Advancements in technology continue to occur rapidly, with new components and devices coming that are faster and more compact. Last week CERN physicists even discovered four new subatomic particles. As a tech-heavy sector, the telecommunications industry is of course paralleling this change.

From faster, farther- reaching network coverage to quarter-sized wearable technology—expect fast and widespread connectivity in the near future with these three telecom industry trends.

The Internet of Things

The desktop PC is slowly becoming a thing of the past. It’s no surprise with technology enabling simpler and easier internet access that physical platforms and devices – “things” – connecting to the web become more prevalent to support increased demand.  According to tdworld.com, it is a common assumption that “there will be an estimated 50 billion devices connected by 2020.”

With the increase in mobility and prevalence of wearable devices, smartphones, connected cars and smart homes, the way in which these devices are integrated into the Internet of Things is changing as well. According to Forbes, “expect manufacturing, transportation, utilities, retail, and hospitality to be big contributors to this rapidly emerging and complex ecosystem particularly in the enterprise space. Telecommunications companies will also find new opportunities for growth in the public sector, as ‘smart cities’ gain more traction.”

Increased Data Usage

With the increase in connected devices comes increases in data usage as well a higher demand for greater network coverage. Network carriers are implementing hybrid systems of coverage, which allow more network flexibility and help handle the high data demand. According to Craig Wigginton, Vice Chairman and US Telecommunications Leader, Deloitte & Touche LLP, “Wi-Fi usage will continue to be key, especially as carriers look to offload more mobile traffic onto broadband networks (especially fiber) as well as considerations around other spectrum efficiency technologies and potentially unlicensed spectrum solutions (i.e., LTE-U). Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) services will also be a key focus to help carriers rationalize networks and potentially offer improved and expanded services.”

In addition to synergistic coverage strategies, fast mobile networks will be arriving soon. Verizon recently “revealed the radio specifications for its 5G deployment with its vendor partners and has moved ahead of other US carriers in offering a common blueprint of its network infrastructure, processors and devices.”

Location Based Services

Advancement in location based services offer many industries solutions including advertising, workplace efficiency, and health. Forbes notes that “[wearable] devices can track the position of [employees] and provide real-time data to remote (or on-site) locations and data centers. Such information could then be used to track location, improve efficiency, and manage resources more effectively.”

The New York Power Authority utilized an exciting example of location based services after multiple incidents of marine craft unknowingly dropping anchors onto power transmission cables in Long Island Sound, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. The NYPA turned to Vesper Marine’s WatchMate Asset Protection to solve the problem by combining “virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology with an innovative cloud-based software program to monitor and analyze vessel traffic, and provide proactive alerts.” Essentially, this web-based service utilizes location based services to send alerts to vessels in the vicinity of transmission cables to prevent damage.

With new high tech applications, telecommunications will continue to change and develop in substantial and exciting ways.

Contact us, should you have any questions or would like to learn more about telecom industry trends.