Exploring the metaverse and the digital future

The metaverse is typically conceptualised as a network of immersive digital environments where people can interact, game, work and shop, often through virtual reality (VR) headsets connected to mobile broadband. Across the world, there is significant hype and investment among tech and financial communities, which has led to massive market value projections. Hints of the metaverse are already reflected in some existing applications such as Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite, which could provide a springboard for the scaled fusion of virtual experiences that has been envisaged. Now, Meta, Microsoft, Qualcomm and other firms in the tech ecosystem are betting big on the metaverse and its potential to characterise the next chapter of the internet.

An increasing number of mobile operators have also set out on their metaverse journeys, which will often see them leveraging the advanced capabilities of 5G networks (plus edge compute and slicing technologies) to capture value from new platforms and services. Myriad potential use cases are foreseen as the metaverse unlocks access to new creative, social and economic opportunities. However, there are multiple barriers to the development of a thriving metaverse that works for everyone, including challenges relating to data privacy, cybersecurity, false information and online safety. Appropriate policymaking will be needed to help turn metaverse ambitions into reality while protecting users from harm.