We decided to organize this event so we could engage in open discussion with our customers and share experiences and ideas. Prysmian Group operates in more than 50 countries and sells its products in over 75, so we’re in a good position to see the trends around the world. We are certainly aware that there are waves of new telecommunications technologies coming towards us: 5G, connected vehicles, smart buildings, IoT and so on. We see how this will affect the passive network layer which we provide, and also see the countless opportunities. These technologies are not completely defined yet, and will continue to evolve, but we do need to prepare the foundations. Even though this is like starting work on a building before seeing the architectural plans!

As the world becomes wireless, wireless is moving towards fibre. Realising economic growth and satisfying consumer demand largely depend on permanently available superfast, gigabit broadband connectivity– best delivered over a fixed optical network. There is a consensus emerging to the effect that only fibre can cater to 5G’s need for high speed, low latency, and reliability and the increasing need for download / upload symmetry. Some people are proposing radio and satellite technologies. That might work, but we don’t know for sure. However, we do know for certain that a dense fibre network will do the job for years to come. We feel it is our responsibility to make sure infrastructure won’t be a bottleneck for all of the new applications people want. That would be like having the world’s best car without anyone having thought about the roads. We invest heavily in R&D and manufacturing to ensure the infrastructure will be ready on time.

What sort of technology, business applications and regulations will need to be in place as 5G networks get up and running? These are issues we need to think about today. On the same day as our conference, US Verizon ‘switched on’ two 5G networks in parts of downtown Chicago and in Minneapolis. The company aims to roll this out to 30 other US cities in 2019.

There are many uncertainties related to new technologies. However, I think that anyone investing in a physical fibre network now must be very critical when it comes to quality. A good cable should last 25 years or more, even under harsh circumstances. If poor components are used, you may end up with too high operating costs, or may even have to re-install network components and cable. We all have to keep working together to make 5G happen and there will be no 5G without deep fibre networks. So we need to build this right – not take a ‘quick and  dirty’ approach, but instead build it to the highest quality standards so that it lasts. Let’s build as fast as we can - but let’s do it right.

It has been estimated that by 2021, global Internet users will reach 4.6 billion, equal to 58% of the world’s population, while networked devices and connections will reach 27.1 billion, the equivalent of 3.5 devices per person. Prysmian Group will continue steadfastly contributing to the debate about the foundation of the Gigabit Society, ensuring focus is maintained on the infrastructure needs that will ultimately satisfy the digital demands of worldwide citizens.