Mobile network data traffic is projected to nearly triple by 2030, requiring a shift toward high-performing, programmable networks powered by openness and cloud technologies. This evolution enables service providers to offer performance based services rather than relying solely on data volume. Establishing a strong foundation for network evolution is essential for driving 5G business growth.
The year 2024 provided numerous technology trends shaping the future of nearly every industry. ABI Research analysts have been covering these developments for some time, and now it’s time to reflect upon our studies in our annual trends whitepaper. Before we dive into the list, here’s a statement from Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer:
Huawei’s annual Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2024 (MBBF 2024), held in Istanbul this year, showcased a wave of cutting-edge innovations. With Turkey gearing up for a 5G spectrum auction in 2025 and a large-scale rollout anticipated in 2026, Huawei leveraged this event to place its innovative technologies in the limelight.
When Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) migrate to 5G Standalone (SA), they usually follow a similar strategic path through Non-Standalone (NSA). However, there are various deployment tactics that can enhance efficiency and add value throughout the operator transition. These differences matter to operators as they seek cost-effective ways to evolve from legacy systems. In this vein, ABI Research highlights four key deployment tactics for getting the most value out of the transition to 5G SA.
Working in a competitive industry demands that you become a data-driven organization. As a technology solution provider, effectively leveraging data can unlock significant advantages, such as driving market expansion and fostering innovation. Unfortunately, all too many companies lack an analytical approach to decision-making.
Monetizing 5G further requires telcos to unlock novel applications that enterprises and consumers cannot get from legacy networks. For that, they need third-party developers, for both consumer and enterprise applications. However, developers must have seamless access to various network infrastructures to create these applications. This is why network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) play an essential role for telcos.
The year 2024 will mark the fourth one since 5G networks launched commercially, now well deployed in both developed and developing countries and representing a major advancement in user experience, energy efficiency, and network functionality, setting the stage for future technologies. Its introduction, particularly through Massive Multiple Input, Multiple Output (mMIMO), has greatly enhanced consumer applications, providing most users with high-speed, quality mobile broadband.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is perhaps the biggest technology trend of our time, with business leaders and investors rapidly seizing the opportunities it can present. ABI Research's latest report, Gen AI Telco Strategies, discusses the case for Gen AI in telecommunications.
Network automation tools are increasingly considered essential for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) as cloud-native networks become the norm. While digitally native 5G mobile networks accelerate digital transformation, they introduce more network processes, interfaces, and operations. This goes hand-in-hand with an increasing number of network parameters, processing algorithms, and the number of security alarms in both telco and enterprise networks. To help meet the greater demand for digital services, CSPs are adopting network automation software, which is a major corporate change for many organizations. Here are the top-five ranked network automation providers, according to ABI Research’s Cloud-Native Network Automation and Orchestration Software Market competitive assessment.