6G, AI and edge computing are just some emerging technologies impacting telecommunications Mobile Magazine considers some of the leading emerging technologies in the telecommunications sector that seek to boost enterprise operations The mobile telecommunications sector continues to undergo a significant shift.
Digital transformation projects in particular are making businesses work hard to remain competitive and best support customers. With the advent of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G, each technology promises faster data speeds and lower latency within business operations.
Mobile Magazine therefore considers some of the leading emerging technologies within the telecommunications sector that are designed to enhance innovation and keep essential systems safe. We highlight which companies are using them, their applications and the opportunities and challenges they face whilst they seek to achieve widespread adoption.
While 5G networks are still being rolled out, Huawei is one example of a company already investing heavily in 6G research and development. Although the company is currently focusing on 5.5G, it envisions 6G networks achieving speeds of up to 1 Tbps, enabling applications like holographic communications, tactile internet and brain-computer interfaces. First investing in 6G in 2017, the company expects it to hit the market around 2030.
The potential impact of 6G is significant, as industry experts have predicted it could support one million devices per square kilometre, compared to the 1,000 devices supported by 5G. However, the development of 6G is facing technical challenges such as the development of new materials for high-frequency transmissions.
Despite 6G not being widely available any time soon, mobile companies are definitely racing to define a new standard of innovation in the sector.
Nokia harnesses AI to power ahead digital transformation efforts
AI is currently working to transform the telecommunications sector and is widely being used to optimise operations, improve customer experience and bolster insights for businesses.
For instance, Nokia is using AI technology to make its networks more secure and sustainable. AVA Open Analytics is a modern analytics framework that harnesses cloud-native AI and machine learning, in addition to a Data Mesh architecture to deliver real-time insights to users. The solution has already been deployed to several mobile operators globally, including Vodafone Turkey, and has significantly reduced network congestion and dropped call rates.
Whilst AI shows huge potential to enhance mobile networks moving forward, challenges such as data privacy concerns remain for businesses to navigate in this new era of technology.
Starlink aims to achieve global broadband coverage
A satelite internet constellation is a group of artificial satellites that provide satellite internet service. The constellations could help address lag issues in satellite communications and revolutionise telecommunications by providing internet access in areas where fibre and tower infrastructure cannot be deployed.
For instance, SpaceX subsidiary Starlink is designed to provide global broadband coverage using a constellation of low-orbit satellites. Having aimed to reach global coverage by 2024, Starlink currently provides coverage to 102 countries and has three million subscribers as of May 2024.
Whilst the project has great potential to improve connectivity in rural areas, there are current challenges in relation to space debris and astronomical interference that the company is seeking solutions for.
Vodafone is currently deploying Open RAN
Open RAN refers to a set of industry-wide standards that allow for interoperability between vendors' equipment and radio access networks (RANs). It is a new approach to building the mobile networks needed to connect smartphones and other devices to the internet.
Vodafone is a primary example of a company implementing Open RAN to reduce network deployment costs and enable operators to mix equipment from multiple vendors. The company is eager to demonstrate that Open RAN can offer much needed diversity to the telecommunications supply chain and increase innovation.
AT&T aims to use edge computing to improve performance
Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings enterprise applications closer to data sources. It is a booming sector, with the edge data centre market in particular expected to reach US$300bn by 2026, on account of technologies like generative AI (Gen AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) powering its growth. The technology is beneficial for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles (AVs) and automation.
Using edge computing, leading provider AT&T aims to bring data processing closer to the source to reduce latency and improve performance. The company partners with leading system integrators to enable applications and cloud service providers within a business to leverage multi-access edge computing.
Ericsson’s work on network slicing technology is to make it easier to deploy
Network slicing allows multiple networks to exist on the same physical network. Each network uses a different ‘slice’ of the same spectrum band and aims to provide greater flexibility. The technology is also vital for 5G networks to support a diverse range of applications that have different performance requirements.
Ericsson’s work on network slicing technology is to make it easier to deploy, allowing operators to create multiple virtual networks. Its Dynamic Network Slicing solution makes it possible to manage and assure end-to-end slice lifecycles and reduce the complexity of a 5G network as a result.
eSIM technology has been touted as the future of mobile connectivity, as it stands to revolutionise the landscape by enabling seamless connectivity and eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. An eSIM allows users to switch easily between mobile operators and support multiple profiles on one device - although they still only work on compatible devices.
Deutsche Telekom is working to expand its eSIM technology, which replaces physical SIM cards with embedded chips. During one of its rollouts, the company enabled remote eSIM activation for 50% of new mobile subscriptions and was able to streamline the onboarding process for customers.
Apple's satellite-to-mobile connectivity could save lives in remote areas
Satellite-to-Mobile connectivity is a technology that allows mobile phones to communicate with satellites, providing coverage in areas that don't have existing mobile coverage. It has already been celebrated for its ability to save lives and improve overall mobile safety.
In June 2024, tech giant Apple expanded its satellite connectivity for emergency SOS on some of its iPhone models. The technology allows users to send text messages to emergency services when they are outside of cellular coverage zones.
Apple is planning to expand this feature to more countries and offer broader options for cellular communication in the future.
Samsung is developing terahertz communication systems for ultra-high-speed data transfers
Terahertz (THz) communication is a wireless technology for communication networks that allows high-speed wireless extensions of optical fibres. It uses carrier frequencies between 0.1-10 THz and is considered to be the next frontier in wireless communications.
Currently, Samsung is developing terahertz communication systems for ultra-high-speed data transfers. The technology could enable near-instantaneous data transfer for applications such as video streaming and augmented reality (AR), but needs to overcome challenges in sending signals over longer distances.
Toshiba aimed to develop a quantum-secure network in the UK
Technologies like quantum cryptography are being developed as a future-proofing strategy to secure a broad range of industries from future threats. Within telecommunications, quantum can help secure networks by using quantum mechanics to create encryption keys and protect against cyber attacks.
Toshiba, in partnership with BT Group, have previously run a trial to secure a 6km fibre optic link to demonstrate its safeguarding potential, as part of a plan to develop a quantum-secure network in the UK.
Likewise, Samsung is also researching quantum-safe cryptography for mobile devices to protect against future threats.
