What will you remember 2024 for? Will it be for the Olympics? The Euros? Or what about the general election? As the year draws in, it’s a reminder to reflect. In this article, Julian Bammer, UK marketing manager of SIM-only mobile provider spusu, reflects on tech and telecoms in 2024.
Market consolidation or segregation?
The merger between Vodaphone and Three was first proposed in 2023, with the aim to improve infrastructure and network capabilities, particularly in 5G and future 6G networks. However, the provisional conclusion found that the merger would lead to price increases for tens of millions of mobile customers, or see customers get a reduced service such as smaller data packages in their contracts.
From a market perspective, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also provisionally found that the merger would negatively impact the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which rely on the existing network operators to provide their own mobile services. It believes the merger would reduce the number of network operators from four to three, making it more difficult for new entrants into the market to secure competitive terms.
Only the final decision on December 7, 2024, will determine whether or not the merger will be possible.
Putting the intelligence into AI
AI continued to dominate mobile tech and telecoms in 2024 — with one of the most noticeable developments coming from Apple, which launched its ChatGPT-powered version of Siri, Apple Intelligence, in October 2024.
You might already be familiar with Face ID, Siri, and features like predictive text and smart photo categorisation, which have become expected industry standards for smartphone users. But Apple Intelligence prepares to take user experience to the next level.
Standout features include Writing Tools for proofreading and rewriting, Smart Replies to reply to messages faster, Summaries, which summarises group chats and condenses notifications, prioritising the most important to prevent distractions — and updates to Siri, which will become smarter, enabling users to ask more difficult questions and follow up queries.
Apple Intelligence is a pivotal development in mobile and telecom technology as it introduces a new level of personalisation, adaptability and device integration that could redefine user expectations for mobile services in the future.
Rise of SIM-only plans
In the wake of the cost-of-living crisis, people are now more conscious about what their monthly outgoings look like. One area that has seen consumers make cutbacks is on their phone bill. As a result, they are making the switch to SIM-only plans, which don’t include the cost of the handset.
Unlike lengthy two-to three-year device contracts, many SIM-only plans offer rolling contracts starting from 30-days, like those from spusu mobile which start at £9.90 and provide more flexibility. This short-term commitment appeals to those who prefer the option to switch or adjust plans if better deals become available, without risking a costly penalty to exit the agreement early.
This flexibility goes hand-in-hand with eSIMs, which have also increased in popularity this year. By 2025, 90 per cent of mobile operators worldwide plan to offer eSIM services, with the GSMA predicting 2.4 billion eSIM smartphone connections globally.
eSIM technology enhances flexibility, letting users switch networks digitally without needing a physical SIM card. This trend especially benefits digital nomads, frequent travellers and remote workers, as it provides adaptable, on-the-go connectivity options.
Together, SIM-only and eSIM options are transforming mobile services, making them more accessible and budget-friendly. As consumers become savvier with their spending and more conscious of the environment, we expect to see this trend increase.
With the anticipated decision on the Vodafone and Three merger, AI advancements and the surge in popularity of SIM-only and eSIM plans, consumers are witnessing a transformative shift in their mobile options. These developments reflect a broader trend towards greater flexibility and affordability in telecom services. As we look ahead, the decisions made this year will likely shape the future landscape of connectivity, emphasising the importance of consumer choice and innovation in the industry.