D2D, 5G Advanced, and AI RAN to Redefine Connectivity in 2026

Juniper Research released its new Connectivity Tech Horizon report, spotlighting the three technologies expected to have the greatest impact on the telecoms industry over the next year. These are: Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity, 5G Advanced, and AI Radio Access Network (RAN).

The Tech Horizon offers a visual assessment of 18 connectivity technologies, ranking them as either ‘Above the Line’ (strongly performing) or ‘Below the Line’ (underperforming) in relation to market expectations. Giving operators and vendors a clear, data-driven view of which innovations are delivering value and which are falling short. “Enterprise demand for connectivity is not only growing, but becoming increasingly varied,” said Sam Barker, VP of Telecoms Market Research at Juniper Research. “Those in the telecoms market need to remain vigilant against both growing disruptive technologies and those that Juniper Research believes are slowly losing relevance.”

Positioned as a breakthrough in intelligent network automation, AI RAN will drive major efficiency gains and operational savings. Juniper Research forecasts $21 billion in operator investment in AI technologies this year. Moving from pilot to early commercial deployment, D2D will extend mobile coverage to remote and underserved regions without the need for costly new infrastructure. Acting as the bridge to 6G, 5G Advanced will deliver enhanced uplink capacity, AI-native network management, and new enterprise-grade applications that redefine the value of 5G. The report also identifies underperforming technologies, including legacy 5G and NB-IoT, highlighting where expectations have outpaced real-world adoption.