Our smartphones are becoming more capable and convenient thanks to telecom innovations that aim to change the world. From text-based customer service apps to student-led mobile services, these concepts aim to save callers time and money in the long run.
These modern telecom innovations include community-empowering cellular services -- like Endaga that provides mobile access to those living in impoverished communities -- along with record-breaking LTE speeds that let users browse the Internet more conveniently than ever before.
In addition to this list's charitable and convenience-focused telecom innovations, its other winning examples include cross-over phone plans and free calling apps that cut users' budgets in half. Others include platforms that let users unlock their phone while learning about coding techniques and practices in the process.
Whether by reducing cost, expanding availability or making communication easier, these innovations in their own way are helping change the way people communicate, and in doing so are having a huge impact on the world.
17 Modern Telecom Innovations
From Student-Led Mobile Services to Text-Based Customer Service Apps:
Jana Pijak — Jun 11, 2015 — Tech
17
Educational Phone-Unlocking Apps
The Unlock Lessons Vivo App Makes Kids Correctly Answer Questions
16
Interactive Mobile Reception Maps
T-Mobile Has Released a Series of Crowdsourced Coverage Maps
15
Community-Empowering Telecoms
Endaga's Cellular Network Tools Enables People to Build Businesses
14
Standalone Free Calling Apps
WeChat's VoIP Apps Let You Make Free Calls Using the Internet
13
Student-Created Telecom Companies
The *bliep is Designed to Appeal to Dutch Youth
12
Speedy Telecom Services
M1 Singapore Introduces LTE-Advanced Network for Faster Downloading
11
Crossover Phone Plans
The T-Mobile Network Tackles a Competitor with Incentives for New Customers
10
Triple-Play Cell Towers
The China Tower Project is Changing Telecom Infrastructure Networks
9
Text-Based Customer Service Apps
This Indian Mobile Messaging Assistant Answers Customers' Queries
8
Data Center Migrations
WFT Telecom Focuses on Productivity and Time-to-Service Improvements
7
Telecom Marketing Campaigns
IMImobile Wins Three Awards at the Effective Mobile Marketing Awards
6
Upstart Data Services
Bolt Super 4G is Taking the Indonesian Telecom Market By Storm
5
Asian Data Centers
NTT Com Opens Third Venture in Shanghai to Increase Demand in China
4
Record-Breaking LTE Speeds
Ooredoo Qatar, Nokia & China Mobile Broke the LTE Advanced Speed Record
3
LTE-Expanding Telecom Networks
Two Australian Mobile Operators Compete Over Better Service
2
Telecom Airline Partnerships
Global Eagle Entertainment Offers In-Flight Connectivity with Orange
1
Acquired Entertainment Metadata Firms
Gracenote's Telecom Acquisition of Baseline was $50 Million
Related Ideas
Transparent Aluminum Smartphones
This Nothing Phone (2) Concept by 4RMD Imagines a Next-Gen Device
Premium Retro Mobile Phones
Nokia Presents the Nokia 150 and Nokia 130 as 'Dumb Phones'
Co-Branded Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone x Galaxy Concept by Michael Ma Combines Aesthetics
Value-Conscious Low-Cost Smartphones
The itel S23+ Offers the Latest Features for Less
Folding Multi-Display Smartphones
The TECNO Phantom Vision V Expands to Reveal a 10.1-Inch Display
Accessible Flagship-Inspired Smartphones
The Infinix Zero 30 4G Has the Helio G99 and 45W Charging
Mini Transparent Smartphone Concepts
The Nothing mini phone by Priyanshu Jaiswal is Customizable
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Previous Generation Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 4 Concept by Nathan Basset Looks to the Past
Next-Gen Home Communications Solutions
The Concept T Project Imagines the Future of Communication
Smartwatch-Attached Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual Sony Smart Switch Ecosystem is All-in-One
4G-Equipped Handheld Consoles
KTPocket Officially Launched its KT R1 Android-Based Console
Telegram-Style Video Messages
WhatsApp is Launching Instant Video Messaging Features
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts
The Nokia N90 by Viet Doan Duc Reimagines a Vintage Design
Angled Smartphone Charger Concepts
This Wireless Charger Concept from the MTCS STUDIO is Simple
Connected Touchscreen TV Tables
The TCL Telly Table Has a Shifting 43-Inch Display
Multifunctional Foldable Mobile Devices
The Conceptual 'Move' Mobile Device Replaces Five Devices
Tech-Infused Analog Radios
Mark Choi Blends Retro Aesthetics and Modern Technology with i Ready O
High-Performance Smartphone Ranges
The TECNO Camon 20 Comes in Three Options
Smartphone Interface Trial Apps
The Samsung 'Try Galaxy’ App Lets Users Experience a New UI
Smartphone Seating Campaigns
This Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Promotion Takes Over Bus Shelters
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Chromatic Entry-Level Smartphones
The Tecno Spark 20C Comes in Three Color Options
