Operators will increasingly be judged on the breadth, relevance and quality of the services they offer to end-users. Success will require investment in passive and active infrastructure, the creation or acquisition of unique content, the acquisition of complementary businesses and the use of disruptive technologies. The roll-out of networks offering ubiquitous connectivity will take on a new urgency in 2018 as 5G nears commercialisation and the pressure is piled on wireline operators to invest in fibre. Vertical consolidation is still possible - and is actually necessary - in some markets, but horizontal expansion has much to commend it as long as service-led business models are clearly defined.