TECHNICAL
Since then, Juniper Research forecasts that the global number of 5G subscribers has increased by 60%, with connections nearing 1.6 billion by the end of 2023. This increase in 5G connections improves the value proposition of 5G satellite- based services, as these services will provide competition to private networks, IoT and mobile broadband for cellular communications. Through the development of R-17, from the 3GPP, satellites will play a critical role in the development of 5G networks in 2024. This will be achieved by providing coverage in underserved areas, and improving both network performance and capacity. The benefits of satellite-based connectivity include increased network coverage, enhanced support of backhaul infrastructure, rising network capacity and throughput, and growing network resilience through the addition layer of network redundancy. Specifically, Juniper Research forecasts that there will be over 300,000 connections accessing 5G satellite networks in 2024 with regions such as North America, West Europe and Far East & China accounting for approximately 80% of all major satellites in operation today; totalling over 8,000 satellites. Additionally, these regions also contain the headquarters of many of the leading SNOs, including Starlink, Intelsat, Inmarsat and Sateliot.
About the Trends The following trends are presented in the order of number 1 being most impactful, to number 10 being the least impactful. Fundamentally, we consider the top 5 trends to be the most significant over the next year, but all 10 will have major repercussions across the ecosystem. If you want more information about the markets being discussed, you can find links to appropriate resources, including complimentary whitepapers, at the end of this document. You can also contact us via email at info@juniperresearch.com, where we can answer any questions you may have. Satellite Launches to Accelerate in 2024, Integrating Terrestrial & Non-terrestrial Cellular Networks In the 2022 edition of this whitepaper, we predicted that there would be a significant increase in the number of satellites launched in 2023; however, their impact would be hindered by the predicted economic downturn. With this, Juniper Research anticipated that satellite-based 5G networks would not provide an immediate return on investment for both operators and service providers, as the cost of launching these networks would not be immediately reciprocated through the number of 5G-capable subscribers.
n Open APIs n Cross-platform Interoperability n Network-wide AI Implementation AI Disruption AI is having positive impacts across many verticals, and the telecoms market is no exception. Many stakeholders, including operations, communications platforms and messaging vendors, will leverage advances in AI to create new network efficiencies. Additionally, the rise of generative AI – a technology so emergent, it remains largely misunderstood amongst enterprises – will play a key role in differentiating CPaaS services over 2024. n Generative AI n Large Language Models n Network-wide AI Implementation
Innovative Sustainability
Over the next year, operators will be tasked with launching a wealth of new services, as well as preparing for the development of 6G networks. Sustainability must be at the forefront of decision-making processes, including network operations and the carbon footprint relating to the roll-out of 6G
network infrastructure. n iSIM Proliferation n Sustainable Supply Chains
Figure 1: Juniper Research’s 4 Telco Themes for 2024
MARCH 2024 Volume 46 No.1
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