There is a significant impact of 5G on business in 2024. Here are the most popular or hot topics concerning 5G in business:
- The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with 5G networks,
- Advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) facilitated by 5G,
- The critical focus on cybersecurity within 5G networks,
- Net neutrality and new opportunities,
- Sustainability efforts in telecom,
- Ecosystems and partnerships for 5G value realization.
Artificial Intelligence and 5G
Businesses are looking into how AI can enhance 5G networks to improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and create new revenue opportunities. The combination of AI and 5G is seen as a way to address the complexities of developing 5G networks, with over half of the cellular companies surveyed planning to integrate AI into their 5G networks. This integration aims to replace older wireless methods with deep learning AI to cut energy usage and enhance network performance significantly.
IoT Advancements with 5G
The IoT landscape is expected to evolve with 5G, enabling more viable applications due to technologies like massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and edge computing. These technologies increase the capacity of cell towers to handle multiple connections simultaneously and distribute critical network functions to the edge, enhancing device relationships at the system’s periphery. This is particularly important as the number of devices trying to connect to the same cell towers increases, requiring faster connections for more sophisticated products.
Cybersecurity in 5G Networks
As 5G rolls out, there's a heightened focus on cybersecurity threats. With 25% of data breaches from insiders, 5G promises to enhance network safety through comprehensive security measures like integrated, protected, encrypted traffic data and a mutual authentication process. The adoption of AI and IoT can be supported by 5G security, providing a solid foundation for network safety. This includes deep packet inspection and network virtualization to unify hardware and software resources into one entity, offering increased network protection.
Net Neutrality and New Opportunities
The telecom sector is navigating through regulations around data sovereignty, residency, and privacy, with net neutrality being a pivotal area of focus. The impact of net neutrality has traditionally favored over-the-top (OTT) media providers, but 5G introduces the potential to shift value with network slicing for partitioned applications and services. This could allow operators to offer more advanced value-added services, such as private networks and tailored privacy and security solutions, potentially overriding previous net neutrality constraints for a differentiated pricing strategy.
Sustainability Efforts in Telecom
With 5G, there's a growing emphasis on sustainability within the telecom industry. This includes addressing the sector's contribution to plastic waste and CO2 emissions and leveraging the industry's role in enabling sustainability across other sectors. Telcos, which account for 4% of global electricity consumption, are making sustainability a strategic priority, with efforts to achieve zero waste to landfills, full circularity of e-waste, and a transition to green energy sources and e-fleets for business and service vehicles.
Ecosystems and Partnerships for 5G Value Realization
To fully realize the value of 5G, telecommunications service providers focus on connecting disjointed B2B and B2C networks with ecosystems, evolving into service enablers. This involves working with businesses, consumers, and competitors to create unique 5G offerings that differentiate them across multiple industry verticals. The approach emphasizes enterprise transformation through new partnership models, moving from vertical integration to open ecosystems to drive growth beyond connectivity.
The topics surrounding the impact of 5G on business reflect the broader strategic shifts and operational considerations businesses explore as they adopt and integrate 5G into their operations. The discussions span technical innovation, regulatory navigation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships, showcasing the multifaceted impact of 5G on the business landscape.
Sources: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/key-5g-trends/, https://www.the-future-of-commerce.com/2023/02/13/telecom-trends-2023/