Cloud growth is starting to look less limitless. The rise of artificial intelligence is increasing demand for data centres, electricity, cooling, fibre connections and suitable sites.
The cloud was once viewed mainly as a flexible software and storage model. In 2026, that view is changing. AI workloads need large amounts of compute power, and that compute power needs real-world capacity. Data centres require land, power supply, grid access, cooling systems, planning approval and equipment. These are not always available quickly, cheaply or at the required scale.
The winners are likely to be the companies that can secure and manage scarce infrastructure, not just those with strong software propositions. Hyperscale cloud providers remain powerful, but their expansion also depends on physical constraints that can slow projects, raise costs or limit capacity.
Telecom operators are directly exposed to this change. Their networks already carry the data that cloud and AI services depend on. They also own physical assets that may become more valuable, including fibre networks, exchanges, towers, ducts, rooftops, backup power systems and land. These assets could support more distributed cloud and edge-computing models where low latency, resilience or local control matter.
Centralised cloud infrastructure still has clear advantages for major AI workloads. But not every workload will be best served from a distant hyperscale facility. Some services will need to be processed closer to customers, devices or enterprise sites. That creates a role for telecom operators that can combine network reach with physical infrastructure and operational control.
Public cloud offers scale and flexibility, but private and hybrid models may be better suited for services where resilience, regulation, security or national control are important. Telecom operators need to decide which workloads should sit in public cloud and which should remain closer to their own networks.
As telecom operators connect networks, cloud services, data-centre resources and customer products, they need systems that can manage billing, charging, service delivery, assurance and resource allocation. The more complex the infrastructure model becomes, the more important these platforms are.
Cerillion plc (LON:CER) is a leading provider of billing, charging and customer management systems with more than 20 years’ experience delivering its solutions across a broad range of industries including the telecommunications, finance, utilities and transportation sectors.
