Juniper Research predicts telcos will secure ROI on 5G by that date
A report from Juniper Research predicts operators worldwide will generate revenues of $310 billion (€302 billion))this year. They will largely be due to mobile subscribers migrating to 5G networks and increasing adoption of embedded SIMs (eSIMs) in devices such as laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots.
By 2027, revenues will have more than doubled to $625 billion: Juniper forecasts that 5G will account for 80% of global operator-billed service revenue, meaning that telcos will be able to secure a return on investment (ROI) for their 5G networks.
Operators clawing back their investment on 5G from turbo boosted 4G, so to speak, is an interesting change to the usual narrative of how network slicing and low latency for B2B services are what will monetise 5G for operators. We’ve asked Juniper for further comment.
Growing use of eSIM is expected to result in cellular data traffic growing by more than 180% globally between 2023 and 2027, which will be offloaded from fixed and Wi-Fi networks onto 5G infrastructure.
Looking to 6G
As data volumes rise, so too will the need for technologies that are not yet part of 5G standards, according to Juniper.
For instance, non-terrestrial networks and sub-1THz frequency bands will be key to initial trials and tests of 6G networks to enable them to deliver increased data capabilities.
However, the cost of using satellites for NTNs and high-frequency spectrum, means it will take longer to achieve ROI on operators’ 6G investment. Juniper recommends they partner non-terrestrial connectivity specialists to lower 6G investment