INSIGHT 2|2019

24 | Prysmian Group I N S I G H T 5G isn’t just an extension of 3G and 4G. It combines cloud infrastructure, a virtualised network core, intelligent edge services and distributed computing. ‘The 5G Economy’ study from Qualcomm Technologies states that fifth-generation mobile networks will help a wide range of industries produce up to $12.3 trillion-worth of goods and services by 2035. By 2020, the 5G network is expected to support 50 billion connected devices and 212 billion connected sensors, while enabling access to 44 zettabytes (ZB) of data. Right now, we’re seeing the first generation of technologies that will become increasingly common in the near future: IoT, smart devices, cloud computing, self-driving cars, smart cities, industry 4.0, and more. All of which are highly dependent on 5G connectivity. And in turn, there can be no 5G without fibre. This was the main message highlighted during the second NExsT Telecoms Forum, entitled ‘Creating the Foundation of 5G and IoT’ and hosted in New York City by Prysmian Group . Some of the largest North American and worldwide telecom operators, independent associations, institutions and regulators took part in the event. The latest developments in smart cities, 5G, IoT, data centres and FTTx are set to change the world, so the meeting focused on related themes and topics such as: today’s main connectivity solutions; optical fibre and infrastructure issues; the types of technologies, business applications, policies and regulations that need to be developed; product and technology innovation; the digital divide, and more. “We are very glad to promote high-quality discussion with key industry stakeholders about 5G,” says Philippe Vanhille, Executive Vice President Telecom Business at Prysmian Group. “Building a dense and robust fibre network is a ‘must’ to support the developments in the infrastructure required by this upcoming technology. We’re therefore utilising our investments and our industrial and innovative capacities in order to bring the best solutions to enable this fibre rollout. This is particularly true in the US market, which is at the forefront of 5G technology.” The Group is supporting governments and telecom operators in developing new broadband networks and continuing to invest in optical fibre and cable capacity, as well as in new technologies and expertise. A key challenge will be building the foundation of something that will continue to evolve for years to come. According to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers, more than half the population in developed countries will require a capacity of 100-plus Mb/s by 2030. Without a ubiquitous fibre backbone, introducing 5G would make little sense. Optical fibre is the only available technology that can meet today’s bandwidth needs, whilst also providing future-proof broadband networks that support a large number of services we can’t even begin to imagine currently. FOCUS ON FIBRE OPTIC IS KEY TO5GDEPLOYMENT Philippe Vanhille , Senior Vice President Telecom Business at Prysmian Group 50 bn of connected devices supported by 2020