defective Genes/CRISPR Advances DNA Editing
12. Vaccines & Viruses as Therapies/mRNA and Dendritic Cells Show Great Promise
13. Massive R&D Investment Required for Development and Approval of New Drugs/Drug Prices Soar
14. Generic Drugs Have Biggest Market Share by Unit Volume, but not by Total Revenues
15. America Pays Higher Prices for Drugs Than Other Nations/U.S. Government Launches Drug Price Negotiation and Control Powers for Medicare
16. Biotech and Orphan Drugs Create New Revenues for Drug Firms
17. Revolutionary New Drugs (Zepbound, Wegovy and Ozempic) Treat Obesity, Diabetes and Addiction/Show Promise for Treating Many Other Diseases
18. Biosimilars (Generic Biotech Drugs) Receive FDA Guidelines for Accelerated Approval/Competition Will Be Fierce
19. Market for CBD Remains Steady
20. Stem Cells and 3-D Printing—A New Era of Tissue Replacement Takes Shape
21. Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds and Crops Planted in Dozens of Nations/Agribio R&D Investment Is High
22. Genetically Modified (GM) Foods Prompt Controversy, Labeling and Legislation
23. Plant-Based Meat Substitutes Developed
24. Selective Plant Breeding, Mutagenesis and Gene-Editing, Including CRISPR, as Alternatives to GM Seeds
25. Immunotherapy, ADCs and CAR-T Create Exciting New Approach to Fighting Cancers
26. Technology Discussion—Genes and DNA
27. Technology Discussion—Proteins and Proteomics
28. Technology Discussion—DNA Chips
29. Technology Discussion—SNPs (“Snips”)
30. Technology Discussion—Recombinant DNA
31. Technology Discussion—Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
32. Technology Discussion-CRISPR
33. Technology Discussion—mRNA

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Biotech, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry Statistics

1. Biotech Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. The U.S. Drug Discovery & Approval Process
3. U.S. FDA Novel New Drug Approvals by Year 2016-2025
4. Employment in Life & Physical Science Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: May 2025
5. Federal R&D & R&D Funding for Basic Research, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2024-2026
6. U.S. Exports & Imports of Pharmaceutical Products: 2020-2025
7. Prescription Drug Expenditures & Annual Percent Change, U.S.: 2018-2034
8. NSF Budget by Appropriation (Dollars in Millions), Fiscal Years: 2025-2027
9. Research Funding for Biological Sciences, U.S. National Science Foundation:
   Fiscal Years 2025-2027
10. The Nation’s Health Dollar: 2026 Where It Came From (Projected)
11. The Nation’s Health Dollar: 2026 Where It Went (Estimated)

9.14.26

The telecommunications industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. The sector has evolved far beyond traditional telephone service to encompass wireless communications, broadband internet, fiber optics, satellites, cloud-based communications and the infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence (AI). Traditional landlines continue to decline while demand for faster, more reliable data connections soars. At the same time, 5G, AI, satellite-to-cellular technology, fiber networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) are creating major new markets for telecommunications companies.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Telecommunications Industry Center.

Plunkett’s Telecommunications Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Telecom Companies Become AI Infrastructure Providers

One of the industry’s most important emerging trends is the transformation of telecom companies into AI infrastructure providers. AI systems require enormous amounts of data to move quickly among data centers, cloud platforms, businesses and end users. This is creating demand for fiber-optic networks, optical equipment, submarine cables, data-center interconnections, edge computing and high-capacity wireless networks.

Telecommunications companies already own many of these critical assets, enabling them to expand beyond simply carrying voice and internet traffic. Nokia, for example, reported that its network-infrastructure sales increased 12% year over year during the second quarter of 2026 while securing approximately $3.2 billion in orders from AI and cloud customers. AI data centers themselves are dramatically increasing networking requirements, with advanced server racks potentially requiring tens of thousands of fiber connections.

2. AI Changes the Smartphone Experience

AI is also transforming smartphones. AI-powered photography, health and wellness tracking, content creation, voice transcription, language translation, biometric security and personalized recommendations are becoming increasingly important features. Generative AI applications enable users to conduct research and create business documents or social media content directly from mobile devices.

AI is also reshaping mobile search. Rather than simply presenting links, AI-enabled search tools can provide summarized and personalized answers. These advances give smartphone manufacturers and wireless carriers new ways to differentiate their products in a mature market where consumers otherwise may have fewer reasons to upgrade devices frequently.

