5G Technology Drives Global Wireless Expansion in 2024
The wireless telecommunications industry saw significant growth and technological advancements in early 2024, driven by 5G technology. Global 5G connections neared two billion, with North America leading the adoption, boasting 32% of all wireless connections and adding 22 million new connections. Latin America also saw growth in 4G LTE and 5G, with nine million new 5G connections. Omdia projects 7.7 billion global 5G connections by 2028. The Internet of Things (IoT) remains crucial, with IoT subscriptions forecasted to reach five billion by 2028. Currently, 316 commercial 5G networks exist worldwide, outpacing 4G LTE deployments.
Australian Telcos Halt Google Search Exclusivity Amid Competition Concerns
Telstra and Optus will not renew agreements with Google to pre-install Google Search as the default on their Android phones, following Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) concerns. These deals, active since 2017, involved revenue sharing from Google’s ads. The ACCC argued such practices hinder consumer choice and innovation. Both telcos pledged to avoid favoring Google’s search engine and to allow rival providers like Bing or DuckDuckGo as defaults. This move aligns with broader regulatory efforts to limit big tech’s market dominance, supported by the Australian government’s competition law reforms.
BT Tops UK Broadband Performance Rankings
A MedUX report on UK fixed broadband ranked BT, Sky, and Vodafone on service quality, with BT leading overall. BT excelled in network responsiveness, service reliability (99.88%), and Quality of Experience (4.59/5). Vodafone was noted for best meeting advertised speeds (86%). The study highlighted BT’s superior average download speeds (60 Mbps) and web browsing performance (99.92% success). Despite BT’s strong showing, Vodafone shared the lead in network responsiveness and streaming. MedUX emphasized the report’s significance for improving European connectivity. Another report revealed that UK alternative networks surpassed BT’s Openreach in fibre infrastructure rollout.
Upgrading IP Networks for Future Technologies: WBBA’s Recommendations
The World Broadband Association (WBBA) calls for IP network infrastructure upgrades to support 5.5G and 6G services. In their white paper, WBBA outlines the ‘Net5.5G framework,’ aiming for secure operations, reduced costs, and enhanced efficiency. Key recommendations include upgrading metro, core, and data center networks to 400 Gigabit Ethernet, and access networks to 10-Gbps. Essential technologies include IPv6, SRv6, and Wi-Fi 7. The report highlights the need for networks to support AI, extended reality, and other high-demand services expected by 2030, emphasizing high bandwidth, low latency, and intelligent operations.
