TBR Insights Live: Telecom Industry Will Adapt to K-shaped Economy in 2026

Economic bifurcation is accelerating. The K-shaped economy that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic will likely become more pronounced through 2026, and the telecom industry will need to adapt to this new economic reality. Based on balance-sheet strength, earnings power and real, inflation-adjusted wage growth and revenue increases, as well as a host of other economic KPIs, the top 10% to 20% of households and businesses are doing exceptionally well financially (on average) while the bottom 80% to 90% are doing worse financially (on average) compared to historical metrics. In 2026 CSPs will need to cater better to each arm of the “K” and better navigate the negative aspects of this ongoing economic situation.
 

In the below TBR Insights Live session, TBR Telecom Principal Analyst Chris Antlitz shares an in-depth review of our 2026 Telecom Predictions special report, Telecom Industry Will Adapt to K-shaped Economy in 2026. This session examines what the K-shaped economy means for communication service provider (CSP) balance sheets, customer behavior and competitive strategy, and how scaled providers can adjust to protect growth and margins.