At last year’s Digital Transformation World (DTW) Copenhagen, TM Forum President and CEO Nik Willetts highlighted the telecom industry’s “crisis point,” noting stagnant revenues and halted progress in the very revolution it initiated. However, Willetts suggested that partnerships with hyperscalers could drive industry growth. Since then, significant changes have occurred, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence post-MWC Barcelona. As DTW returns next week, nearly 4,000 attendees, including Developing Telecoms, will gather at the Bella Center to explore key industry trends. Here are the major topics expected at the two-day event:
Growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains a dominant theme, especially with Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into the next iPhone, boosting AI’s momentum. At MWC Barcelona, AI and Generative AI (Gen AI) were the buzzwords as companies sought new growth avenues. According to IDC, the Asia-Pacific region will play a crucial role in driving AI innovation, with Gen AI hardware, software, and services expected to reach $26 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 95.4% from 2022 to 2027. AI spending in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa is also projected to grow at a five-year CAGR of 37%, reaching $7.2 billion by 2026.
The DTW agenda features 13 AI-focused sessions and roundtables on the first day alone. While AI’s potential is highly anticipated, its real-world impact remains to be seen.
Focus on Digital Transformation
Willetts’ call for change last year emphasized the need for a shift in mindsets, practices, and strategies, all pointing towards digital transformation. As the world approaches another technological revolution, the telecom sector must upgrade its operations to maintain its pioneering role. BSS/OSS providers have long advocated for digital transformation to modernize MNO operations. IDC predicts that digital transformation investments will reach $4 trillion by 2027, driven by AI and Gen AI, representing a CAGR of 16.2% between 2022 and 2027. These investments are expected to account for two-thirds of overall ICT spending in this period.
“Digital transformation is no longer a discretionary investment: companies that want to be competitive and win in the digital economy are leading the way,” said Angela Vacca, Senior Research Manager at IDC Data & Analytics Group.
5G
Deployed around 2018 in the US and other markets, 5G has yet to fulfill its promises of diversifying revenue and growth for operators. Despite its slow start, 5G is poised to support AI and digital transformations, meeting real-world demands from consumers and enterprises. Juniper Research predicts that operators will generate approximately $400 billion in service revenue from 5G networks in 2023, marking a 32% year-on-year increase. However, the firm warns that 5G penetration will saturate among consumers, necessitating the launch of 5G services that deliver value to enterprise IoT users. Key emerging technologies like 5G-Advanced and 5G RedCap are expected to attract high-spending IoT-driven companies.
Juniper Research also forecasts that over 360 million 5G IoT devices will connect to public networks by 2028, up from 35 million in 2024. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), also known as superfast mobile broadband, will be enhanced by 5G-Advanced and 5G RedCap, providing operators with network conditions similar to fixed network service providers, according to Sam Barker, VP of Telecoms Market Research at Juniper Research.
DTW 2024 Copenhagen promises to be a critical platform for discussing these transformative trends and their implications for the telecom industry.