3. 5G Evolves into Critical Digital Infrastructure

5G has become widely available across metropolitan and suburban America, with major carriers providing coverage to more than 90% of Americans. However, the significance of 5G increasingly extends beyond smartphones.

Its high capacity and extremely low latency make 5G an important foundation for IoT networks, industrial automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles, wireless sensors and smart factories. The next phase of deployment includes standalone 5G, network slicing and AI-enabled networks. Carriers increasingly view advanced wireless systems not simply as faster consumer networks, but as essential infrastructure supporting AI applications and enormous numbers of connected devices.

4. Satellite-to-Cellular Communications Go Mainstream

Another potentially disruptive development is the integration of satellite and cellular networks. Historically, satellite communications required specialized phones or receiving equipment. New low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite systems can increasingly communicate with ordinary smartphones when terrestrial cellular coverage is unavailable.

SpaceX’s Starlink is at the forefront of this shift. The company is expanding beyond satellite broadband toward direct-to-cell service and acquired $17 billion in spectrum licenses from EchoStar in 2025. Meanwhile, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have pursued satellite connectivity intended to extend service into cellular dead zones. Cellular industry standards now formally incorporate non-terrestrial networks, making satellites increasingly part of the broader mobile ecosystem rather than a separate communications platform.

The rapid expansion of smaller and less expensive satellites is accelerating this trend. As of August 2026, more than 10,900 Starlink satellites had been launched. Other major LEO initiatives include Eutelsat OneWeb and Amazon Leo. These networks have the potential to dramatically improve broadband availability in rural and underserved regions as well as connectivity for ships, aircraft and other remote users.

5. Wireless Spectrum Becomes Increasingly Valuable

As wireless data consumption increases, ownership of spectrum has become one of the industry’s most important strategic assets. Spectrum is scarce, and different frequency bands provide different combinations of geographic coverage, building penetration and network capacity.

This scarcity is driving enormous transactions. AT&T completed a $23 billion acquisition of EchoStar spectrum licenses in July 2026, while SpaceX acquired $17 billion in EchoStar spectrum licenses for its Starlink 5G operations in late 2025. FCC spectrum auctions also resumed in 2026 after a four-year break. Verizon spent $3.16 billion on 82 licenses in an AWS-3 re-auction, while T-Mobile acquired 102 licenses.

6. Fiber Replaces Aging Copper Networks

Fiber-optic broadband is becoming another critical competitive weapon. Traditional copper networks cannot efficiently meet consumers’ rapidly increasing requirements for streaming, cloud services and other data-intensive applications. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), in contrast, can provide extremely fast connections directly to residences and businesses.

AT&T plans to have fiber installed in more than 60 million locations by 2030. Verizon has made substantial investments in its Fios fiber network, while Google Fiber continues to expand high-speed service. Even wireless carrier T-Mobile is investing in fiber partnerships, positioning itself to compete more aggressively in home broadband.

7. Landlines Decline While Wireless and VOIP Expand

The traditional landline business continues its long decline. In 2025, 78.7% of U.S. households had wireless-only telephone service, compared with just 10.5% in December 2006. Consumers increasingly rely on smartphones for voice, messaging, email and internet access, while businesses and households continue adopting Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

VOIP also enables cable and software companies to compete directly with traditional telephone carriers. WhatsApp, Google Voice, Microsoft Teams and other platforms illustrate how voice communications have increasingly become software applications delivered over broadband networks. Meanwhile, cable operators such as Comcast and Charter are moving further into mobile service, intensifying competition with traditional wireless carriers.

8. IoT Creates Opportunity—and Cybersecurity Risks

5G and AI are accelerating the growth of IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Connected sensors can monitor factories, transportation systems, buildings, farms and infrastructure while AI analyzes the resulting information and automatically adjusts operations. These technologies promise substantial improvements in productivity, automation and energy efficiency.

However, billions of connected devices also create billions of potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. IoT devices have already proven attractive targets for hackers, making secure networks increasingly important. As telecommunications systems become more complex and essential to everyday life, spending on communications security is likely to remain a major growth market.

