Dario Talmesio
Research Director, Service Provider Strategy & Regulation, Omdia
Research powerhouse Omdia examine the key developments that will shape the state of 5G in 2021.
The year of COVID-19 did not negatively impact the growth of commercial 5G
Despite the COVID-induced interruptions in the first half of 2020, 5G preparations and deployment continued in earnest in the second half of the year and now the market – vendors, service providers and OEMs included – are ready to bring 5G to the masses of users. Indeed, according to the “2021 5G Trends to Watch” report by technology, research and consulting firm Omdia, a total of 108 5G networks went live in 2020, with more than double that number expected this year.
5G will be mass market before too long
The arrival of Apple’s first 5G devices marked the tipping point of global consumer readiness, now extending from the early adopters in Asian markets. As such, with 533m users, 272 live network and smartphone prices reaching mid-market affordability levels in 2021, it won’t be too long before 5G becomes a must have for consumer and enterprises alike. This is compounded by the fact that global smartphone shipments jumped 24% in Q1 2021, indicating a return to normal for the smartphone market and pent-up demand for 5G from consumers [Telecoms.com].
5G is ready for the masses, but there is more to be done to turn 5G into a transformative technology of consumers and enterprises.
The ecosystem is not yet prepared for industry’s demands of 5G
But consumer business is just one aspect, and perhaps the least exciting, of the diverse possibilities of 5G. Indeed, as the Omdia report explores, 2021 will be a year of intense preparation, but will see only some early commercialisation of 5G for industries and enterprises.
These sophisticated users will require equally sophisticated networks, that only 5G standalone with 5G core will bring to market. With 71% of CSPs wanting to launch 5GSA by 2023, it seems there might be a few years to wait until enterprise buyers are ready to fully invest in edge and 5G.
What next?
“5G is ready for the masses, but there is more to be done to turn 5G into a transformative technology of consumers and enterprises. More than half of enterprises still looking for a profitable business case while 70% of consumers think that 5G is just more of the same, just faster”. – Dario Talmesio, Research Director, Service Provider
Access the executive summary of the “2021 Trends to Watch: 5G Report” to discover the key developments that will shape the state of 5G this year by clicking HERE.
This exclusive summary outlines the key messages for 5G in 2021 and beyond, as well as highlighting specific business-critical recommendations for service providers, vendors, enterprises and government and regulators.
Omdia will also be present at 5G World, which returns in 2021 as a hybrid event! Bringing the ecosystem physically back together to share insights, join discussions and network with leaders from across the industry. With a digital version of the show alongside the event, you will have more opportunities than ever before to connect and inspire 5G innovations, in-person or online. You can click HERE to register for free.
References
“2021 Trends to Watch: 5G Report” https://omdia.tech.informa.com/OM013087/2021-Trends-to-Watch-5G
Global smartphone shipments jump 24% in Q1 2021: https://telecoms.com/509420/global-smartphone-shipments-jump-24-in-q1-2021/