Mobile World Congress mobile video the future of connectivity
Connected homes, streaming devices and workplaces are poised to be radically transformed by the faster wireless networks and internet of things (IoT) connections which are set to triple between 2017 and 2025.
The GSMA revealed new research at the 2018 Mobile World Congress which forecast that IoT connections will reach 25 billion by 2025. To date, 23 mobile operators have commercially launched 41 Mobile IoT networks worldwide across using the NB-IoT and LTE-M standards.
The GSMA director general, Mats Granryd also highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a new area of innovation, fuelled by the availability of high-speed connectivity and the power of machine learning.
All these surges in new technology connectivity suggest the transformation to new ways of viewing of content.
At MWC, key players such as Sierra Wireless, Huawei, Ericsson, Dell, IBM, NEC and Intel demonstrated a range of applications in IoT, from smart cities and transport to smart agriculture, smart aviation, e-stadium, hospitality, healthcare robotic manufacturing and cloud VR.
GSMA Intelligence predicted that there will be 25bn connections to IoT globally in 2025. This will include 5.6bn connections in Europe, 5.8bn connections in North America, 1.3bn in Latin America, 1.4bn in Africa and the Middle East, and a huge 10.9bn in Asia-Pacific.
Key trends from MWC showed that vast amounts of video will be viewed on mobile devices, and to enable that the industry needs much more efficient delivery mechanisms. The trend is driving new technologies such as 5G into the implementation phase, as companies attempt to meet the demands of the modern viewer.
Huawei's 5G Core Solution won the 'Best Network Software Breakthrough'. Huawei's all-cloud 5G core network architecture is set to deliver fibre-like performance wirelessly to enable lag free IPTV throughout the home or office.
Another emerging global trend is the use of blockchain technology for broadcasters.
Analysts revealed that we are already starting to see blockchain regarded as a ledger of video rights, so that various industry players can easily view the rights for monetising a certain piece of video content in different territories.
In longer-term trends, blockchain could enable technology for ultra-local peer-to-peer distribution of content, allowing content to be distributed closer to the consumer whilst still having legitimately tracked usage rights.
CombiTel
Specialist IPTV systems integrator focusing on service providers and enterprises. CombiTel offers unmatched value to its clients based on its unique mix of skills and many years of experience in both Telecommunications and Broadcasting. We have a proven track record and happy customers in Australia and New Zealand.
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