9. The Future

Looking toward the 2030s, the telecommunications industry is preparing for 6G, edge computing and even larger M2M networks. The long-term communications network is increasingly likely to become a hybrid system combining cell towers, fiber-optic networks, LEO satellites, edge computing and AI, with devices moving relatively seamlessly among them.

Telecommunications companies are therefore becoming much more than telephone carriers. The industry’s most valuable assets will increasingly include fiber, spectrum, satellites, data-center connectivity, advanced wireless infrastructure and secure networks. Companies capable of combining these assets effectively will be positioned at the center of the AI-driven global economy.

Key Concepts: Networking, business, services, economics, internet, entrepreneurship, telecommunications, globalization, satellite, innovation, smartphones, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, 6G, spectrum, satellites

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2026

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Telecommunications Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/telecommunications-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Telecommunications Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Telecommunications Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Telecommunications Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Telecommunications Industry
2. Introduction to the Telecommunications Industry
3. Landline Subscribers Cancel Service/Bundled Services Pick Up Market Share
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Dramatically Changes Smartphone Use
5. 5G Wireless Networks Rollout Worldwide, Enabling the Internet of Things (IoT)/Massive Investments Required
6. Satellite to Cellular Goes Mainstream/SpaceX’s Starlink Dominates
7. Smaller Satellites (SmallSats and CubeSats) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Revolutionize Telecommunications
8. Telecom Companies Morph into AI Infrastructure Firms
9. Wireless Spectrum Ownership Is a Key Strategic Asset/Spectrum Auctions Heat Up
10. Wireless Service Subscriptions Worldwide Reach 9.2 Billion
11. VOIP (Telephony over the Internet) Continues to Be a Major Player in the Telecommunications Industry
12. Telecom Equipment Makers Face Intense Competition from Manufacturers in China
13. Telecom Companies Compete Fiercely Against Cable in the TV, Internet and Telephone Market
14. Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Gains Traction
15. Global Internet Subscriptions Market Tops 9.83 Billion, both Fixed and Wireless
16. Telecommunications Systems Move Online Including Unified Communications, Telepresence
17. Carriers Offer Unlimited Access Plans for Smartphones/Face Intense Subscription Price Competition
18. The Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M to Boom, Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Open New Avenues for Hacking
19. The Future of the Telecommunications Industry Incudes 6G, Edge Computing, AI and M2M Communications

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Telecommunications Industry Statistics

1. Telecommunications Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Global Digital, Network, Computer and Telecom Industry–Key Statistics and Market Size Overview
3. ATT & the Bell Companies, Then & Now
4. Wireless Standards & Speeds
5. Internet Access Technologies Compared
6. Top Mobile Operators by Number of Subscribers, Worldwide
7. Number of Business & Residential High Speed Internet Lines, U.S.: 2021-2025
8. Exports & Imports of Telecommunications Equipment, U.S.: 2020-2025
9. Employment in the Telecommunications Industry, U.S.: 2020 – June 2026
10. Research Funding for Computer and Information Science Engineering, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2025-2027

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on Middle Market Companies.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/middle-market-companies-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

Plunkett’s Almanac of Middle Market Companies provides competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis–everything needed to identify and develop strategies for dealing with or selling to middle market U.S.-based corporations (those with $100 million to $1 billion in annual revenues).  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business analysis
• In-depth industry company overviews
• Industry Glossary
• Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations
• Profiles of 500 industry-leading, U.S.-headquartered middle-market corporations
  • Publicly held, Private and Subsidiary Corporations
  • Executive Contacts
  • Financial Histories
  • Descriptions of Business

Gather Key Insights, Such As:

• How is each industry evolving?
• How is business being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

Plunkett’s Almanac of Middle Market Companies and online Middle Market Industry Research Center are designed to be time-saving business development tools for professionals, marketers, sales directors, consultants, and strategists seeking to understand and reach middle market American companies.  It will also be of great use to placement, recruiting and human resources professionals, as well as professionals working in economic development, lending, and media.  This feature rich almanac includes:

Important Contacts for Middle Market Analysis & Marketing

Addresses, Telephone Numbers and Internet Sites

THE MIDDLE MARKET 500:

1. Who They Are and How They Were Chosen
2. Index of Companies Within Industry Groups
3. Alphabetical Index
4. Index of U.S. Headquarters Location by State
5. Individual Profiles on each of THE MIDDLE MARKET 500

