“We’re making it easier for carriers and large enterprises to interconnect and manage their networks efficiently,” says Trevor Francis, CEO and Founder of 46 Labs. In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Trevor Francis discusses 46 Labs’ role as the “carrier’s carrier” and how the company is leading the charge in simplifying global connectivity. From major acquisitions to AI-driven efficiency and the migration away from copper, he provides insights into what’s ahead for telecom in 2025. “We acquired two legacy wireline companies last year, positioning us to accelerate network modernization,” says Francis.

What is 46 Labs?

• Connectivity Orchestration – 46 Labs helps resellers and large enterprises optimize their voice networks and streamline interconnections.
• Carrier’s Carrier – Acting as the “train station” of telecom, the company enables seamless infrastructure and network management.
• Expanding Through Acquisitions – 46 Labs acquired Hyper-Q Networks and Impact in 2024, strengthening its wholesale telecom capabilities.

Regulatory & Market Shifts in 2025

• New FCC Leadership & Policy Changes – A more proactive approach may lead to easier wireline network modernization.
• M&A Resurgence – With previous stagnation in telecom mergers, Francis predicts more consolidation and transformation in the coming year.
• Satellite Connectivity Evolution – While LEO satellites (e.g., Starlink) improve rural access, they won’t disrupt terrestrial wireless networks.

Copper Migration: The Death of Copper at the Core

• A Massive Industry Challenge – Legacy PSTN networks still rely on copper interconnects between carriers.
• Enterprise Migration vs. Carrier Migration – While businesses transition to VoIP, carriers must overhaul the underlying infrastructure.
• Regulatory & Technical Barriers – The shift requires compliance with state and federal rules, plus retraining a workforce where institutional knowledge is fading.

“We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in telecom—migrating carriers away from copper while ensuring stability and compliance,” says Francis.

AI’s Role in Telecom: Efficiency, Not Disruption

• AI will make carriers more efficient, but adoption will be slow due to regulatory concerns and potential service disruptions.
• Risk vs. Reward – AI-driven automation must be implemented cautiously to avoid major failures in carrier networks.
• Fifth Industrial Revolution – The telecom sector must balance innovation with reliability.

“AI adoption in telecom will take time—it’s too risky to disrupt carrier operations overnight,” says Francis.

Network-as-a-Service: The New Carrier Model

• Traditional Carrier Model is Fading – Carriers are moving away from fully owning infrastructure.
• Managed Services & “As-a-Service” Offerings – 46 Labs provides turnkey network solutions, allowing carriers to outsource complex network transitions.
• Security Considerations – With increased IP-based connectivity, security threats rise, requiring encryption and network segmentation strategies.

What’s Ahead for Large Enterprises?

• The move away from copper is a global trend, impacting large enterprises, airlines, and pharmaceutical companies.
• International Voice Connectivity – Enterprises must take a holistic approach to voice and telecom strategies.
• Regulatory & Compliance Needs – Navigating global carrier relationships requires expertise in regulations and connectivity management.

“Enterprises need a comprehensive strategy for handling voice and connectivity across all divisions,” says Francis.

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