Peter Jarich, Head, GSMA Intelligence
What’s hot in networks for MWC24: From open RAN and 5G-Advanced to generative AI and API exposure
In a pre-CES LinkedIn post, I argued that, “in a very fundamental way, CES is an IoT event.” This isn’t a particularly controversial point. Whether you were focused on consumer or enterprise gadgets in Las Vegas in January, they were generally all connected devices. Similarly, MWC is “in a very fundamental way” a networks event.
To be fair, MWC is about more than networking gear. A lot more. It’s got devices and services. It’s got software, silicon and enterprise verticals. You might have even taken an extended reality rollercoaster ride at MWC last year. Yet, to the extent that mobile networks and network infrastructure drive the mobile ecosystem, you can always be sure that the latest and greatest network innovations will be on display in Barcelona.
Looking forward to MWC24, the question of what’s hot in networks is a matter of personal preference. Regardless, a handful of technologies will grab the headlines. And, as operators look to monetise their networks, plan for what’s next in 5G, and enable new use cases, understanding the shape of network innovation is more important than ever.
So, what do I expect to take centre stage?
Open RAN – Is this finally the year? The industry’s most comprehensive survey of mobile network decision-makers (conducted by GSMA Intelligence, naturally) signals that open RAN is at the top of operator technology agendas in 2024. With newfound support from mobile network infrastructure incumbents, momentum is on its side. Integration remains a cost/concern to be addressed, but expect a new push on RAN intelligent controller solutions being used to justify deployment pains.
5G-Advanced – Operators are eager for what’s next in 5G. Nine in 10 operators expect 6G R&D to be used to improve 5G networks. 5G-Advanced embodies that thinking. Kicking off with 3GPP Release 18, it won’t be long before we can expect commercial solutions once Release 18 specifications are finalised mid-year. That ensures we’ll see lots of 5G-Advanced at MWC24. And, with operators eager to drive new revenues and experiences, we’ll hopefully see it linked to service innovation and differentiation.
Generative AI – Democratising intelligence. At MWC23, generative AI was still something the mobile industry was getting up to speed on. A year later, the value of making generative AI – and AI, more generally – accessible to the masses is well understood. Less understood is the return on investment (RoI) story. Operators tell us that tech maturity remains their top deployment concern, but this is followed closely by unclear RoI. Look for MWC to provide more insight into that – ideally with real-world examples.
Open APIs – This time it’s different. Operators have been exposing network capabilities via APIs for some time; 70% claim they’re already doing so commercially. Last year’s Open Gateway launch at MWC23 brought new attention to the topic but with a critical focus on consistency – exposing a common set of APIs in a consistent way to drive scale. A year on, we’ve had market launches, solution launches and operator commitments. MWC24 will convey what’s next, including a deeper connection with developers.
The four Ss – Spectrum, security, sustainability and standalone. 5G-Advanced, generative AI and a renewed focus on APIs are relatively fresh topics. Open RAN isn’t even that old. That’s partly why they will garner lots of attention. Spectrum and security, however, have always been critical to mobile networks and services, while sustainability speaks to cost containment along with telcos’ leading role in net-zero commitments. And standalone? Progress has been slower than hoped, but as a critical component of 5G monetisation standalone is likely to be a big part of MWC24. None of this is new. All of it is important.
If you’ve been on a webinar with me lately, you might recognise the chart I’ve shared here. It tells an important story: for mobile operators, making money (via new services or delighting customers) is more important than saving money. Whether it’s open RAN or APIs, generative AI or 5G-Advanced, I hope to see that reflected in Barcelona. There’s a good story to tell, and MWC will be the place to tell it.
