New Bandwidth-Cavell Research: EMEA Enterprises Face a Pivotal Moment in AI Adoption Amid Rising Regulation, Trust Pressures

Core Insights - EMEA enterprises are at a critical juncture in AI adoption, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance and security concerns [1] - The report emphasizes that 2026 will focus on intentional progress in simplifying enterprise communications rather than rapid transformation [1] Security, Trust, and Compliance - 64% of enterprises are concerned about their voice provider's ability to maintain uptime amid evolving regulations [1] - 63% cite security, fraud, and compliance risks as their primary communications technology challenge [1] AI and Machine Learning Priorities - 49% of organizations rank AI/ML implementation as a top communications priority for 2026 [1] - Security and fraud prevention are also significant concerns, with 46% of enterprises highlighting these areas [1] Role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) - 99% of enterprises rely on MSPs, typically engaging with two to three providers to manage regulatory and operational complexities [1] - Security and compliance are the top buying criteria for 53% of enterprises when selecting MSPs [1] Hybrid-Cloud and Multi-Carrier Models - 75% of enterprises have partially transitioned their contact centers to the cloud, indicating a hybrid operational state [1] - 46% operate a hybrid carrier model, combining global and local providers for regulatory compliance [1] Trust in Communications - 66% of EMEA enterprises report legitimate outbound calls being labeled as "spam" or "scam," affecting customer engagement [1] - Trust in voice communications is declining across both EMEA and North America, impacting business operations [1] Adaptability as a Key Differentiator - Success in enterprise communications is increasingly defined by adaptability to regulatory changes and technological advancements [1]