Global Scans · Mobile Tech · Weekly Summary

• [New] Device Growth Expected to Slow in 2026 Shipments of mobile phones, PCs, and tablets continue to grow steadily. Gartner
• [New] Even as mobile phones have become pervasive, so have security threats: 85% of respondents in a Verizon survey said mobile device-related threats are on the rise. Samsung Business Insights
• [New] Algeria plans to extend mobile network coverage to 4,500 additional areas by 2027. Ecofin Agency
• [New] Regional Performance Divergence: North America and East Asia lead in early adoption and innovation, while emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa present high-growth opportunities driven by infrastructure modernization and mobile-first digital economies. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Satellite cell service will move from pilot programs to mainstream utility, fundamentally extending mobile coverage to the last 10-15% of the planet that terrestrial towers can not reach. Medium
• [New] In 2026, AI-powered services - such as real-time translation, generative AI for mobile devices, and analytics - will drive unprecedented data consumption, fueling demand for towers, data centers, and cloud infrastructure, with the edge evolving as the critical intersection. Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)
• [New] T-Mobile is utilizing AI to predict customer churn before it happens and to optimize network traffic in real-time, significantly lowering operational costs. FinancialContent
• [New] All mobile network operators have committed to retiring 2G services by 2033 at the latest, with some indicating earlier timelines. Mobile Europe
• [New] SpaceX is working with partners such as T-Mobile to enable direct satellite-to-phone connectivity, a move that could bring parts of the $1.2 trillion global telecom sector into orbital networks. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• In the UK, all mobile network operators have committed to shutting down both 2G and 3G networks by 2033 to free up spectrum for 5G deployment. TelecomLead
• The number of mobile subscribers using mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) is expected to grow from 333 million worldwide in 2026 to 438 million by 2030. Telecom Review Asia
• A competitive-if not leading-AI feature suite will reinforce Apple's wide-moat mobile device ecosystem. Morningstar, Inc.
• Asia Pacific is anticipated to emerge as the fastest-growing region by 2035, capturing a considerable share as expanding mobile subscriber bases and proactive government-backed 5G infrastructure programs stimulate adoption. Research Nester
• With consumer expectations firmly tied to card and mobile wallet payments, most operators in 2026 will treat cashless transactions as standard. Vending Times
• Low Earth Orbit constellations, high-altitude platforms and direct-to-device links are not just for filling rural coverage gaps; they have the potential to become viable complements and in some cases, alternatives to conventional fixed and mobile broadband. Real Wireless

Last updated: 08 February 2026