Page 106 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2020

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

ARTICLE

5G+X: Revamped Business Model for Leading Consumer

Telecom Operators to a Healthy Market Cycle

Proliferation of 5G is only going to make
consumers rely more on connectivity and not
just simple connectivity but a connectivity

which is making newer experiences possible.
We call this “5G+X” model where 5G provides
low latency & high bandwidth connectivity and
“X” stands for new services which operators
can monetize.

During the last 12 months we saw multiple operators in Middle East
announcing commercial launches of 5G Networks. Initially these
5G launches were very much focused on fixed wireless access to
complement their Fibre Home broadband offerings as 5G provided
them with a capability to offer high speed broadband access to areas
with no fibre deployment. Now, we are reaching a point where 5G is
ready for more ubiquitous use by smartphone users. Many operators
in Middle East have already covered central business districts &
residential areas in key cities with 5G sites. 5G enabled smartphones
are being launched every month by popular handset vendors.
Compared to the same time last year when there were only a few costly
options of 5G smartphones, now consumers have over 20 options of
5G smartphones to choose from and that too at varied price points.
Cheapest 5G handsets are now available in Middle East for below 500
dollars. Anjian
President of Carrier Networks Business Group
One thing we must keep in view is that compared to the difference
between 2 earlier generations, 5G does not just mean more speed or Huawei Middle East
bandwidth than what 4G is providing. The change to be brought by 5G
is much more than that. 4G networks have their limitations as it cannot
support new experiences and the fast developing digital ecosystem.
5G, on the other hand is an enabler of a truly connected world with
countless new services and that means newer business models, new
revenue streams & more monetization opportunities for operators.

“5G+X”: Enabling New Revenue Streams for Operators
Past decade has made Mobile Data connectivity an essential part of
our lives. It is hard to think of a world where we are not constantly
connected. We consume content, attend online meetings and play
games on the go any time anywhere we want. Proliferation of 5G

106 JUNE-JULY 2020