24 February 2022

Aetha’s Marc Eschenburg moderated an expert panel session at the European 5G Conference that discussed future connectivity – and is available to watch now.

The ‘Thinking Point’ online session brought focus to the evolving connectivity landscape, the topics that will decide on what that future will bring and, what an evolving landscape might mean to the various stakeholders in this space. Opening the session Marc said: “Today’s discussion is all about understanding the future better, and this means we need to consider the networks, the demands and the services that will be part of this future. We also need to consider the effects of decisions we make today in shaping the future and staying ahead of the curve to put the required infrastructure in place that ensures we are all in the best possible situation in 10 years from now.”

The session featured a mix of live talk and pre-recorded presentations to account for the different time zones of the speakers. Discussion offered insights on a range of topics including: new spectrum bands; networks required to enable the metaverse; the importance of a technology-neutral approach and developing global standards; the infrastructure required to create a network of networks; and the challenges and opportunities of the next decade – read our overview below.

Expert opinions

The expert panel included: Guillaume Lebrun from Meta; Dr Branimir Stantchev, Head of Sector, Spectrum for Wireless Broadband, European Commission; Alexander Kuhn BNetzA, Chairman, CEPT CPG19; Eiman Mohyeldin, Chair of 6G Spectrum Team GSA; Simon Watts, GSOA (Global Satellite Operators Association); and Lorelien Hoet, Director of EU Government Affairs, Microsoft and there was a recorded presentation from Bruno Cendon Martin, Senior Director of Wireless Technologies at Meta.

5G and the metaverse

The scene was set by unpacking possibilities for 5G and the metaverse. Describing a future where people will move fluidly between three worlds – physical, augmented and virtual – our existing technology already offers enhanced presence for people communicating remotely both at home and at work. There is rapid development of virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse – the next generation of the internet – will deliver countless new use cases and revenue streams. This potential opportunity requires preparation in the shape of further development of new 5G capabilities and Wi-Fi highways through large numbers of 80 and 160 MHz channels to futureproof the spectrum.

European perspective

The question of what spectrum would be required to enable the vision of evolving connectivity invited responses from a number of perspectives. Spectrum policy aspects for the digital decade in the context of Europe’s 2030 Digital Decade framework were discussed in relation to spectrum demand and usage and the current rapid and disruptive technological changes which will enable a growing variety of services and applications. The opportunities of the next decade will see spectrum policy confronted with a need for a change of mindset and swift adaptation. Harmonisation and coordination of spectrum rules are required to foster a new ecosystem of devices and to prevent the cost that fragmentation could impose on investment and deployment.

Network of networks

The emergence of future new networks encompassing private and public networks linked to create a network of networks was described, and how these future possibilities might be built in a new structure and environment to include more flexible spectrum management. There is need to discuss how to change the environment to adapt it to 2030 and beyond, to enhance and facilitate a network of networks.

Vision of inclusivity

The contribution of satellite to the evolving connectivity landscape was highlighted –future networking brings possibilities of having multiple satellites in multiple orbits forming multiple constellations over multiple frequency bands. The dream and vision of inclusivity cannot be met without satellite – which is changing and evolving along with terrestrial networks to support further integration. Trust, billing models and control processes protocols will be the glue that binds all the elements making the future connectivity landscape.

Sharing spectrum

Technology trends will emerge as part of the new landscape of future connectivity and current research to support spectrum – including millimetre wave for 5G and low bands which will expand in the 6G space. Sustainability goals must be considered and realised, as well as the role of IoT to support the creation of a network of networks. Industry must continue towards realising the vision for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) 2030 and continued success to expand into new connectivity.

Global standards and a technology-neutral approach

Connectivity is the foundational layer for the cloud service offered by Microsoft. The already varied and increasingly diverse landscape will grow with the era of 6G, and include a greater role for virtualisation, AI and machine learning to control the complexity of emerging networks. With new operators in the space, services are becoming more hybrid and the roll-out of private 5G networks, and the presence of fibre, satellites and Wi-Fi are part of the connectivity mix. The need for global standards and a technology-neutral approach was emphasised.