In this 2026 New Year edition of DBTT we give analysts' takes on what to expect this year, in the areas of:

• Connectivity: What to expect in the evolution path of 6G (and spectrum, standards and AI-Native), FTTH uptake and Copper Switch-Off in Europe, and Satellite constellations, D2D and broadband
• Datacentre Infrastructure: We talk about the likely continued buildout of DCs, with multiple factors influencing location and investment. We talk about shifting dynamics in semiconductors, optical networks and energy supply
• AI Impact: Dean & Ben talk about where AI is having an impact, and why it might take some time to show through in enterprise productivity and economic stats. Also touches on the blurring boundaries of training and inference, and what that might mean for networks
• Regulation: We're anticipating the DNA publication - and wondering when and where it might have effects, and its alignment with other regulatory developments. Also there's Section 230 in the US and a possible redefinition of what it means to be a platform or publisher. And spectrum, again!
• Geopolitics: Sovereignty is certain to be a top theme in 2026, but what does it mean? What are the dynamics to expect between US, Europe, China and elsewhere? Is free speech a defining issue? What about underlying tech stacks? And what else might surprise tech/telecoms on the global stage?

That's a lot to try to fit into 30 minutes, so we don't delve too deeply. We'll pick up on multiple themes in future editions in greater detail, especially after the expected release of the EU DNA on January 20th.

A few links to resources we mentioned : 

- This is Dean's analysis of the GSMA spectrum forecast for 2040

- French Competition Authority on Energy/Environmental impact of AI

- The January 15th Unthinkable Lab workshop on AI / APIs

- 6G Myths & Mistakes

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