Global Telco GPUaaS Revenue Projected to Hit $21 Billion by 2030

The Future of Telco GPUaaS: A $21 Billion Opportunity by 2030

The telecommunications sector is on the brink of a transformative phase as it seeks to evolve beyond traditional connectivity services. A new report by ABI Research indicates that telecom companies (telcos) could generate a staggering revenue of over $21 billion from GPU as a Service (GPUaaS) by the year 2030. This growth is largely attributed to the surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions from enterprises and the corresponding need for specific AI governance structures mandated by governments.

As Larbi Belkhit, an industry analyst at ABI Research, notes, “Though the telco GPUaaS market is still in its formative stages, there's compelling momentum building towards enhancing AI capabilities within this industry.” The developing landscape indicates that telcos are positioning themselves to be the foundational support for a national or regional AI infrastructure, thus expanding their roles significantly.

Currently, the telco industry finds itself at a unique crossroad, driven by escalating requirements for GPU computing. As of the first quarter of 2025, 17 telcos have either established or announced plans for NVIDIA AI factories to serve both internal needs and commercial GPUaaS offerings. Notable players involved in this space include SoftBank, Reliance Jio, Telenor, TELUS, and Ooredoo. Most of these AI factories are dispersed throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with Europe and the Middle East following suit in terms of development.

The report further elaborates that significant growth is anticipated by 2027, a potential inflection point where telcos can expect a rapid increase in GPUaaS revenue. This aligns well with the growing industrial demand for AI solutions, which emphasizes both the computational power needed and the regulatory frameworks that govern AI implementation.

“A focus on regulated industries will provide prime opportunities for telcos,” Belkhit suggests. He hints that while GPUaaS serves as an entry point, telcos are poised to explore broader avenues for AI monetization strategies. The development of AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) offerings could differentiate telcos from conventional cloud providers who depend heavily on GPU demand as a core of their business models.

ABI Research’s insights underscore the telco industry’s potential as a trustworthy partner for AI workloads, especially those requiring a sovereign touch. As telcos navigate this new frontier, their role as AI service providers could fundamentally reshape their service portfolios and revenue channels.

In conclusion, this advancement signifies a shift in focus for telcos from simply providing traditional connectivity to becoming integral players in the AI landscape. As AI systems become more central to various industries, telcos stand to benefit significantly by adapting their strategies to meet evolving market demands. The telco GPUaaS market may just be the beginning of a larger AI financial ecosystem, with potential growth that extends well beyond the initial stages.

ABI Research has a longstanding reputation for being a leading technology intelligence firm that bridges the gap between technology providers and end-user markets, equipping organizations with data and research that paves the way for successful technological adaptations.