Additional Indexes

1. Index of Firms Noted as Hot Spots for Advancement for Women/Minorities
2. Index of Subsidiaries, Brand Names and Selected Affiliations

Glossary of Useful Middle Market Terms

The companies chosen to be listed in PLUNKETT’S ALMANAC OF MIDDLE MARKET COMPANIES comprise a unique list.  THE MIDDLE MARKET 500 were chosen specifically to be top firms headquartered in the United States with revenues of between approximately $100 million and $1 billion.  (We have intentionally included a few important companies with revenues above or below those amounts).  The firms have been filtered from our extensive, proprietary corporate information database.  The middle market companies chosen include both private and publicly held companies.  They include most major industry sectors.  The list is weighted towards fast-growing middle market sectors that we believe users will most want to analyze and/or market to: health products and services; biotech; energy; financial services including asset management, insurance and REITs; real estate development, construction and management; computer software; computer hardware and other electronics manufacturing; selected apparel firms; selected consulting, logistics and transportation firms; along with other important sectors.

8.31.26

The chemicals, coatings and plastics industry is undergoing significant transformation as geopolitical uncertainty, changing production patterns, environmental pressures and advances in materials science reshape the global competitive landscape. The sector is enormous: the global chemicals industry generated an estimated $5.1 trillion in revenues in 2025, excluding pharmaceuticals, while worldwide plastics production reached approximately 462.3 million tons. Chemicals and plastics remain fundamental to industries ranging from automobiles and construction to electronics, health care, packaging and consumer products.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Chemicals Industry Center.

Plunkett’s Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. A major shift in global supply and production due to China’s expansion.

China has dramatically expanded its capacity for ethylene, polyethylene and other basic chemicals as it pursues greater industrial self-sufficiency. China now produces more than 45 million metric tons of ethylene annually, with capacity forecast to approach 100 million tons by 2028. This rapid expansion has contributed to global oversupply, putting downward pressure on commodity chemical and plastics prices and squeezing producer margins. In response, companies are closing or idling less competitive plants and emphasizing cost reductions.

2. Geopolitical disruptions are creating a short-term problem of shortages.

The 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected supplies of oil, naphtha and petrochemical feedstocks used to manufacture polyethylene, PET bottles, packaging and rubber. Some Asian producers have reduced production, while European and Asian manufacturers dependent on oil-based naphtha have faced higher costs. This has provided U.S. chemical manufacturers with a competitive advantage because many rely on relatively inexpensive shale-derived natural gas and ethane.

3. Global supply chains are accelerating and diversifying.

Japan and other Asian buyers have increasingly turned to the United States for petrochemical feedstocks. U.S. naphtha exports surged to 15 million barrels in March 2026 as Middle Eastern supplies were disrupted, highlighting the growing importance of geographically diverse sources of chemicals and raw materials.  The U.S. is particularly well positioned because abundant shale oil and natural gas provide both inexpensive feedstocks and energy. The Gulf Coast has consequently attracted substantial petrochemical investment. The attached report notes that the U.S. has become one of the world’s most profitable locations for manufacturing plastics and fertilizer because both industries rely heavily on natural gas.

4. India is emerging as another important center of industry growth.

India’s plastics exports increased from $11.5 billion in 2024 to $12.5 billion in 2025. Rising household incomes are increasing consumption of packaged foods and consumer products, while expanding construction and automobile manufacturing are boosting demand for plastics and chemicals. India also has substantial production of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, fertilizers and other agrichemicals.

5. Recycling and Sustainability Become Strategic Priorities

Environmental pressures are perhaps the industry’s greatest long-term challenge. According to the report, only about 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide is recycled. Traditional mechanical recycling can be complicated and can degrade the quality of plastics after repeated processing. As a result, considerable attention is shifting toward chemical recycling technologies capable of breaking waste plastics into raw materials that can be used again.

Pyrolysis is particularly promising. In this process, plastics are heated at extremely high temperatures without oxygen and converted into oil-like liquids that can become feedstocks for new plastics, fuels or chemicals. Companies such as Ineos plan to develop additional pyrolysis recycling facilities, and the report expects global investment in this area to be substantial over the long term.

6. Packaging is a major focus.

Companies want packaging that uses less material, weighs less, costs less to transport and can be more readily recycled or reused. Amazon, Walmart, Coca-Cola and other major corporations are pushing suppliers toward more efficient designs. Coca-Cola, for example, aims to use 35% to 40% recycled material in its primary packaging and increase recycled plastic content to 30% to 35% by 2035.

