The radio access network (RAN) equipment market experienced a significant downturn last year, as highlighted by recent reports from Omdia and Dell’Oro. These reports, drawing from detailed market analysis, reveal a challenging period for the industry, with global RAN revenues dropping by 11% to just over $40 billion.
The cellular Internet of Things (IoT) market is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to the advancements in eSIM technology, as highlighted in recent research conducted by Omdia. The adoption of eSIM is expected to skyrocket, driven by the GSMA SGP.31/32 specifications, offering unprecedented efficiency, flexibility, and choice to enterprises across the globe.
Alternate network operators, the so-called ‘altnets’, are on the cusp of revolutionizing digital infrastructure with their subscriber-tailored fibre networks. Brand trust and consistency are crucial in this venture, eyeing lifelong monetization rather than mere reach. This extends beyond merely providing a network ‘highway’, enhancing user experiences. While speed and pricing have been traditional differentiators, custom in-home experiences are now taking the spotlight.
The future of high-quality broadband access hinges on fiber investment, with interest spanning government, media, and network operators. Its value is in optimization, sustainability, and compatibility with the future. This technology could reshape industries, from education to smart city initiatives. The European Commission’s ambitious Digital Deco 2030, aiming to extend gigabit services to its entire populace by 2030, reflects global recognition of broadband’s potential in economic growth. Nevertheless, the disparity in gigabit-digital access remains a concern, prompting a focus on all-optical fiber networks. This reality becomes evident with Omdia’s Fiber Development Index (FDI), offering a diverse range of fiber investment metrics.
As 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) evolves with its next phase, 5G Advanced, worldwide research indicates growth and potential for higher speeds and reduced latency. The Middle East currently showcases impressive progress with over 1.6 million 5G FWA users. Yet, debates exist over its future, exploring whether 5G FWA will remain an affordable alternative to fixed broadband or tap into its speed for new applications. Moreover, cost is a concern for Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices, considered a current hurdle in advancing 5G FWA.
Nokia’s 25G PON solutions are boosting Google Fiber’s bold venture into establishing a 20-Gbps service, though the full potential of such capacity remains untapped. However, Google Fiber, focusing on the future, views this as a crucial step towards achieving 100-Gbps services and beyond. Yet, does the necessity of such impressive speeds linger in doubt, or are these advancements setting a thrilling precedent in the field of telecommunications?
In a robust move, Nokia is set to enhance 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) with the unveiling of FastMile, two innovative solutions aimed at boosting indoor and outdoor coverage. This stride could revolutionize the industry, especially when considering wall attenuation effects on network capacity. FastMile’s outdoor solution cleverly sidesteps signal loss due to wall materials, while an intuitive mobile app assists users in determining the best placement for their receivers—shaping a route towards an optimal user experience in telecommunications.
The Ultra-Broadband Forum 2023 has seen industry leaders propose the revolutionary 10 Gbps City Initiative, aiming to construct digitally transformative and ultra-connected cities. Beyond being a mere term, the 10 Gbps City represents a significant shift in infrastructural development. This ambitious project hints at the power of telecommunications transformation, driving the digital economy to unexplored territories. Governments hold the key role in accelerating these changes, as they can bridge digital divides and facilitate universal digital services.
China’s immense 5G market pulses with new additions, logging nearly 17 million subscribers in August as migrations to advanced telecommunications networks grow. Still, this uptake signifies a dampening speed, attributed to the top trio: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, seeing a fall in new users compared to prior months. Abstract figures of network utilization and the quality of reception, however, leave much to be unraveled. The niche player, China Broadnet, despite a recent debut, experiences stiff competition, highlighting the difficulty of penetration amidst dominant forces.
Nokia’s revamped home wifi software suite, now known as Corteca, promises to revolutionize in-home connectivity management and user experience. This holistic solution boasts advanced features like Corteca Cloud for network management and Corteca Device Software for device administration. More intriguing is the upcoming Corteca Marketplace, offering ‘try-before-you-buy’ applications, potentially opening new revenue horizons. Despite the anticipation, the question remains – will this alleviate users’ connectivity woes and truly enhance their in-home broadband experience? Stay tuned as the story unfolds.
