The promise of 5G
As can be expected, 5G will continue to have a major and expanding influence on everything that telcos do in terms of products and services. Advances in automation and autonomy, driven by 5G, will impact the entire telecommunications landscape – from autonomous network management and maintenance to optimisation of factories transitioning to Industry 4.0. The development of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 networks will enhance connectivity in previously difficult to reach areas while offering opportunities to expand businesses, government institutions, and the lives of people globally
The importance of edge computing
5G and edge computing are inextricably linked and complementary technologies. 5G can boost network capacity that will, in turn, play a considerable role in powerful data transfer as well as benefit streaming data and analytics, industrial IoT (IIoT), virtual reality, augmented reality and so forth. It will help increase speed by up to ten times that of 4G which will see substantial amounts of data processed in real-time.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Big data and AI applications are far-reaching in the telecommunications industry: from self-optimising networks and creating new customer experiences for better working relations to pre-empting and resolving errors before they become problematic. This is significant because when companies can identify challenges early on, they can take preventative measures to avoid issues in the long run which ultimately saves on costs.
Millimetre waves
When considering the overall safety of millimetre waves (mmW) as well as its thorough support of 5G capabilities, millimetre waves are likely the future of telecommunication. While more studies will be done on the effects that mmW and 5G have on humans, there’s currently no reason for the public to be concerned.
New, innovative technology such as 5G, IoT, and AI will continue to empower the telecoms industry. It is envisaged, however, that levelling the digital divide between AI, IoT, 5G, and Wi-Fi 6 networks will facilitate substantial growth opportunities. Nevertheless, telcos must remain agile and flexible to remain competitive and successful. This will enable them to enhance customer experience, provide businesses with ways to improve productivity and efficiency and create new revenue streams. Each of these will ultimately affect profitability and the future of the telecommunications industry as we know it.
