Juniper Research shares MWC takeaways

Mobile World Congress 2023, held Feb. 27 to March 2, 2023 in Barcelona and hosted by GSMA, was widely praised by attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for original content spanning all aspects of global telecommunications. The world's largest connectivity event drew thousands of enthusiasts for four days of networking, exhibits, keynotes and vibrant panel discussions.

MWC speakers examined the role of satellite communications in communications and the IoT and the impact of Wi-Fi 7 and private 5G networks in business networks in the coming years. Juniper Research summarized commentary in a white paper, Takeaways from MWC 23 – Juniper Research's Insights into the Future of Connectivity, published March 3, 2023.

The following list shares several highlights from the report. Juniper Research:

1. Global 5G monetization: Forecasts private 5G network cells will increase from 37,600 in 2022 to 75,300 by 2023, with 94 percent growth in total private network spend. Researchers noted that operators demonstrate a healthy ROI to build a case for private 5G network investment.

2. Telecom profitability: Observed numerous new technology announcements at MWC, and advised prospective investors to vet best-in-class technologies by their ability to meet four objectives: 1) improve operational efficiency; 2) increase network resilience through AI and automation; 3) monetize network investment; and 4) reduce total cost of ownership.

3. Satellite-based connectivity: Noted that satellite connectivity's role in telecommunications in 2023 was a key theme at MWC. The launch of 5G satellites will provide connectivity in traditionally bypassed areas and rural zones where it is expensive to deploy terrestrial-based stations, researchers noted, adding they expect satellite provisioning to continue to fill communication gaps going forward.

4. Sustainable practices: Saw a need for sustainable practices in base station roll-outs, proposing the following three approaches: 1) greater network digitalization; 2) green energy through renewable sources, such as green SIMs, to mitigate environmental impacts and 3) advanced logistical technologies and methodologies to reduce supply chain carbon footprints.

5. eSIM growth in IoT sector: Expects the eSIM-only smartphone market to form a duopoly or triopoly, noting Apple is building on its launch of the eSIM-only iPhone 14 and Google and Samsung are in discussions with eSIM management platform providers. Researchers expect these activities to further drive eSIM competition and prime the market for growth.

6. User experience competition: Expects telecom market leaders to continue to invest in enhancing the customer experience through advanced technologies as networks and services become more virtualized. "The term 'customer experience' played a more prominent role in this year's MWC 23," researchers wrote, adding that customer experience orchestration is shifting success measurement to outcome-based models.

7. Private cellular networks: Expects to see increasing numbers of enterprises and industries investing in private 5G networks, largely due to their ability to provide new B2B revenue streams. With 5G Release 16 promoting low-latency use cases and higher interoperability that facilitates greater uptimes, researchers expect this trend to continue.

8. Wi-Fi network evolution: Pointed out that significant emphasis has been placed on the future of 5G. However, researchers stated, non-cellular technologies, such as Wi-Fi 7, will play a role in the 2023 connectivity landscape. Positioning Wi-Fi 7 as a complementary technology, they suggested it offers a cost-effective alternative for operators with limited budgets and could also be sold in subscription service models.

9. Edge-to-cloud computing: Found edge-to-cloud computing a prominent theme at MWC as growing enterprises look for data management solutions that can exist outside of siloed data centers and leverage AI and machine learning to support real-time decisioning. With Google and Microsoft announcing edge and cloud deployment products at MWC, researchers noted, these solutions underscore edge-to-computing viability and benefits.

10. OpenRAN architecture: Expects vRAN (Virtualized Radio Access Network) to accelerate operator adoption of OpenRAN architecture in 2023. OpenRAN has long been a topic of discussion in telecommunications and the O-RAN Alliance has formalized principles of network openness, researchers noted. With vRAN technology enabling OpenRAN architecture through open and flexible network design, they expect these virtual technologies to drive agile cellular network connectivity and new revenue streams that leverage existing 5G networks.

As digitization and virtualization continue to shape the future of mobile telecommunications, Juniper Research praised participants for innovative approaches to solving pain points and closing communication gaps, positioning 2023 as a defining year for global communications.

"As the widely renowned industry event, Mobile World Congress, or MWC, comes to a close, the technology and telecommunications industries now have a clearer picture of how the rest of 2023 will progress," researchers wrote, adding that innovations, areas of focus and new products will continue to shape product and service telecommunications portfolios.

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