5G Convergence in Europe: From Connectivity to Business Impact Connectivity alone is no longer enough. The next chapter of telecom is about convergence.

Europe’s telecom industry is entering a new phase. Fixed and mobile connectivity are increasingly converging with digital services such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud and digital content. At the same time, technologies such as Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), Direct-to-Device connectivity, edge computing and 5G-Advanced are expanding what networks can enable.

This transformation is opening up new opportunities for telecom operators – from new revenue streams and differentiated services to greater resilience, efficiency and access to emerging markets.

But technology is only one part of the equation.

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Why convergence matters

Customers increasingly expect simplicity: one provider, unified billing and integrated access to connectivity and digital services.

For telecom operators, convergence creates an opportunity to move beyond connectivity and build broader service ecosystems. By combining fixed and mobile services with digital offerings such as AI, cybersecurity and cloud, operators can address a wider range of customer needs while creating opportunities for cross-selling, customer retention and new revenue.

The European fixed-mobile convergence market is expected to continue growing, while digital services and OTT offerings are developing rapidly. This makes the ability to combine connectivity with complementary services increasingly important for telecom providers.

Three technologies shaping the next generation of telecom

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1. NTN & Direct-to-Device

Non-Terrestrial Networks are extending connectivity beyond traditional terrestrial infrastructure. Satellites, high-altitude platforms and airborne stations can help provide connectivity in remote areas, across borders or in situations where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable.

Direct-to-Device technology takes this a step further by enabling standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites.

For telecom operators, these developments can extend coverage, strengthen resilience and create new opportunities in areas such as IoT, logistics, public safety and content delivery.

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2. Edge Computing & MEC

As more applications depend on real-time data processing, computing is moving closer to where data is generated.

Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and distributed edge data centers can reduce latency, improve reliability and support use cases ranging from industrial automation and smart mobility to immersive media and AI-driven applications.

For telecom operators, edge computing can become an important foundation for next-generation digital services while supporting security, resilience and European data sovereignty.

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3. 5G-Advanced & the path towards 6G

The evolution of 5G continues through the 3GPP standards. Release 18 marked the first phase of 5G-Advanced, introducing capabilities including enhanced NTN integration, ultra-low latency, AI/ML-driven network optimization and network slicing.

Release 19, finalized in December 2025, continues this evolution and lays further groundwork for future 6G capabilities.

For telecom operators, these developments create opportunities to support new applications across industrial IoT, automation, immersive services and intelligent networks.

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From technology to business impact

The next phase of 5G is not about technology in isolation.

It is about turning technological capabilities into real use cases and business value.

That requires breaking down silos between fixed, mobile and digital services, testing new technologies in real-world environments and working with partners that can accelerate innovation.

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This is where startups can play a critical role.

Startups bring new technologies, specialized expertise and the ability to experiment quickly. For telecom operators, working with startups can provide a way to test emerging solutions, explore new business models and accelerate the path from technology to implementation.

The key is what happens after the first connection:

Identify → Connect → Test → Scale → Impact

The role of ecosystems

No single company will build the next generation of telecom alone.

The future will be shaped by partnerships between operators, technology providers, startups and other players across the ecosystem.

At Wayra, we connect Telefónica with relevant startups and help turn these connections into concrete business opportunities – from scouting and matching to proof-of-concept projects and, where there is a fit, long-term integration.

The opportunity is clear: move beyond connectivity and create connected value.

Explore the full picture

Our new whitepaper, “5G Convergence in Europe: Technologies, Startups & Business Impact”, explores the technologies, startups and business opportunities shaping Europe’s 5G transformation.

Download the whitepaper and discover what’s next for 5G in Europe.

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