A Glimpse into 2022 5G and AR in Telecommunication

The industry is bracing for major changes as 5G towers continue to pop up across the United States. Said to be up to ten times faster than 4G depending on the carrier, many people are looking forward to the improvements and efficiency 5G will bring to different aspects of connectivity.

Obviously, faster internet speeds will make the millions of people working from home since the pandemic happier and more efficient. Faster connectivity also means great things for the gaming industry, including faster download speeds for streaming and mobile gaming. Other industries will feel this transformation as well, including consumer electronics and smart home security, allowing security cameras to transfer data faster. However, the biggest benefit will be the introduction and acceleration of technological innovations reliant on faster connectivity in order to really take off.

For example, cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are all emerging innovations that will excel as 5G continues to roll out. Although these tools will become commonplace in the many industries telecoms facilitate, AR will become a common tool to reduce costs and time spent on projects in the field for telecom organizations specifically.

As telecom companies continue to focus on the expansion of their current offerings and services, their technology is becoming increasingly more advanced, requiring highly experienced technicians. Running a talent deficit, the industry is turning to smarter solutions like AR. Wearable smart glasses can allow field workers to collaborate with the appropriate consultants at the organization’s headquarters, using AR to overlay information, training docs and video in the worker’s field of view. Applications that AR can be used for include employee training, field service management, remote support and collaboration, record keeping and inventory.

For example, to ensure uninterrupted telecom service to end users, companies conduct regular equipment inspections. These inspections are time-consuming and expensive, which is why AR is being adopted to help alleviate these pain points, ultimately cutting travel costs and allowing advanced assistance when necessary. Additionally, remote collaboration tools enabled by AR wearables help support telecom organizations’ MRO for complex data centers. Remote expert assistance provides frontline technicians with the ability to diagnose critical equipment issues more efficiently while streamlining repairs. Limiting downtime of equipment such as servers, cooling systems, and various cable arrangements provide cost savings for telecom workforces and their end users.

Currently, the adoption of AR across many industries is being slowed by the lack of high-speed connectivity. 5G will resolve any hiccups holding this technology back, getting rid of lag and stalls and increasing latency. More widespread broadband will result in a larger coverage area as well, enabling less experienced workers to get in the  field faster while communicating with an experienced remote technician. Not to mention, wireless wearables will improve mobility as well, giving workers in more active industries like construction and healthcare the full range of motion they need to complete their tasks.  5G will also allow the transmission of 3D models such as high polygon count CAD and BIM model overlay with more stability as higher amounts of data can be transmitted quicker- this is massive for construction use cases.

5G will also establish larger connectivity networks, unifying platforms such as mobile devices, smart homes and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Eventually, this connectivity will also lead to a much broader web of digital connections known as the metaverse.

2022 Predictions

There is no question that the rollout of 5G will cause a global digital transformation like never before. As mentioned, we will start to see technology like AR begin to accelerate with the support of fast broadband connectivity. This will create a ripple effect across multiple industries, promoting the adoption of technology with telecoms at the center

Wireless and mobile tech, such as wearables, will also begin to take off as 5G expands coverage areas — enabling telecom workers and professionals across other industries to enjoy more freedom and widespread mobility.

As a direct result of these emerging technologies, we will also begin to see more money pour into the industry with venture capitalists turning their attention to telecom innovations. With new technology and companies popping up in such a fruitful industry, we will also begin to see partnerships form, consolidating the industry.

Overall, 5G will be the catalyst for the acceleration of advanced technologies across more industries than just telecoms, broadening what’s possible in this digital age with faster connectivity.

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