Shaping the future of communication technologies

Together with Edge Computing, AI, and IoT, 5G will reshape communication with efficient data, real-time insights, and transformative connectivity

5G has prompted significant investments by telcos in network upgrades, fibre optic connectivity, and tower infrastructure expansion. This digital foundation is poised to support high-quality 5G experiences characterised by efficient data transmission and minimal latency. The introduction of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, exemplified by offerings like AirFiber, will enable telcos to extend their reach to regions where laying fibre proves challenging. Additionally, the bundling of services presents an opportunity for telcos to expedite the adoption of 5G fixed broadband.

With the rollout of 5G services, there is a noticeable surge in the demand for 5G smartphones. The active collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturer partners positions us to anticipate larger volumes of affordable 5G phones entering the market.

Edge intelligence will be a key enabler of autonomous devices like drones and robots, as well as smart applications.

Semiconductors remain pivotal in this landscape. The Government of India’s policy initiatives and incentives are strategically designed to attract investments and foster innovation in the semiconductor sector, aligning with the surging domestic and global demand. The burgeoning growth of 5G in India is set to further amplify the need for semiconductors.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EDGE

Edge Computing is a new way of looking at where and how information is accessed and leveraged. Capitalising on the Edge Computing paradigm is crucial in optimising performance, cost, and efficiency. This approach redefines where and how information is accessed, facilitating real-time data processing for immediate actionable insights. Going ahead, Edge intelligence will be a key enabler of autonomous devices like drones and robots, as well as smart applications.

The fusion of real-time data processing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to unlock the potential of predictive intelligence. As businesses embark on this transformative journey, the significance of data, data privacy, and data security becomes paramount. By processing data locally at the edge, organisations can enhance security by minimising the amount of sensitive information that needs to be transmitted over networks.

MOVING AHEAD WITH AI

As the network infrastructure develops and evolves to handle increasing data volumes, traditional network management might prove inadequate. The year ahead will see AI emerge as a potent solution to augment and enhance performance monitoring, issue prediction and prevention, resource optimisation, and network security.

As Generative AI gains wider adoption, computing demand will surge, necessitating hybrid processing. A hybrid AI architecture will help efficiently distribute workloads between the cloud and edge devices such as smartphones, cars, personal computers, and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, paving the way for more powerful and optimised AI solutions. The future trajectory of AI, however, lies in the development and implementation of hybrid architectures.

A hybrid AI architecture will help efficiently distribute workloads between the cloud and edge devices, such as smartphones, cars and the IoT.

DELIVERING IMPACT WITH THE IOT

The IoT has emerged as a transformative force, enabling users to optimise operational efficiency through advanced connectivity, low power consumption, high-performance computing, robust security measures, and edge AI solutions. This evolution will extend beyond enhancing network efficiency to positively impact civic safety and device interoperability. Adopting IoT technologies will accelerate the digital transformation in many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and transportation.

Industrial IoT stands out as a rapidly growing application area, empowering enterprises to track the location and condition of their stock, thus helping them make their supply chains more efficient. In terms of consumer applications, expect relevant IoT use cases for connected homes, home surveillance, health monitoring, and more.

Looking ahead to 2024, IoT devices are poised to play a pivotal role in infrastructural connectivity, aligning seamlessly with initiatives like the Smart City 2.0 mission scheduled for launch in 2024.

The confluence of 5G, Edge Computing, AI, and IoT heralds a transformative era in communication technologies. The strategic interplay of these innovations not only addresses current demands but also lays the groundwork for a future where connectivity, intelligence, and efficiency converge to redefine the possibilities of technological advancement. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, it becomes imperative for businesses and industries to adapt, innovate, and leverage these technologies for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

By Manmeet Singh

The author is Senior Director for Strategy and Analysis at Qualcomm.

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