Explore the changing landscape in 2024

As we head into 2024, 5G success is on the agenda. This year will be the year that many service providers transition to standalone 5G networks in order to finally realize the benefits that have been touted for so long.

1. 5G roaming: Unleashing global connectivity

One of the most striking predictions for 2024 is the surge in 5G roaming. As deployments of 5G standalone networks continue to grow around the world, the need for seamless (inter)national connectivity is becoming increasingly evident. Through SEPP, high demand for 5G roaming trials is being experienced, many of which are ultimately leading to commercial launches, enabling the full benefits of 5G even across networks and borders. Communications operators, and especially IPX providers, will play a vital role in facilitating these advancements and enabling a global ecosystem for 5G roaming. This not only enhances the user experience, but also opens up new revenue opportunities for operators and enterprises who can capitalize on the growing demand for uninterrupted connectivity around the world.

2. IoT adoption: driving core network development

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to continue its rapid growth trend through 2024, driving demand for integrated core network solutions from IoT operators and global cellular connectivity solution providers. The challenge for these connectivity providers is to ensure they can continue to provide affordable and comprehensive connectivity for 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, while balancing high operating costs with relatively low profit margins.

As a result, connectivity providers will increasingly turn to integrated core network solutions that can not only run in the cloud but also facilitate support for both the next-generation and legacy networks that IoT applications will rely on.

3. Cloud adoption at the 5G core: transitioning to a hyperscale architecture

As the industry continues to move toward a more connected and virtualized future, the adoption of cloud technology for 5G core functions will accelerate. Communications operators will consider internal and external cloud deployment options, using multiple service providers (multi-cloud), such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc., not just to host 5G elements, but to fully transition key network functions from multiple generations to the cloud.

The move to a cloud-based 5G core infrastructure provides operators with greater scalability, flexibility and efficiency. However, it also brings challenges related to legacy support, security, interoperability and regulatory compliance. As the industry transforms, collaboration between communications operators, infrastructure vendors and cloud service providers is essential to address these challenges and ensure a smooth migration to a cloud-native architecture.

4. Rationalization: Simplify operations to improve efficiency

In pursuit of operational efficiencies and cost reductions, communications providers will continue to work to rationalize their networks in 2024. This involves the continued shutdown and replacement of legacy systems that are resource-intensive and poorly adapted to modern communications needs. The growing trend toward combined DRA and STP deployments in cloud-native architectures is a prime example by today’s standards, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024.

These types of rationalizations allow operators to simplify operations, reduce maintenance costs, and pave the way for the deployment of more advanced technologies. This shift toward a simpler infrastructure has proven to be critical for operators to remain competitive, meet changing customer expectations, and allocate resources for innovation and service improvements.

5. Security: Guiding principles will continue to exist

Focus on mobile network and service security will continue to make headlines. With increasing security concerns from users, standardization bodies and governments, communications operators will increase investment in the latest cross-technology solutions, with a focus on firewalls, device and user authentication through 2024.

As the threat landscape evolves, communications operators will become increasingly proactive in addressing vulnerabilities to protect user data and the integrity of the network. Implementing advanced security measures is not only a regulatory requirement, but is now widely recognized as a critical component to maintaining consumer trust.

In summary, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for the communications industry, marked by technological change, particularly 5G standalone networks, and with security as a guiding principle.