Beyond the ‘Dumb Pipe’: How Agentic AI and Sovereign Networks Are Redefining Connectivity

The global connectivity market is shifting. With traditional European telecom growth slowing to 2-3% by 2029, businesses must adapt through Agentic AI, critical communications, and digital sovereignty. To remain competitive, operators should move beyond infrastructure toward an API-driven economy.

These trends took center stage at Comarch User Group 2026. The conference hosted over 700 partners from 53 countries, including 201 connectivity experts, highlighting how companies can thrive in regulated environments.

As telecom growth slows, demand for broader connectivity solutions across satellite, logistics, and critical communications is surging. Operators must abandon the old 4G “dumb pipe” model, where they act merely as network providers charging only for raw data transmission, for an API-driven economy with programmable network quality, securely integrating 5G with new satellite and IoT ecosystems. - Marcin Kaleta, CEO at Comarch Communications

Putting Agentic AI in the Driver's Seat

A major topic was Agentic AI, moving beyond chatbots to revenue-protecting tools. To overcome technological debt, operators are turning to cloud-based BSS and OSS systems with built-in AI. Instead of basic automation, Agentic AI lets autonomous agents handle real tasks, including fixing networks on the fly, managing finances proactively, and personalizing customer plans in real time.

Demonstrating how to overcome efficiency barriers, Comarch Communications showcased its internal AI transformation. By equipping over 300 R&D staff with advanced AI engineering tools, it has enhanced development predictability and streamlined code quality while slashing token consumption through optimized algorithms.

The Push for Digital Sovereignty

In 2026, satellite connectivity is essential for governments, defense, and businesses, especially since Europe has long depended on outside satellite providers. To fix this, the EU’s €10 billion IRIS² program is building a secure network using 300 satellites in different orbits. At CUG 2026, leaders stressed that success depends on close cooperation and relying on software developed in Europe to run this network as a profitable platform.

Simultaneously, rising tensions increase the need for public safety networks. To ensure reliable communication for utilities and emergency services, operators use hybrid networks combining wide-reaching 5G with dedicated core networks and satellite backups.

The shift toward a smart, sovereign ecosystem requires immediate action. By merging Agentic AI with secure, European-engineered networks, operators will do more than just upgrade infrastructure - they will redefine it, transforming today's challenges into long-term market leadership.

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