The publication examines the role of telecommunications as a foundational element of the digital economy. It traces the development of the industry from analog telephony to modern digital platforms and value-added services. It covers the evolution of BSS/OSS systems and the transformation of telecom operators into IT companies. It also addresses the main problems: outdated infrastructure, the need for import substitution, a shortage of specialists, and the necessity of moving to platform-based and product-based models.