Top 10: Telecommunications Technologies

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Mobile Magazine spotlights some of the leading technologies in the telecommunications sector
From AI, to 6G development, Mobile Magazine spotlights some of the leading technologies in the telecommunications sector

The mobile telecommunications sector continues to undergo a significant shift

As 2025 gets underway, more and more telcos are undergoing more frequent digital transformation projects, as they look for more ways to better serve their customers. Disruptive technologies make this more of a reality, with tools like AI and 5G promising faster network speeds and less downtime for business operations. 

There is a push for better regional connectivity too, as network operators seek to overcome internal challenges and ensure better capabilities for customers.

As technology becomes even more of a driving force for the global telecommunications sector, Mobile Magazine showcases some of the leading technology developments in the mobile sector.

10. Fibre network expansions

Fibre networks are being expanded

Fibre optic networks are being expanded to support the continually-increasing data demands of mobile networks. Fibre optics use light to transmit data at high speeds over long distances, making them ideal for backhauling data from cell towers to core networks. This developing infrastructure is essential for ensuring high-speed connectivity and supporting the growing number of connected devices and data centres.

Companies like Openreach have made it their mission to build full fibre nationwide by building fixed line broadband.

9. Network virtualisation

Network virtualisation and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) are transforming mobile networks

Network virtualisation and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) are transforming mobile networks by decoupling hardware from software. This enables more flexible and efficient network management. 

Likewise, network virtualisation involves creating virtual versions of network resources, such as servers and storage, while SDN separates the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralised network management. These technologies offer several benefits, including improved network agility, reduced operational costs and enhanced scalability. 

8. Mobile payment technology

Vodafone Fiji is partnering with fintechs and technology providers to boost connectivity

The mobile payments market is growing and is expected to grow from US$14.99bn (as of 2023) to US$23.65bn by 2030. Some of the factors that drive this growth include the increasing number of people using smartphones around the world and the popularity of online shopping and businesses adapting their payment systems to be compatible with mobile devices.

Organisations like Vodafone Fiji are partnering with fintechs and technology providers to boost connectivity, support digital inclusion and tackle financial crime. Some of the notable payment networks it partners with include the likes of Visa and MasterCard in order to boost its fintech offerings.

7. Edge computing 

Edge computing is a booming technology

Edge computing allows devices in remote locations to process data at the "edge" of the network, either by the device or a local server. It is a booming technology, 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 providers aim to bring data processing closer to the source to reduce latency and improve performance.

6. IoT

IoT use is rapidly growing

IoT use is rapidly growing, with adoption increasing in fields such as transportation, agriculture and smart city initiatives. Within the telco sector, it is now celebrated as a revolutionary technology that promises to provide unprecedented insights and enable smart applications.

From smart cities to intelligent homes, the potential benefits of IoT are indisputable. For instance, Huawei's 5.5G technology works to reduce power consumption in passive IoT by obtaining energy from the surrounding environment. The technology is designed to be deployed with 5G-Advanced networks, equipped with inter-site resource coordination and joint scheduling optimisation.

5. eSIM technology

An eSim is a virtual version of the Sim cards we usually have in our phones

eSIM technology has been touted as the future of mobile connectivity, as it stands to enable greater connectivity and eliminate the need for physical SIM cards. They allow users to switch easily between mobile operators and support multiple profiles on one device - although they still only work on compatible devices.

For example, 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.

4. Satellite technology

A satellite internet constellation is a group of artificial satellites that provide satellite internet service

A satellite is a self-contained communications system with the ability to receive signals from Earth and to retransmit those signals back with the use of a transponder. A satellite internet constellation is a group of artificial satellites that provide satellite internet service. 

These 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. 

3. Open RAN

Telcos believe Open RAN can increase innovation

Open RAN, or Open Radio Access Network, is a new approach to building mobile networks that allows for interoperability between equipment from different vendors. It is a new approach to building the mobile networks needed to connect smartphones and other devices to the internet.

Companies implement Open RAN to reduce network deployment costs and enable operators to mix equipment from multiple vendors. Leading telcos are eager to demonstrate that Open RAN can offer much needed diversity to the telecommunications supply chain and increase innovation.

2. AI developments

AI is revolutionising the telco sector

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. Whilst the technology 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.

Generative AI (Gen AI) is continuing to revolutionise the mobile industry. In addition to supporting infrastructure, Gen AI is able to provide detailed and robust data analytics features and modernise operations to improve the reliability of networks.

Gen AI can also help telcos personalise customer experience, anticipate needs and offer solutions before situations arise. They can also help to identify the root cause of network outages, which can lead to telcos gaining increased customer satisfaction.

1. The journey towards 6G

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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.

While 5G networks are still being rolled out, telcos are already starting to invest heavily in 6G research and development. Technology leader Huawei expects 6G to hit the market around 2030.


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