Our previous article looked at four different areas where telecommunications are showing particular innovation namely, 5G, edge computing, artificial intelligence and millimetre wave. In this article, we discuss interesting and innovative use cases in each of the areas mentioned above.
5G powers telehealth innovation
The fifth generation of mobile networks already have a vital impact on telecommunications. 5G mobile communication brings with it numerous commercial opportunities and practical applications such as telemedicine, smart farming, connected and autonomous vehicles and increasingly smart and efficient logistics. This mobile technology will allow much further reach and superior connectivity overall.
Edge computing use cases
The rising number of smart devices, estimated to quadruple by 2025, combined with the need for faster processing and increased pressure on networks drive the edge computing market. Edge computing has the potential to bring processing closer to the end-user while facilitating new use cases that require ultra-low latency and high reliability. Enhanced customer services, augmented and virtual reality, industrial IoT, emergency services, and connected cars are some of the present use cases of edge computing.
Global artificial intelligence (AI) in telecommunications growth opportunities
Artificial intelligence is a key disruptive technology for the telecommunications industry, enabling service providers to expand their service offerings. Although still in the emerging stage, telcos can utilise AI to improve internal operations, such as optimising networks, building future networks, and enhancing customer experience.
Millimetre wave advantages
Millimetre wave, also known as extremely high frequency (EHF), is a radio frequency that transmits frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, compared to the 5G frequencies used by previous mobile devices. When compared to the several-dozen centimetre wavelengths possessed by smartphones’ current radio waves, millimetre waves have wavelengths of between 1 mm and 10 mm. Currently, only radar systems such as satellites use millimetre waves. However, mobile network providers have already begun utilising EHF in several new and promising ways signalling promising innovation in the telecommunications space.
The future of the telecommunications industry shows tremendous promise and vast opportunities but also potential challenges. Multiple factors contribute to the present unprecedented change, with even more change expected in the future. What does, however, seem clear is that partnerships will be pivotal to the new road telcos embark upon and that will enable innovation to thrive.
