Network Transformation 2022

Strategic agendas for 5G networks that are sustainable, secure, open and profitable

The global commercialisation of 5G continues to drive network transformation strategies and decisions, in support of evolving enterprise and consumer businesses. Now that 5G has matured, operators are also beginning to look at what comes next, including technologies beyond 5G such as 5G-Advanced and 6G. Meanwhile, new market demand is focusing on energy efficiency and network security. Operator decisions on network transformation strategies have never been more important.

Such decision-making is important to the operators themselves, their network infrastructure suppliers and the customers who will rely on the networks of tomorrow. Understanding mobile operator network transformation strategies is a critical foundation for comprehending the shape of the mobile industry – today and tomorrow. Our survey of 100 operators from around the world provides a basis for that, divided into key themes to answer the critical questions facing the mobile ecosystem.

The executive summary and survey details sections outline the most important data points for understanding operator network transformation, the questions asked and how GSMA Intelligence captured the information via its survey.

The network strategies and spending plans section examines the most important, overarching, network transformation priorities for operators and how these are reflected in investments.

The network supplier and technology priorities section considers how operator strategies are reflected in specific technology decisions, key customer demands, the adoption status of priority technologies and how new suppliers are being introduced.

The 5G era planning and requirements section identifies how the introduction of 5G impacts operator RAN and core network investments. It also explores the importance and deployment timing of standalone 5G.

The 5G-Advanced and 6G planning and requirements section analyses expectations around future networks, including expected features, timelines and vendor messaging efforts.