Telecom solutions provider iQmetrix conducted a survey to gather insights from telecom retailers regarding their outlook on the current market. The survey included top-tier telecom carriers, well-known wireless brands, authorized retailers, wireless kiosk operators, cable/internet operators transitioning into wireless, and handset manufacturers.
Overall, wireless retail operators expressed optimism about their business outlooks, although with a more cautious attitude compared to two years ago. The survey indicated that for businesses to thrive, it is essential to connect the various systems and players involved in telecom retail.
Key findings included:
– Nearly 59% of respondents predicted growth in device sales over the next three years.
– Almost 79% anticipated an increase in smart home device sales within the same timeframe.
– Over 68% stated that the level of competition in the industry is higher now compared to three years ago.
– About 59% identified continued economic uncertainty as their most significant challenge.
– Nearly 86% recognized the business opportunity presented by eSIM technology, but a third of them also perceived it as a threat.
– Almost 46% observed a decline in smartphone demand over the past three years.
In terms of new technologies for telecom retail, the survey revealed the following perspectives:
– Close to 66% of respondents have implemented contactless payments, with many deciding to keep them even after the pandemic.
– More than 63% believe that AI analytics of customer behavior will increasingly shape retail strategies.
– Over 76% predict a greater focus on customer loyalty and rewards programs.
Trish Sale, Vice President of Product at iQmetrix, emphasized the importance of seamlessly integrating carrier and retailer systems to create a frictionless customer experience and enable seamless transactions and activation without the need to switch between systems.
Additionally, within the realm of metaverse regulations, telecom is a significant trend due to the anticipated surge in internet bandwidth demand. If not accompanied by significant broadband infrastructure investments, this increased demand has the potential to overload telecom networks.