Defining innovators recognised across AI, fibre, mobile networks, Wi-Fi and data centre infrastructure in Vienna

Network X, the global event series bringing together the international fixed-line, transport and mobile telecom communities, today announced finalists for the fifth annual 2026 Network X Awards, recognising the companies, technologies and projects driving innovation across the global telecommunications industry. Celebrating excellence across 21 solution provider and operator categories, winners will be announced on 14 October during an awards ceremony at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna.

“The Network X Awards recognise the technologies, solutions and industry leaders actively shaping the next generation of global connectivity,” said Chris Lycett, Event Director, Network X. “With more companies entering than ever before, this year was the most competitive process to date. The finalists reflect an industry undergoing rapid transformation, from AI-driven network operations and cloud-native infrastructure to advanced products and services spanning fibre, mobile and in-home connectivity.”

This year’s awards spotlight advancements across the technologies reshaping telecom networks, with finalists recognised for breakthroughs in AI-powered broadband diagnostics, cloud-native networks, data centre infrastructure and next-generation fibre and mobile connectivity. Standout contenders include Ciena and Nokia in the Leading Data Centre Networks Solution category, while China Mobile was shortlisted for multiple telco-only categories.

The 2026 Network X Awards finalists are:

Solution Provider Categories

Best All-Round Optical Transport Vendor
- Ciena
- Huawei
- Nokia
- ZTE Corporation
Leading Data Centre Networks Solution
- Ciena
- Huawei
- Nokia
Most Innovative Optical Transport Use Case
- Bouygues Telecom
- Ciena
- Huawei
- Nokia
- Türk Telekom
- ZTE Corporation
Most Innovative IP Transport Solution
- Ciena
- Huawei
- Transaction Network Services
- ZTE Corporation
Best RAN Performance Optimisation Solution
- Ericsson
- KT
- Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
- Rakuten Symphony
- ZTE Corporation
Cloud-Native Network Solution of the Year
- Condor Technologies
- Harmonic
- Huawei
- Motive
- Rakuten Symphony
- Wind River
Best FWA Solution of the Year
- Bouygues Telecom
- SoftAtHomeOne
- Solace Power Inc.
- MediaTek
- TCL
Best Indoor Connectivity Solution
- AxyomCore
- Fibocom Wireless Inc.
- Freshwave
- MediaTek
- TP-Link
Best Innovation in Network as a Service & APIs
- Ciena
- Megaport Limited
- SingVerify
- SoftAtHome
- Türk Telekom
Outstanding Use of AI for Broadband Network Diagnostics
- Beegol
- Comcast Technology Solutions
- Condor Technologies
- Huawei
- Nokia
- SK Telecom
Most Innovative Enterprise or Smart City PON Use Case
- Huawei
- Nokia
- ZTE Corporation
Outstanding FTTH Service
- Huawei
- Incognito Software Systems Inc.
- IPKO Telecommunications
- KT
- SK Broadband
- ZTE Corporation
Outstanding Multi-Gigabit Fibre Access Innovation
- AIROHA
- Harmonic
- Huawei
- Nokia
- ZTE Corporation
Leading In-Home Wi-Fi Service
- Airties
- Huawei
- Incognito Software Systems Inc.
- Lifemote
- ZTE Corporation
Most Innovative Smart Home Experience
- Bitdefender
- SoftAtHome
- United Cloud
- Whalebone
- ZTE Corporation
Best AI Security on Home Router
- TP-Link
- ZTE Corporation
Leading Core Network Solution
- AxyomCore
- Singtel CUBΣ
- Huawei

Operator Categories

Outstanding Optical Transport Telco
- Azerconnect Group
- Saudi Telecom Company
- Türk Telekom
- Turkcell
Autonomous Network Leadership Award
- China Mobile
- China Unicom Research Institute
- Saudi Telecom Company
- TIME dotCom Berhad
- Türk Telekom
Best Smart Home Customer Experience
- Bahrain Network (BNET)
- China Unicom
- SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited
- Saudi Telecom Company
Most Innovative 5G Communication Service
- China Mobile
- Orange France
- SK Telecom

This year, Data Center World Europe will take place alongside Network X on 13-14 October 2026 at VIECON, bringing together the leading executives to address the challenges and opportunities of powering the data centres of tomorrow. Attendees can select interest for Data Center World Europe as part of the Network X registration.

For more information on the show, visit www.networkxevent.com/.

About Network X

Network X will debut in Vienna on 13-15 October 2026 as the only global event uniting the fixed and mobile telecommunications industries under one roof. Bringing together more than 5,500 senior network infrastructure and service professionals - including 1,500+ operators - the event convenes telecom leaders, technology vendors, policymakers, analysts and media from across the global communications ecosystem. The event is recognised as a critical meeting point for operators and vendors shaping the future of digital infrastructure, enabling attendees to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and explore next-generation technologies transforming communications worldwide.

With a focus on advancements in connectivity, AI-driven transformation, and the journey towards full fibre and 6G, Network X provides a comprehensive platform for professionals to learn, engage, and network with experts, technology providers, and peers across the telecommunications landscape. For more information, visit www.networkxevent.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260804403965/en/

Media Contact: Suzanne Matulay, networkx@society32.com

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