Network Transformation 2023
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Strategic agendas for sustainable, secure, open and profitable networks
The global rollout of 5G services is taking place in tandem with myriad new mobile network innovations and technology evolutions: cloudification of networks; edge compute and network slicing ecosystem development; the standardisation of non-terrestrial 5G; and the emergence of generative AI. The network transformation landscape is incredibly dynamic not only because of a need to meet evolving consumer and enterprise demands, but also because of spectrum constraints, energy consumption constraints and early discussions of 5G’s evolution towards 6G (with 5G-Advanced in the interim). To this end, 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.
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