Bioplastics represent another potential solution. Manufacturers are experimenting with renewable feedstocks such as corn sugar, sugarcane and soybeans instead of petroleum. Applications already include food containers, automotive components, disposable cutlery, textiles, electronics cases and other products. However, the report cautions that bioplastics remain significantly more expensive than conventional materials, limiting widespread adoption for now.

7. PFAS and Regulation Reshape Product Strategies

Chemical manufacturers are also facing mounting regulatory and legal risks. PFAS, commonly called “forever chemicals,” have historically been used in products including cookware, carpets, food packaging, shoes and cosmetics because of their resistance to heat, grease, water and stains. Several U.S. states have banned products containing certain PFAS, making these substances one of the largest regulatory challenges facing chemicals, coatings and materials companies. Restrictions on single-use plastics and European chemical and packaging regulations are creating additional pressure for manufacturers to redesign products and materials.

8. Specialty Chemicals and Advanced Materials Gain Importance

Competitive pressures in commodity chemicals are encouraging manufacturers to move toward higher-value products. Advanced coatings, adhesives, semiconductor materials, engineered plastics and composites generally offer better margins and greater technological differentiation than basic petrochemicals. They can also be less exposed to commodity price cycles and China’s enormous additions to basic chemical capacity.

Nanotechnology is helping drive this transition. New coatings can provide corrosion resistance, heat management, antimicrobial properties, greater durability and UV protection. These technologies are increasingly important in construction, automobiles, aerospace, electronics and infrastructure, where customers want coatings that extend product life while meeting environmental requirements.

High-performance plastics are likewise replacing traditional materials such as steel, aluminum and titanium. Their combination of low weight, corrosion resistance and engineered strength makes them valuable in automobiles, aircraft, electronics, medical technology and construction. Advanced thermoplastic composites can even be substantially lighter than aluminum while offering exceptional stiffness and strength.

9. The Future.

Looking ahead, the industry will be shaped by two seemingly contradictory forces: excessive global commodity petrochemical capacity and periodic supply shortages caused by geopolitical disruptions. At the same time, AI, robotics and automation should improve factory productivity, while environmental concerns will accelerate investment in recycling, sustainable packaging and alternative materials. The strongest opportunities are likely to lie in specialty chemicals, advanced coatings and high-performance plastics that offer customers greater functionality and sustainability. As rising middle classes in markets such as India, Indonesia and Vietnam consume more automobiles, packaged foods, appliances and improved housing, long-term demand for chemicals and plastics should remain substantial.

Key Words: Biotechnology, business, science, economics, pharmaceuticals, oil, finance, chemicals, globalization, healthcare, innovation, investing, marketing, nanotechnology, plastics, PFAS

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2026

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/chemicals-plastics-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends in the Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry
2. Introduction to the Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry
3. Plastic Processing Technologies Have Evolved According to Specialized Needs
4. Global Demand for Plastics Will Soar Over the Long Term
5. China’s Plastics Market to Grow Long-Term/China Is a Major Chemicals Import Market
6. Petrochemicals Plants in the Middle East Suffer Disruption
7. India’s Plastics and Chemicals Sectors Grow/India Is Home to Massive Petrochemical Plants
8. New Display Technologies with PLEDs
9. Refineries Along with Chemicals and Plastics Plants Expand in the U.S.
10. Breakthroughs in Plastic Recycling
11. Chemical Plants Increase Security Measures
12. Environmentalists Campaign for a Greener Chemical Industry/PFAS Are a Major Concern
13. Packaging Technology Improves/Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola Boost Packaging Sustainability
14. Bio-plastics Become a Reality/Plastic Packaging Made from Corn and Soy
15. Nanochemicals Deliver Advanced Coatings and Specialty Chemicals
16. Self-Assembly and Fabrication on the Atomic Level Enable Nanomanipulation
17. Ethanol Production Is Massive for Fuel Additives
18. Cellulosic Ethanol Makes Slow Commercial Progress
19. Manufacturers Focus on High-Performance Plastics and Specialty Chemicals
20. HPTP Thermoplastics, Thermoset and Engineered Plastics Enable Advanced Products/Nanocomposites Offer the Ultimate in Advanced Materials
21. The Future of the Global Chemicals Industry, Driven by Specialty Needs and a Growing Middle Class