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
Updated Modern Technology Logos
The Nokia Logo Gets a New Refreshing Typeface Update
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Futuristic Rollable Smartphones
TECNO Mobile's 'Phantom Ultimate' Expands by Rolling Out
AI Pet Care Apps
Healthcare App TTcare is a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Off-Grid Connectivity Dongles
The 'Orange Dongle' Offers Free Voice Calls and Texting
Keyboard-Intact E-Ink Smartphones
The Minimalist Phone Has a Juxtaposing Design Language
Artwork-Covered Smartphone Models
The TECNO CAMON 20 X Mr Doodle Edition Has a Whimsical Finish
Text-to-Shop Retail Services
Walmart Text to Shop Makes it Easier Than Ever to Shop
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Compact Jelly Smartphones
Jelly Star is the World's Smallest Android 13 Smartphone
Cross-Functional Device Tools
Motorola and Lenovo Present the Smart Connect Tool at MWC
Workplace AI Use Frameworks
Deutsch Telekom's Nine Guidelines Ensure Safe and Fair AI Use
Low-Cost Telecom Smartphones
The T-Mobile REVVL 6x Smartphones Have 5G Connectivity and More
Contemporary Smartphone Exhibitions
Ester Bruzkus Architekten Designs 'The World in My Hand'
Dual-Display Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual iPhone Vision by Antonio De Rosa is Robust
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Phones
The Samsung Young Entertainer Nods to Earlier Eras
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Branded Smartphone Parasols
Tesco Mobile Designs the Phone Parasol, a Practical Holiday Accessory
Affordable Flagship-Inspired Smartphones
The TCL 40 Series NXTVISION Includes Three Models
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
Inclusive Digital Platform Experiences
Google Launches More Inclusive Assistance to its Platforms
Ocular Support Smartphones
The TCL 40 NXTPAPER is a CES 2024 Innovation Optimized for Human Eyes
Low-Cost Media Plans
Comcast Unveils a Month-to-Month Internet and Phone Program Called NOW
Immersive Titanium Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 14 Ultra Concept by Antonio De Rosa is Sleek
Quantum Security Smartphones
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is Being Upgraded by China Telecom
Technology News Summaries
TechTok Helps Readers Stay On Top of News in Five Minutes
Power-Efficient Smartphone Ranges
The Nokia C22 and C32 Offer Three Days of Battery Life
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Eco-Friendly Smartphones
HMD Announced Three New Nokia Phones as Eco-Friendly Options
Digital Employee Services
Compucom Sets New Digital Employee Standards with its New Service
Next-Gen Display Smartphones
The TCL 50 Series Smartphones Come in Three Models
Esports Telecom Partnerships
'Vodafone Idea' Partnered with 'Team Vitality' in India
IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons
This Traffic Beacon Concept Changes According to Needs
Eco-Friendly Telecom Companies
SK Group Showcased Over 40 Sustainable Technologies at CES 2023
Silicone-Covered Leather-Like Smartphones
The Tecno Camon 30 Premier Has Gorilla Glass 5 and More
Android-Powered TV Services
The New Bell Fibe TV is Arriving Now in Ontario and Quebec
Smartphone Cellular Emergency Features
The Apple iPhone 14 Emergency SOS Feature Expands
Internet-Supporting Space Terminals
Amazon's New Terminals Benefit its Internet-From-Space Project
Satellite Messaging-Enabled Smartphones
This Chinese Smartphone Offers a Network-Free SMS Function
Interactive Digital Menus
Tabmeal Empowers Restaurants to Revolutionize the Way Guests Order
Instant Payment Cellphones
The Nokia 105 Classic Supports the Unified Payments Interface
Mobile Messenger Updates
Google Added Two New Features to its Messages Texting Application
Miniature Haptic Communicators
ONECOM's FINTIN V1 is a CES 2024 Innovation Award Winner
Secure Laptop-Unified Smartphones
The Lenovo ThinkPhone Works Seamlessly with the ThinkPad
Paper-Like Display Smartphones
These New TCL Smartphones Prioritize Eye Comfort
Science Fiction Smartphone Models
The TECNO Pova 5 Has a MediaTek Helio G99 Processor
Social Messaging Money Transfers
Viber Enters the World of Fintech with 'Payments on Viber'
Chat App E-Commerce Integrations
'Charles' Seamlessly Blends Chat Services with Online Retailers
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
Feature-Rich VoLTE Cellphones
The JioPhone Prima 4G Has a Small Yet Mighty Design
Eco-Friendly Transit Apps
Moovit Partnered with Lime to Deliver Electric Micro-Mobility Options
Security-Focused eSIMs
Cloudfare Launches New 'Zero Trust SIM' for Smartphone Users
Conversational E-Commerce Features
Attentive Debuts New SMS-Based Text-to-Buy Solution for Shopify
Digital Customer-Oriented Platforms
Twilio Debuts the CustomerAI Engagement Platform for Business
Breakneck Wireless Connection Technologies
Huawei's 'Nearlink' Offers High Speed & Low Latency
Mobile Operating Systems
Google Released the Android 13 OS for its Pixel Line of Phones
Captivating 5G Tablet Models
