Hype surrounding the ‘internet of things’ and smart city deployments remains robust, but how will next-gen networks be crafted to support services?
The telecom space is abuzz with forecasts and predictions surrounding the positive financial impact expected from the “internet of things” and smart city initiatives. With some expecting tens of billions of new devices soon to be connected via wired and wireless connections, the industry is indeed set for a significant change.
However, to meet that demand telecom networks will need to expand in both capacity and reach in order to connect the hype with reality. Traditional telecom operators are already adjusting their network plans in an attempt to meet that demand with a combination of expanding current “4G” LTE networks and pushing forward on “5G” technology plans.
In addition, new market entrants are looking to tap into more specialized technologies like low-powered wide-area network, ultra-narrow band and various permutations of the LTE standard.
While there appears to be some competition among the various network technology standards, many analysts feel it’s likely a number of different technologies and connection methods will be required in order to power these next-generation networks.
On this week’s Carrier Wrap we speak with Dan Hays, principal at PwC’s Strategy& Division, to discuss how next-generation mobile networks will enable IoT and smart city applications.
Make sure to check out our next Carrier Wrap where we speak with Mark Bartolomeo, VP of connected solutions and IoT at Verizon Communications on the carrier’s latest IoT moves.
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