The three technology layers for making ubiquitous connectivity a reality
The three technology layers for making ubiquitous connectivity a reality
As we consider where we are headed as an industry and why, it’s important to note that this year is an inflection point, as we quickly advance into the post-Covid realignment phase.
Every February, I find myself doing a bit of reflecting. That’s because it’s time for Mobile World Congress, the industry’s biggest event, and a unique opportunity for us to share and discuss the full breadth of compelling innovations that our industry has to offer.
But MWC for me is not just about networks, devices, and services. It’s about thought and market leaders coming together to shape the purpose, vision, and direction that ultimately connects the world.
Taking stock of post-Covid realignment
As we consider where we are headed as an industry and why, it’s important to note that this year is an inflection point, as we quickly advance into the post-Covid realignment phase.
This is very important as it has a profound impact on how service providers will be crafting their strategies for the quarters and years ahead.
It goes without saying that Covid turned our world upside down – how we work, communicate, consume content, receive healthcare, learn, and so much more. But today we have reached a certain level of equilibrium as we seek to embrace the new norm, while challenging the status quo.
Our shared vision of ubiquitous connectivity is the catalyst of democratizing broadband connectivity into the far reaches of the globe.
This, ultimately, changes everything – driving innovation, changing standards of living, and making the world a more equitable place.
The service provider’s mandate
No matter who they are or where they are, whether they’re at home on the farm in Southern Europe, in a café in Manila, or in the office in Dallas, connectivity is the ‘red thread’ that bring us all together.
Imagine going through all those Covid lockdowns without connectivity. The world as we know it would have come to a grinding halt. It’s the only reason why our society managed to continue to function, produce, communicate, engage, and experience during those difficult days of social distancing.
Connectivity is so important that today it’s overwhelmingly considered to be a basic human need, right alongside electricity and running water. In fact, a whopping 84% of respondents noted as such, in an Amdocs survey of US consumers.
And we, as an industry, continue to invest in fiber, 5G and the next generation of WiFi to ensure that the complexity of seamless access is abstracted from the consumer.
"No matter who they are or where they are, connectivity is the ‘red thread’ that bring us all together. But ubiquitous connectivity is still a work in progress"
The 3 layers
Ubiquitous connectivity is still a work in progress. And at MWC this year we’re going to see a lot about the key technologies that are poised to bring the vision to life.
- The first technology layer is the network – from fiber as the 5G enabler, to fixed wireless, and the new WiFi standards.
- The next layer is the device, specifically eSIM devices, which fuel the powerful uses cases of our connected society, including Industry 4.0, smart cities, telesurgery, the virtual workspace, connected cars, and so much more can now easily be connected, updated and transported with the press of a button.
- The third is cloud, edge and generative AI. The combination ends up being a game changer that drives innovation and accelerates outcomes in a timeframe that history has never seen before.
When we bring together the components of each of the three layers, we are enabling seamless and reliable access to anyone anywhere and helping to bridge the digital divide. And we are also democratizing connectivity that accelerates innovation.
For example, I recently met a startup in Vietnam that is using the same full stack to develop a solution that developers sitting in silicon valley are using; this is technology democratization brought to life.
The Promise of the Future
When connectivity is ubiquitous, the opportunities for consumers, businesses, and service providers are endless. That’s why I can’t wait for MWC, to see, hear, and show how we’re getting ever closer to what our industry is all about today – accelerating the realization of ubiquitous connectivity, and supercharging it with technology such as generative AI, cloud and eSIM.
At Amdocs, we are deeply committed to realizing the ubiquitous connectivity vision. Beginning with a company-wide generative AI foundation, we are there to address needs at every layer from next generation networks to eSIM devices, cloud scalability to low-latency edge computing, and beyond. And we support service providers every step of the way – from using generative AI to improve customer experiences and optimize operations, to planning and deploying networks, to monetizing new services, to ensuring service delivery, and so much more.
If you want to hear more about how service providers can accelerate ubiquitous connectivity, I invite you to join me at the panel discussion, on how 5G, edge computing, and AI are unlocking astonishing possibilities, at MWC, on February 28th, at 11:00-11:45, on Stage A. See you there!