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry Statistics

1. Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. U.S. Exports & Imports of Chemicals: 2020-2025
3. U.S. Exports & Imports of Organic Chemicals: 2020-2025
4. U.S. Exports & Imports of Inorganic Chemicals: 2020-2025
5. U.S. Exports & Imports of Plastics & Plastics Products: 2020-2025
6. U.S. Exports & Imports of Rubber & Rubber Products: 2020-2025
7. U.S. Exports & Imports of Fertilizers: 2020-2025
8. U.S. Exports & Imports of Pharmaceutical Products: 2020-2025
9. Gross Output in the Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber Products Manufacturing Industries, U.S.: Selected Years, 2019-2024
10. Chemicals & Plastics Industry Employment, U.S.: 2019-May 2026
11. Employment & Wages in Chemicals Industry Occupations, U.S.: May 2025
12. Crude Oil Production & Drilling Activity, U.S.: Selected Years, 1991-2025
13. Top World Oil Producers: 2025
14. Natural Gas Overview, U.S.: Selected Years, 1980-2025
15. Refinery Capacity & Utilization in the U.S.: Selected Years, 2005-2025

8.24.26

The global wireless industry is entering a particularly dynamic period. Cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellites, RFID, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly converging into a vast connectivity ecosystem. The result is an industry that reaches far beyond smartphones, creating opportunities in transportation, logistics, health care, manufacturing, retail, smart cities and countless other markets.

Worldwide wireless communications subscriptions reached approximately 9.2 billion by the end of 2025, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In the United States alone, Plunkett Research estimated 445.2 million mobile wireless connections and roughly $346.6 billion in wireless service company revenues during 2025.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Wireless Industry Center.

Plunkett’s Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Satellite and Cellular Networks Are Converging

One of the biggest disruptions is the emergence of satellite-to-cellular communications. Historically, satellite and cellular services were distinct markets requiring different equipment. Increasingly, ordinary smartphones can connect to satellites when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. In effect, satellites can function as “cell towers in the sky.”

The technology is becoming part of the cellular ecosystem itself. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) incorporated non-terrestrial networks into its standards, including satellite access to 5G and continuity between terrestrial and satellite networks.

Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks are accelerating this trend. As of August 2026, SpaceX had launched more than 10,900 Starlink satellites, while Amazon Leo had launched approximately 392. Starlink, initially focused on broadband for homes, aircraft, ships and RVs, is aggressively expanding toward smartphone service.

The long-term implication is significant: satellite connectivity may become another layer of everyday mobile service rather than a specialized communications category.

2. Spectrum Is Becoming an Even More Valuable Asset

All of this connectivity requires spectrum—the radio frequencies that transmit wireless data. Yet spectrum suitable for commercial networks is finite, making licenses enormously valuable.

Low-band spectrum is prized for long-distance coverage and building penetration, mid-band balances coverage with capacity, and high-band or millimeter-wave spectrum offers tremendous capacity across shorter distances.

Recent transactions illustrate the stakes. AT&T completed a $23 billion acquisition of approximately 50 MHz of EchoStar low- and mid-band spectrum in July 2026. SpaceX acquired $17 billion in EchoStar spectrum licenses for Starlink’s 5G business in late 2025. Meanwhile, U.S. spectrum auctions resumed in 2026 after a four-year break, with Verizon spending $3.16 billion on 82 licenses and T-Mobile obtaining 102 licenses.

As video, IoT devices, fixed wireless broadband and AI-connected products consume more capacity, spectrum ownership will remain a major competitive advantage.

3. 5G Is Becoming Infrastructure for the IoT Economy

The importance of 5G extends far beyond faster smartphone downloads. Its combination of high bandwidth and extremely low latency makes it an essential platform for connected machines.

5G can theoretically deliver speeds from 1 Gbps to perhaps 10 Gbps, while latency can be as low as one millisecond. These capabilities enable networks of sensors and devices to exchange data almost instantaneously, supporting applications such as robotics and autonomous vehicles.

Coverage is also becoming extensive. Major carriers provide 5G coverage to more than 90% of Americans, although rural and difficult terrain remain challenges. Network densification is continuing, particularly because the fastest high-band 5G signals require closely spaced antennas.

