Building a 5G world we can all trust

Just four years after its debut, 5G has taken the world by storm, with 1.1 billion people now plugged in. By 2028, imagine a world where over half the planet is on 5G—that's 4.6 billion connections!

Have you ever wondered how 5G could reshape our world?

A PWC study from 2021 forecasts that 5G could add a whopping $330 billion to the global economy by 2030, just through smart utilities management alone.

But what does this all mean for you?

Think of 5G as a digital superhighway, enabling data to race across the globe at unprecedented speeds. It's not just about faster internet—it's about reimagining industries, from transport to smart cities, with drones and robots working smarter and more efficiently.

And the ripples of 5G will be felt everywhere, predicted to inject $2.2 trillion into the global economy by 2034.

As 5G spreads, it could lift global GDP, spark job creation, and unleash a wave of innovation. From the factory floor to the front door, 5G's impact will be far-reaching, driving down costs, ramping up quality, and opening doors to new opportunities.

But navigating the 5G challenges will be key to unlocking this potential.

Are you ready to step with us into this boldly connected future where every sector feels the power of 5G?

The five big challenges of the 5G era

This represents a fantastic opportunity for telcos. But with this opportunity come five major challenges.

5G – A virtual agile network

5G is not just faster than 4G – it's an entirely new type of network

Currently, most 5G 'non-standalone' deployments are built on existing 4G infrastructure. However, to unlock 5 G's full potential, the industry is making a new type of network. 

This 'standalone' 5G Core will be 'cloud-native.'

Its foundational technologies (Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networking) will turn many physical network components into software.

Virtualization brings new security risks. When a network resides in software, cross-contamination, and data leakage are dangerous

. Automation can also speed up the spread of bad decisions and malware. Malicious actors are waiting to take advantage of these flaws.

Another major challenge is identity. If there are tens of billions of machines on the network, how can we stop them from being compromised – and how can we trust the data they send?

5G networks

Customer relationships go digital

5G will accelerate the switch to digital customer relationships

Every industry is grappling with migrating from physical products and transactions to digital alternatives. Telcos are not immune to this. Many MNOs and CSPs still run 'analog' services. They on-board and upgrade customers in high street stores. They run customer care from call centers.

Telcos must explore virtual alternatives that provide delightful services to unphysically present customers. 

In every scenario, the key to success is data. MNOs should be able to look at digital interactions with the network to understand individual subscribers' behavior better. Armed with these insights, they can provide digital services that are genuinely personalized.

Digital Customer relationships

Massive roll-outs of connected objects become possible.

Previous cellular generations connected people - 5G will connect machines.

Ericsson says there will be more than 22 billion connected IoT devices by 2024. This is a huge opportunity for telcos. But it's not straightforward. Connecting cars and water meters is very different from connecting smartphones.

Most IoT devices are low-cost, small, limited in processing power, and battery-driven. They might be located in harsh environments and expected to run for decades. 

The nature of the network connection is another variable. Some devices require low bandwidth over short distances. Others need short bursts of high bandwidth over long-distance. These unique qualities demand a new approach to connectivity and security.

Connected Objects

Enterprises gain communications autonomy

5G will introduce private networks. It will give enterprises "communications autonomy."

In a 5G world, enterprises can run their own private network 'slices.' However, running an in-house network demands security competencies. It generates sensitive data, which must be encrypted at rest and in motion. Enterprises should make sure only authorized personnel can access this data. 

In the past, only verticals such as government, aviation, and defense considered these questions. But 5G and the IoT will change this. Smaller enterprises from a variety of sectors will come into the market. 

Telcos can help. They can be "security as a service" partners to these enterprises. But it won't be easy. Historically, MNOs focused on enabling security for smartphones. In the 5G world, they must extend this expertise across many device types and industry verticals.

Enterprise private networks

The data-driven network must be cyber-secured

5G will ramp up threats to cybersecurity and data privacy

Historically, the mobile industry has done a good job of deterring cyberattacks. But the confluence of the abovementioned factors – virtual 5G Core, private network slicing, IoT connections – will bring new threats.
5G is the first cellular generation to launch in the era of global cybercrime perpetrated by organized syndicates and even nation-states.

The virtual nature of the 5G network core gives these attackers new entry points. Virtualization means data is no longer stored centrally but at the edge.' 5G also exponentially increases the number of connected devices.

5G and Cybersecurity

What Thales brings to Telcos: Connect, Protect, Predict

Thales has a mission to build a 5G world we can all trust.

We do this through a range of products and services for Carrier Service Providers (CSP) benefits.
 

Navigating the 5G Era with Confidence

Thales is addressing the 5G challenges to ensure this shift is as smooth as possible, focusing on secure and reliable 5G connectivity.

The future of 5G brings immense potential for growth across various sectors, from smart utilities to autonomous tech.

Thales is at the forefront, providing essential mobile connectivity solutions to maintain this momentum responsibly. Thales aims to support a balanced and secure adoption of 5G as we move forward.

Ready to connect to this evolving network with ease?