Now that we understand the challenges for today's telcos, we understand that, in order to succeed, telcos need to embrace the changes and challenges within their market. Yes, consumers want different solutions and services than they did a decade ago. Yes, voice calls and SMS messaging will no longer be the core component of increasing ARPU. Yes, the Over-The-Top (OTT) players have changed the game with their innovative eye and quick-to-market solutions.

Advances in technology are changing the world, and the telecoms industry is no exception. The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), 4G, and even 5G, as well as changes in consumer behavior and expectation, have turned the traditional telecom business model on its head.

As the profit and differentiation available from mobile services such as voice, messaging, and data decreases, operators need to look to what mobile analyst Chetan Sharma has termed the fourth wave^[1.] in order to open up additional lines of business and create additional revenue streams. 

As 4G networks come on line, wireless carriers will face interoperability and support issues with mobile messaging. Interop Technologies and Sybase are taking steps to ensure that mobile operators will be able to handle the inevitable SMS issues that arise with the proliferation of 4G networks.