Special guest Alex Lawrence, Editor of 6G World, joins in to discuss 6G technology, telecoms regulation, and Ericsson's recent news. They debate the need for 6G, regulatory environments, and European regulation's impact on the telecom industry.
6G evolution focuses on gradual upgrades over revolutionary change for enhanced capabilities.
Balancing 6G development for societal benefits while exploring revenue generation for vendors and operators.
Technological advancements challenge traditional revenue models, emphasizing sustainability and industry innovation.
Concerns over potential geopolitical divides in telecom standards despite current unity in R&D and technology levels.
Deep dives
The Evolution of 6G Technology
The discussion revolves around the evolution of 6G technology and its potential impact. Emphasis is placed on the shift towards more software upgradeable solutions rather than a complete hardware overhaul. This approach suggests a more evolutionary path for 6G, focusing on enhancing capabilities and filling gaps rather than a revolutionary change.
Balancing Public Good and Industry Transformation
There is a balance observed between the public good perspective of 6G development and the industry's need for transformation. Governments and development communities focus on societal benefits, enhanced privacy, and security, while vendors and operators explore new capabilities that streamline operations and offer future-proof solutions.
Technological Innovations and Revenue Challenges
Technological advancements like massive MIMO and integrated sensing and communication bring forth new possibilities while challenging traditional revenue models for vendors and operators. The narrative shifts towards sustainability, manage privacy, and industry innovation intertwined with the need for monetization and cost-effective solutions.
Unified Connectivity and Commercial Opportunities
Efforts towards unified connectivity among diverse technologies like Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, and 5G showcase the potential for seamless integration and enhanced user experiences. Commercial challenges arise as operators seek ways to maximize revenue streams while adapting to evolving technological landscapes.
The Upcoming 6G World Event in Lapland and Its Significance
The podcast discusses an upcoming 6G event in Lapland scheduled for 9th to 11th April. The University of Oulu in Finland is hosting this event, aiming to explore advanced telecommunications concepts. Although the event is physical, there will also be an online option for attendees. The speakers touch on how the event location and activities are somewhat exotic compared to previous conferences.
Comparison of Network Spending Between American and European Operators
There is a comparison of network spending between American and European operators discussed in the podcast. The average spend per AT&T customer is around $50 monthly, while for Orange in France, it is approximately 19 euros. This discrepancy in spending highlights the higher profitability and scale of American operators compared to their European counterparts. The discussion delves into the financial challenges faced by European operators due to lower average revenue per user and capital expenditures.
Potential Concerns Regarding Geopolitical Divides in Telecom Standards
A potential concern regarding geopolitical divides in telecom standards is raised in the podcast. The conversation revolves around the likelihood of a split standard emerging between the American and Chinese spheres of influence. Despite political tensions, indications suggest that at the R&D and technology levels, there is no initiative or interest in establishing separate standards. However, the possibility of external factors influencing such decisions, like political interventions, remains a point of consideration.
The pod is delighted to welcome special guest Alex Lawrence, Editor of 6G World, for this week’s episode. Unsurprisingly, the spend the first half of the recording discussing 6G, including what it might be and whether or not we should even bother with it. Since 6G’s success may be determined a more helpful regulatory environment, they move on to the topic of telecoms regulation, before concluding with a review of Ericsson’s recent news.
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