The Distillery #7: Robocalling's Terrifying Future & Elon Musk Wants to Be Your Banker

June 2025

Telecoms & Connectivity

Juniper Research

Analyst House

In this edition:

• Robocalling scams are set to become even worse
• X just announced when it's launching in-app investing and payments
• Here are the roaming technologies to watch - and avoid
• Our latest insights on shared mobility, smart traffic management, direct-to-satellite, and CPaaS

TELECOMS & CONNECTIVITY

Why Robocalls Are Getting More Dangerous and Costly Than Ever

Robocalls were once just a nuisance; now criminals are combining modern technology, everyday communication channels, and basic psychology to carry out sophisticated scams projected to steal $80 billion this year alone.

To mark the launch of our latest research on robocall mitigation and branded calling, we’re unpacking three trends about how these attacks are evolving - and why traditional defences are falling short.

🟣 Omnichannel isn’t just for marketers anymore. Fraudsters are now crafting multi-touchpoint journeys; starting with a robocall, then following up with a text, email, or even a spoofed website. The fix? Cross-channel detection that links voice, SMS, and email in real-time, so scams are stopped as stories, not just standalone events.

🟣 VoIP has made telecoms cheaper - and easier to exploit. Fraudsters can now launch massive robocall campaigns from anywhere, at minimal cost, while caller ID spoofing is simpler too; enabling bad actors pose as local businesses or trusted institutions from thousands of miles away.

🟣 Robocalls may be dropping, but fraud is hitting harder than ever. Our latest figures show global losses to robocall fraud falling by 20% between 2025 and 2030. But in the same period, the average amount stolen will rise from $1,249 to $1,294. Not a huge jump, but proof enough that fraudsters are focusing on higher-value, more targeted attacks rather than sheer volume.

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FINTECH & PAYMENTS

X Confirms 2025 Launch for Investing and Payments Features

X is preparing to embed financial services directly into its platform, aiming to become a full-fledged superapp.

CEO Linda Yaccarino recently unveiled plans for in-app investing, trading, and an X-branded credit or debit card launching by the end of 2025. This builds on 'X Money,' the Visa-backed digital wallet also set to launch this year, which enables instant funding, peer-to-peer payments, eCommerce, and tipping - all within the X ecosystem.

Distilled...

🟣 X’s enormous user base combined with rich social data gives it a unique edge to offer highly personalised financial products and services. This level of customisation not only enhances user experience but also boosts engagement and conversion rates far beyond what standalone fintech apps can achieve.

🟣 Regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge in the US, where money transfer licences are required state by state. X has secured licences in over 40 states but faces slower or stricter approvals in some, potentially putting its planned 2025 launch at risk of delay.

🟣 Competing with established fintech players means X must consistently invest in cutting-edge technology to stay ahead, enhance customer experience to meet rising expectations, and build trust through robust security and transparent practices. Success will depend on its ability to innovate rapidly while maintaining a reputation for reliability.

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TELECOMS & CONNECTIVITY

Revealed: The 3 Technologies Transforming Roaming in 2025

We’ve just released our Roaming Tech Horizon for 2025, which spotlights the key technologies driving roaming growth over the next year  - as well as those falling short of expectations.

Below are three major movers poised to unlock new revenue streams, enhance connectivity, and reshape how consumers and enterprises stay connected globally. After reading, download the full (free!) report to discover how other much-hyped technologies such as Local Breakout and Billing & Charging Evolution are expected to perform.

🟣 Travel eSIMs are gaining rapid adoption as a cost-effective alternative to traditional roaming. More telecom and non-telecom companies are offering travel eSIM solutions; making international connectivity easier for consumers. With rising awareness and new market entrants, travel eSIM spending is expected to grow significantly throughout 2025.

🟣 5G Standalone (SA) roaming is progressing fast as operators expand SA network coverage globally. Recent breakthroughs such as Vodafone Germany and A1 Bulgaria’s successful 5G SA roaming connection highlight the service’s commercial viability. Over the next year, 5G SA roaming will become a key offering, supporting consumers and IoT devices with better connectivity.

🟣 Satellite roaming is expanding as a critical solution for connectivity in remote areas. Major operators, including Telefónica and Verizon, have signed roaming agreements with satellite providers; enabling cellular IoT coverage where terrestrial networks fall short. Satellite roaming is set for strong growth as coverage and partnerships increase over the next 12 months.

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ICYMI

Signal Boost

Every issue, we highlight the research, blogs, infographics, and insights we're especially proud of.

🚲 Shared mobility users will soar 46% by 2028, powered by micromobility apps - but only if public-private partnerships can keep up.

💰 Spending on CPaaS by retailers will climb to $10 billion by 2029, as everyone goes all-in on mobile marketing and loyalty campaigns.

🚦 Traffic management systems are getting a long-overdue upgrade, thanks to AI. How can vendors make sure they don't get left in the slow lane?

🛰️ Direct-to-satellite is blasting off in popularity. But to cash in, providers need to crack five key questions before the year’s out.

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