The podcast delves into topics such as the accelerated shift to fiber optics in the telecom industry, Nokia's breakthrough in millimeter wave technology, challenges in deploying such tech, Google Cloud's distributed cloud offering, and the rise of hyperscalers like Google in telecom services.
Transition from copper to fiber optics is accelerating in the telecom industry, signaling a shift towards sustainable infrastructure.
COVID-19 has expedited digital transformation, leading to a surge in demand for high-speed broadband and cloud services for remote operations.
Improvements in millimeter wave technology, such as Nokia's breakthrough, provide viable high-bandwidth connectivity solutions, especially in challenging areas.
Deep dives
The Shift from Copper to Fiber in Telecoms
There is a noticeable shift in the telecom industry from focusing on the longevity of copper infrastructure to seeking ways to transition to fiber optics. Companies are now looking at how to phase out copper entirely and invest more in fiber technology. This shift represents a significant change in the approach towards infrastructure sustainability.
The Acceleration of Digital Transformation
The lockdowns and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated digital transformation initiatives across various industries. Businesses are increasingly moving towards digital solutions, with a notable increase in demand for high-speed broadband and cloud services to support remote work and digital operations.
Advancements in Fixed Wireless Access
Technological advancements in fixed wireless access, particularly in utilizing millimeter wave technology, offer promising solutions for providing high-bandwidth connectivity. Companies like Nokia have improved the propagation characteristics of millimeter wave, making it a viable option for areas where laying fiber optics is challenging or not feasible.
Integration of Hyperscalers into Telco Infrastructure
Hyperscale tech companies like Google are playing a significant role in the telecom sector by offering cloud services tailored for telcos. Google's distributed cloud solutions allow operators to host their network functions and IT workloads in Google's cloud infrastructure, potentially streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
Impact of Tech Companies on Telecom Equipment Market
The increasing dominance of tech giants in cloud services and infrastructure provisioning poses challenges for traditional telecom equipment vendors. Companies like Ericsson and Nokia may face pressures as hyperscale providers offer integrated software and hardware solutions and continue to expand their presence in the telecom ecosystem.
In this special episode, recorded on-site at Broadband World Forum 2021, the pod welcomes special guest Dario Talmesio, an Analyst at Omdia. They start by reflecting on the key talking points at the show, including an accelerated move towards fibre and digital transformation apparently catalysed by the pandemic, before moving on to Nokia’s claimed millimetre wave breakthrough and Google’s recent cloud announcements.
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