Operators in Focus: Network Transformation Survey Dashboard 2023

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. GSMA Intelligence’s 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.

With filters for region, operator type, revenue bracket and number of subscribers, this interactive dashboard allows you to explore survey data across the following areas:

-Network strategies and spending plans – the most important network transformation priorities for operators and how these are reflected in investments.

-Network supplier and technology priorities – 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.

-5G era planning and requirements – how the introduction of 5G impacts operator RAN and core network investments, as well as the importance and deployment timing of standalone 5G.

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