How can telecom network operators become 5G ready?

5G will bring in a plethora of opportunities beyond high-speed wireless broadband; it will also push industry-wide business models to change in the days to come.

By Girish Gupta

With more and more 5G infrastructure being deployed both by network infrastructure providers and service providers to bring low-latency, high-speed data communications, 5G continues its rapid march across the globe. But it’s not only about speed but delivering diverse performance capabilities with optimized network service slices. New technologies using shared infrastructure and advanced equipment will enable network operators to offer E2E network connectivity and customized services – for individuals, industries, and locations – as part of the Industry 4.0 initiative.

The ability to ‘slice’ the network is the biggest boost of 5G revolution, turning network operators from mere channels for communication to real value-added players.

The ability to ‘slice’ the network will be the biggest potential boost of the 5G revolution, turning network operators from mere channels for communication to real value-added players. Near-zero latency, a larger pipeline for data, far faster internet connections, and the ability to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) on the edge of the network in conjunction with end devices are some of the well-known expected benefits of 5G. Not only this, but 5G will provide options for managing industrial internet of things (IIoT) devices and eventually change the way network operators do business. This will not only benefit operators but end-users, small businesses, enterprises, and more.

With virtualization characteristics, operators will be free to allocate, distribute, compartmentalize, or slice and dice their substantial assets as per dynamic market demand to the single end-user. Network slicing and virtualization come with their own opportunities for operators such as the ability to increase their portfolio and their profitability. Operators could deploy a network for groups including Netflix subscribers, gamers, video interfaces, and others. Operators can assign resources as needed for various purposes, thus increasing their efficiency and offering top-quality service with 5G-based virtualization.

Extending that logic, network operators could design converged networks explicitly for enterprises to connect everything untethering all possibilities of connectivity on a real-time basis combined with customized applications addressing multiple use cases of the enterprises Operators should consider developing a virtual ‘intranet’ by building a private network, ensuring that end customers can realign their resources to focus on their core business without any worry of digital connectivity needs of the business.

There are a plethora of opportunities offered by 5G beyond high-speed wireless broadband, provided we prepare aptly. I am highlighting a few that the industry shall look forward to shifting business models in the times to come.

Once 5G kicks in, operators can offer customized services to end customers with the ability to slice networks while collaborating with global technology partners.

#1

Become platform provider instead of communication service provider: 5G will have a disruptive impact on the telecom industry, which pushes service providers to adopt new business models and monetization strategies. Operators will not only provide connectivity to consumers and enterprise users but allow a wide range of applications. An evolution to CSP shall be as Communication Platform-as-a-Service Providers (CPaaS). I believe that the key to success for CPaaS platforms should not be calculated by traffic, but by the number of communication platforms it can offer.

#2

Customized services to enterprises: A major share of the revenue from 5G will be contributed by enterprises beyond mobility consumers. Industry experts suggest enterprise services portfolio will improve by many bounds, once 5G kicks in. Operators can offer customized services to end customers with the ability to slice networks while collaborating with global technology partners to develop applications that end-users could plug into as a one-stop solution for multiple operational needs as demand arises. These premium applications and services at the convenience of customers’ fingertips will create an enhanced experience while enabling customer stickiness.

#3

Build an intelligent system to manage resources: While handling the virtual distribution of services of multiple platforms, CPaaS will require resource management via intelligent systems to ease out their operations as much as possible. The ongoing shifts in demand will need the implementation of a smart, automated software system that can not only deploy assets and resources dynamically but also predict needs ahead of time while realigning them for the future. Enabling systems and processes with advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence will be able to trigger the much-needed optimization for any virtual network.

Enabling systems and processes with advanced technologies like AI/ML will be able to trigger the much needed optimization for any virtual network.

5G promises to be a technological opportunity for enterprises and businesses, enabling them to go digital as never before. But for network operators moving to 5G means nothing less than opening new market opportunities, revolutionary and ways of doing business that was unimaginable until now.

Gupta is Regional Head – India, STL