Economic security risks in telco technology: a comparative study of legacy, hybrid and cloudnative architecture

Telecommunications providers have experienced cyclical phases of technological adoption characterized by periods of infrastructure growth and reduction. These phases are caused not only by economic market fluctuations but also regulatory and security constraints. The tension between competitive advantage and cost efficiency on one side, and compliance and risk mitigation on the other illustrates the balance organisations must strike between innovation and governance obligations. This study uses a combination of institutional theory and anonymized questionnaires to examine the interplay of regulations and organisational decision making within telcos. Comparative case studies and collected data will identify how economic drivers allow rapid deployment of emerging technology while also examining how regulatory interventions slow that same deployment. The findings will help to advance theoretical understanding of technological cycles in regulated industries and provide a framework that balances economic movement with security constraints. Doing so will assist in the creation of practical strategies for telcos moving toward sustainable and resilient future technological adoption.