There will be 280 million 5G subscriptions in Asia-Pacific by 2022, with 5G service revenue reaching $4.5 billion. Not a lot if viewed as just numbers but what one must start to watch is how these numbers are going to shift and transform the industry in the coming years. If compared to previous generations of networks, 5G’s significance lies in its capability to offer real-time end-to-end service offerings. Alongside the emergence of technologies such as internet of things (IoT), drones and smart devices, and with increased mobile phone uptake, 5G has been seen as a key enabler of all these by providing the infrastructure to carry large amounts of data, creating a smarter and more connected world and driving the digital economy.
For Asia-Pacific, a region that has one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world, the potential for 5G to transform the region and advance the development of smart cities is an exciting possibility set to become a reality soon. Asia-Pacific presents a unique setting for 5G – a populous region with fast growing, increasingly digital economies that have the desire for speed and connectivity. 5G will fundamentally change industries including transport, healthcare, communications and supply chains. Faster internet speeds at more cost-effective pricing per gigabyte could enable new business models and contribute towards economic growth and digital economy transformation.
For businesses, this presents new monetisation opportunities – at 1,000 times faster than 4G, 5G could deliver smooth HD content in seconds and redefine audience engagement with real-time targeting. For consumers, 5G technology could mean a real perceptible difference over 4G technology. By providing the processing capability and ultra-low latency required for the consumer to fully experience a service offering, 5G could change the face of AR/VR, as well as gaming in the most fundamental way, particularly in Southeast Asia that is home to a booming e-sports and gaming industry. A fully connected world could also be made possible where a massive number of devices can be connected simultaneously, enabled by 5G. The capability of 5G networks to manage large quantities of data at high speeds will help realise the full potential of IoT, in smart sensors, wearables, and other devices.
Countries like China, South Korea and Japan are in the process of rolling out 5G across their cities, with other countries across Asia-Pacific expressing keen interest in doing so. However, successful 5G implementation within each country is an open question. While countries such as China are well placed to develop and implement 5G, for developing countries this could prove to be a challenge, where demand for 5G services is finite or limited. Although it is possible for developing nations to leap-frog to 5G, a key question to consider is the need for 5G within and beyond government-driven initiatives, particularly given that costs remain a limiting factor and that mobile network operators are assessing the capabilities of 4G before deciding to invest in 5G to supplement it.
Getting everyone on board 5G initiatives could prove to be a hurdle too. Although 5G is fast gaining momentum, businesses are yet to see the immediate need for 5G until its full benefits and opportunities for monetisation become apparent. This could delay integration of 5G into solutions and service offerings. Similarly, consumers still hold a “wait-and-see” approach until 5G-enabled devices and solutions are able to transform their lives in an impactful way – such as the use of cost-effective wearables, for example, an augmented reality helmet used by a blind person for safe navigation in real time or sensor-triggered braces that aid mobility in disabled people.
Despite the hurdles, early developments in 5G are already revealing new, exciting opportunities that are proving 5G’s potential in various use scenarios and allow us to go truly “wireless”. Mobile network operators play a crucial role in its successful implementation. However, it is necessary for them to understand the need and, therefore, demand for 5G and focus on industries that can bring them the best returns, especially in developing countries. In line with this, support from governments and working with other stakeholders within the ecosystem will be crucial to pushing 5G in their markets.
In the future, the possibility of a mobile network that is seamless, converged and offering end-to-end services at the right price points could be a reality. Along with this, the leading edge use of artificial intelligence to drive safe and secure real-time service offerings could also become a real possibility. The dream of an ultra-connected, efficient society is already in the making, and if a smarter and more connected world is the future, then 5G could be the highway to get us there.
Quah Mei Lee Industry Principal Frost & Sullivan
Quah Mei Lee is an Industry Principal with the Frost & Sullivan ICT practice. She leads Mobile and Wireless Research for Asia-Pacific. Her area of expertise lies in telecom and payments strategy and she has completed several key strategy projects for leading mobile network operators in the region. Supported by her expert team, she drives thought leadership in telecom and payments strategy and mobile digital services research.
Prior to joining Frost & Sullivan, Mei Lee worked with and within leading telecommunications network operators (fixed/mobile/Wi-Max) in Asia-Pacific and has faced corporate decision-makers for the past 11 years. Her last assignment was as a Senior Manager in Corporate Planning at YTL Communications. She brings with her considerable knowledge and experience in corporate strategy and planning, strategic business development as well as planning and successful execution of new services, technology and regulation. Mei Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Surrey in the UK where she focused on telecommunications. She also holds two master‘s degrees in satellite engineering and management from the University of Surrey in the UK and the University of Malaya in Malaysia respectively. She is fluent in English and Malay.
