Omdia says telcos are shifting capex toward AI infrastructure

TL;DR:

• Omdia said on April 8, 2026 that telecom operators are shifting capital expenditure toward AI infrastructure.
• Omdia said hyperscalers still dominate AI infrastructure globally.
• Omdia said regulatory dynamics are creating openings for telcos in specific AI infrastructure segments.

Omdia said on April 8, 2026 that telecom operators are shifting capital expenditure toward AI infrastructure. The firm said hyperscalers continue to dominate AI infrastructure globally, but regulatory dynamics are opening space for telcos in specific segments.

Omdia said telcos need demand-led models for AI infrastructure investment. The firm said operators must secure anchor tenants and real workloads early as they redirect capex toward AI-related infrastructure.

The report places telecom operator AI infrastructure plans within a market still led by hyperscalers. Omdia said regulation is one factor that could help telcos compete in selected parts of the AI infrastructure market, rather than across the full stack.

Related Questions

How big is the AI infrastructure opportunity for telcos?

Limited. Omdia said hyperscalers still dominate AI infrastructure globally, while telcos may find openings only in specific segments.

Why are telcos shifting capex to AI infrastructure?

Because Omdia said operators see opportunities in AI infrastructure, but they need anchor tenants and real workloads early to support demand-led investment.