ICYMI – Setting the Stage for 2026: Insights from Roger Entner

Little Nuggest of Tech and Telecom graphic with Roger Entner as featured guest

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During our November webinar, Roger Entner, founder of Recon Analytics, shared his insights on the evolving U.S. broadband and wireless landscape, AI connectivity needs, and what 2026 may have in store for several market leaders.

Key Takeaways: 

  • The U.S. still has around 1,300 small internet service providers (ISPs), signaling opportunities for mergers and acquisitions.
  • Recent deals like T-Mobile acquiring stakes in Metronet and Lumos hint at significant industry shifts beneath the headlines.
  • Verizon faces subscriber count challenges, as well as the need to manage capacity while cutting capital expenditures (CAPEX).
  • Cable companies are increasingly building fiber networks, especially in Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) markets, putting pressure on legacy DSL providers.
  • Bundled services remain a key driver of customer satisfaction in cable broadband.

Entner highlighted the work his team is doing around AI, conducting over 6,000 in-depth surveys per week focused exclusively on the AI ecosystem, with more than 100,000 participants to date. They have found that 20% of Americans are using AI on mobile devices, and that network quality directly impacts AI workloads. Explore this research in detail on the Recon Analytics website.

Looking Ahead to 2026:

  • Next year is shaping up to be “epic” for wireless, with new CEOs at Verizon and T-Mobile and heightened competition.
  • T-Mobile is likely to remain the U.S. leader in subscribers if trends continue.
  • Expect further consolidation among the smaller, rural telecommunications companies, more spectrum activity, and ongoing, intense competition between cable and fixed wireless. 
  • Companies that optimize networks for AI and fiber will gain a competitive edge.

You can watch or listen to the entire conversation on our YouTube channel.