The TCL TAB 10 5G Supports Productivity from Anywhere
Text-Based Shopping Features
Walmart Unveils a New Shopping by Text Feature for Mobile Shoppers
QSR-Backed SMS Marketing
McDonald's Launches a SMS Marketing Campaign Using a New Phone Number
Vehicle-Connected Mobile Networks
Porsche and Vodafone Launched a 5G Hybrid Mobile Private Network
Personalization-Focused Mobile OSs
The Samsung One UI 5 Brings Enhanced Customization to Devices
Travel-Focused Indian eSIMS
Sensorise Unveils a New Travel eSIM for Indian Consumers
SMS Commerce Services
klaviyo Allows Customers and Brands to Sell or Buy Products via SMS
Illuminated Leather Smartphone Technologies
Infinix 3D Lighting Leather Brightens Device Edges
Comprehensive Online Healthcare Plans
Clinikk's Smart Plans Save Users Hundreds on Healthcare
Convenient remote healthcare
DrOnCall Offers Quality, Remote Patient Experiences
Inclusive Smartphone Prototype Apps
Researchers Develop the OneButtonPIN on the Side of a Phone
IoT Building Management Platforms
This System Allows Efficient Oversight Of Building Operations
Distraction-Free Flip Phones
Consumer Cellular Unveils its 'Shot on Flip Phone' Campaign
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Lucrative Mobile Service Programs
Eastlink Introduces the Easytab Flex® Service
Blue Lighting Smartphone Features
The New OnePLus 11 Concept has a New Blue Flow Back Feature
Ultra-Fast 5G Routers
TCL Unveils New 5G CPE Products at Broadband World Forum 2022
Youth Culture Telecom Campaigns
Deutsche Telekom's Summer Campaign Connects with Gen Z
iOS-Influenced Travel Apps
Uber’s Redesigned App Uses the Latest iPhone Features on iOS 16
AI Navigation Upgrades
Tmap Mobility Launches an AI-Powered Revamp for its Navigation App
Location-Based QSR Technology
Chipotle is Integrating Location-Based Technology Into its App
NFC-Enabled Business Cards
The Mobilo Smart Business Card Works with Any Smartphone
AI-Enhanced Smartphone Series
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Offers New Experiences with Galaxy AI
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
4G IoT Bus Trackers
ATrack Technology Launches Two New Vehicle Fleet Management Products
Multigenerational Workforce Apps
Microland Launches a Global Mobile App for Its Digital Workforce
Smartphone Emergency Features
Apple Adds a New Emergency SOS Feature Through Satellite
Mobile Esports Partnerships
Tribe Gaming Partners with Samsung Mobile for Multiple Activations
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Software-Defined Collaborative Vehicles
Google and Renault Work Together on a New Digital Car
Reimagined Impressionist Paintings
AT&T Partners with Smartify to Highlight 5G Technology and AR
Touchscreen Satellite Communicators
The Iridium GO! Exec Satellite Communicator Supports Many Apps
Mobile Esports Events
Tribe Gaming Partners with Samsung for a Mobile Gaming Event in Las Vegas
All-in-One Telecom Streaming Services
Verizon +Play Offers Access to Over 20 Services
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
Additional Video Transcription Features
Telegram is Rolling out New Messaging Transcription
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
West African Super Apps
'ShaQ Express' has Evolved from Logistics to a Super App in a Few Years
Complimentary Telecom Streaming Promotions
T-Mobile is Offering a Free Apple TV+ Subscription
TV Streaming App Updates
The Samsung TV Plus App Has Over 100 Free Channels
Text Message Shopping Services
Textual is a Conversational Commerce Platform for SMS
Personalized Customer-Focused Services
Microsoft Unveils the Cloud-Based 'Digital Contact Center'
Anti-Exploit Smartphone Features
Samsung Message Guard Protects Against Zero-Click Exploits
Community Care Helpers
Senior Care App Tuktu Creates a Network of Taskers to Help with Small Jobs
Visually Inclusive Smartphone Features
Apple Adds the New Bold Assistive Access Feature
Streamlined Vehicle Rental Apps
The 'Nexus Connect' App Uses Text Recognition & Cloud Connectivity
Unlimited Telemedicine Services
Embarq Heath is Changing the Way People Access Medical Care
Hybrid Telecom Mobile Plans
The O2 Rolling Plan Offers a Hybrid Between Monthly and Pay-As-You-Go
Satellite-Powered Telecom Partnerships
T-Mobile and SpaceX Partnered for Coverage Above and Beyond
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Multi-Location Business Call Monitors
Weave Launches New 'Phone Reporting Analytics' Feature
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
Accessible Service Provider Apps
Giga Introduces New Accessibility Features to Its App
Digital International Move Support
Country Out Helps People Get Organized Before a Big Move
Africa-Focused Finance Apps
Orange Launches the New Super-App 'Max It' for African Markets
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Connected Telecom Laptops
Sky Mobile is Offering Connected Laptops for a Monthly Fee in the UK
Digital Commercial Payment Apps
Mastercard Unveils the Mobile Virtual Card App for Businesses