Beyond 5G lies 6G, expected in the 2030s. The technology could eventually enable dramatically faster networks and highly immersive enterprise applications.

4. Wi-Fi and IoT Are Connecting Everything

Wi-Fi’s role is expanding alongside cellular networks as connected devices proliferate throughout homes, factories, offices and cities.

Wireless sensor networks can continuously collect environmental, industrial and operational information. Combining those sensors with AI creates particularly powerful possibilities: software can analyze incoming data, predict necessary changes and automatically adjust machinery, ventilation, air conditioning, manufacturing inputs or other systems.

Interoperability is improving as well. The Matter standard, launched by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, specifies how smart devices communicate with each other and has gained support from ecosystems including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.

The larger trend is toward ubiquitous connectivity: billions of devices quietly exchanging information through combinations of Wi-Fi, cellular and specialized IoT networks.

5. RFID Is Shifting From Tracking to Automation

RFID is undergoing an equally important evolution. RFID chips and readers can automatically track goods as they move from factories through shipping, warehouses, stores and ultimately to consumers. The technology can reduce manual inventory counts, improve restocking and decrease out-of-stock situations.

However, the business case is moving beyond basic inventory visibility.

UPS, for example, is expanding RFID tracking with the goal of eliminating 20 million manual scans per day as part of a $100 million logistics network upgrade. Plunkett Research describes the investment thesis as shifting toward labor reduction, automated event capture and real-time logistics data. Logistics, warehouses, supply chains and industrial applications are consequently becoming increasingly important RFID markets.

As tags become cheaper, smaller and increasingly capable of incorporating sensors, RFID will become an important component of highly automated supply chains.

6. AI Is Transforming the Smartphone

Artificial intelligence is simultaneously redefining what consumers expect from mobile devices.

AI already supports sophisticated photography, health and wellness monitoring, content creation, transcription, audio enhancement and generative applications. It is also reshaping mobile search and enabling increasingly personalized recommendations.

Other applications include natural-language assistants, biometric security, battery optimization, instant language translation, augmented reality and hands-free voice and gesture control.

Consequently, competition among smartphone manufacturers may increasingly revolve around AI capabilities rather than hardware improvements alone.

7. Wireless Connectivity Is Powering Entire Industries

The effects extend well beyond telecommunications. Wireless remote monitoring is supporting telemedicine and connected health devices. RFID and IoT sensors are transforming logistics. Autonomous vehicles will require enormous amounts of real-time wireless data. Smart cities are using connected sensors to improve traffic management, lighting, parking, public safety and waste collection.

Meanwhile, the mobile software economy remains enormous. Global mobile app downloads reached 149 billion in 2025, while in-app spending on goods and services reached $167 billion, an increase of 11.3% from 2024.

8. Security Becomes the Critical Countertrend

Greater connectivity also creates greater vulnerability. IoT sensors, cameras and monitors can become entry points through which attackers compromise networks and steal information.

The challenge will intensify as billions of devices connect through cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID and satellite systems. Security threats include compromised Wi-Fi networks, smartphone malware, Bluetooth eavesdropping, account takeovers and text-message fraud.

For technology companies, this threat also represents an enormous market opportunity for better authentication, encryption, device management and cybersecurity.

9. The Future

The defining trend in wireless is ultimately convergence. Cellular, Wi-Fi, satellites, RFID, IoT sensors, cloud computing and AI are becoming parts of one interconnected digital infrastructure.

5G provides speed and low latency. Wi-Fi handles enormous volumes of local connectivity. RFID gives physical objects digital identities. IoT sensors generate continuous streams of data. AI turns that data into decisions. LEO satellites extend connectivity into places terrestrial networks cannot economically reach.

The result will be a wireless industry that increasingly connects not merely people and smartphones, but vehicles, factories, merchandise, buildings, medical devices, infrastructure and entire cities.

That creates tremendous opportunities—but it also makes reliable networks, valuable spectrum and strong cybersecurity more strategically important than ever. The next stage of the wireless revolution will therefore be about much more than faster phones. It will be about building the communications fabric underlying an increasingly connected global economy.

Key Concepts: Bluetooth, business, internet, economics, networking, entrepreneurship, finance, wireless, globalization, cell phone, innovation, investing, marketing, iphone, smartphone, technology, satellites

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2026