Network Operator Forecast Through 2027: Mid-Year Update

Network Operator Forecast Through 2027: Mid-Year Update

This forecast spreadsheet details MTN Consulting’s forecast for revenues, capex, headcount, and other metrics across three segments of network operators: telecom operators (telcos), webscale network operators (webscalers), and carrier-neutral operators (CNNOs). In 2022, these three groups accounted for $4.1 trillion (T) in revenues, $559 billion (B) in capex, and 8.87 million employees. The report provides 2011-22 actuals and projections through 2027, and includes projections from past forecasts for reference.

Key changes since last forecast

Relative to the previous (12/22) forecast, there are a few changes in the results: a lower revenue growth trajectory, for both telcos and webscalers; faster headcount decline for telcos and a flattening of webscalers’ overall headcount; and, a slight reduction in overall projected capex. Total capex for the group came in at $559B in 2022, a few $B less than we expected. For the 2023-27 forecast period, we now expect capex to total $2,889 billion versus $3,005B in the 12/22 forecast. Of this new five-year capex total, the splits are unchanged: telcos account for 54.5% of the total, webscalers 38.2%, and CNNOs the final 7.3%.

Please Note: This product is delivered as a Excel File.