The total number of global 5G connections is projected to reach 3.2 billion by 2026, up from 310 million, says a study by Juniper Research. Further, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region will account for over 60 per cent (or 2 billion) of these connections.
According to the study, in order to capitalise on the monetisation potential provided by this substantial rise in connections, operators will boost investment in standalone (SA) 5G networks to manage capacity in the future.
Furthermore, the study found that automated network orchestration tools will be a top priority for operators in monetising their 5G services.
Additionally, it stated that the average revenue per 5G smartphone connection will decline to $17 worldwide by 2026, down from $29 in 2021, having a major impact on operator income.
To compensate for the loss, the study suggests that operators should use orchestration tools to maintain the network’s maximum throughput and lowest latency for connections that demand it.
According to the report, network orchestration technologies, together with mmWave frequencies, will be a significant driver in building an ecosystem in the APAC region that would allow mobile users to use 5G networks for new mobile services.
