As new technologies and new uses for old technology emerge, the telecommunications space has never looked so exciting. At Partner Wholesale Networks we're staying focused on how these new technologies can help industries grow, thrive, innovate and disrupt the market. Recent global telecom industry reports estimate that in 2020 there were around 7.7 billion active mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide, an enormous rise from 3.3 billion just 5 years ago. Moreover, with the rapid increase in online video consumption, global IP traffic is forecast to grow to nearly 400 exabytes per month by 2022.
We couldn't write this article without mentioning the changes that took place to the working lives of Australians over the last 12 months with the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 was the catalyst for innovation for most industries, including telecom. Businesses of all sizes moved to almost their entire workforces moving online almost overnight and had to rely heavily on connectivity solutions to make remote working possible. Partner Wholesale Networks was proud to be able to rise to the challenge of meeting our customer needs and cementing its position among its peers during this trying phase even while we were moving our own staff in Melbourne remotely.
5G
The ever-growing demand for high-speed connectivity has accelerated the need for the next generation of networks. With the major Tier 1 carriers investing heavily in 5G infrastructure across Australia. 5G offers lower connectivity cost, greater speed to move more data, and low latency with enhanced user experience than the 4G network. 5G will accelerate innovation and transform multiple sectors across the globe.
Partner Wholesale Networks introduced wholesale 5G plans late last year and we're seeing significant extensions to the coverage available to customers across the major capital cities of Australia and the adoption of 5G, AI/Machine Learning, and Internet of Things in businesses of all sizes will see further transformation of the telecommunications industry over the next few years.
Remote Working
Unanticipated disruptions can occur at any time in business, but over the past 12 months businesses have discovered just how exposed they had previously been. Providing the technology and connectivity needed to allow staff to work effectively from home, over both the short and long term has become one of the greatest trials for nearly every industry, but the pandemic also showed business how important having a telecommunication partner with local support, when parts of the world were being locked down and unable to access stable communications from their homes. With a completely Australian-based support team, Partner Wholesale Networks were able to support their wholesale and retail telecommunications customers no matter what came their way.
DevOps
DevOps is not a new term in the telecom ecosystem. However, it’s becoming an important model as the telecom space is rapidly shifting towards virtualization platforms. By implementing virtual network functions (VNF), telecom operators are continually delivering new services and functionality. Now, the stability of the network should be preserved while accommodating these changes. Here is where DevOps comes into the picture and helps these disparate groups to operate efficiently in a synchronized way.
Being one of the top telecom trends, the efficient DevOps implementation can have benefits such as efficient control over the network, reduced CAPEX, elimination of manual configuration, network scalability and resilience, real-time orchestration of network resources, and reduced time to market for new apps, solutions, etc.
Internet of Things
2020 and constant changes to workforce density allowances tested the resilience of industries like manufacturing, mining and heavy industry, that heavily rely on the physical presence of employees. Those that have made the move to smart factories and 5G based IoT devices have fared well, even with staff numbers on site being significantly reduced.
As the year progresses more industries will lay the foundations of a future where not just devices interact, but a complex ever-connected network of people, processes, data, and things, boosted by the power of 5G, for example for example manufacturers using sensors for predictive maintenance and equipment monitoring to reduce downtime and costs from inefficiencies.
Intelligent Automation
Intellgent Automation has grown significantly over the past few years both in simplicity and accessibility to a wider range of businesses, but also the options available in the marketplace. As competition for the customer dollar increases, businesses are looking for ways to improve the customer experience and reduce costs. With smart telecommunication technology, businesses can simplify the handling of operational tasks across a range of use-cases. Intelligent Automation allows organisation to automate business processes by configuring software or hardware like robots. They not only slash the waiting period that is typical to traditional means of customer services but also ensures a dramatic cost cut and uncompromised customer experience.
Network Virtualization
Just like any other telco tech trends mentioned earlier, there is tremendous opportunity for businesses to reduce their telecommunication and network spend through the use of virtualisation. The introduction to network virtualization has transformed the telecommunication landscape by building software-centric network services. In this software-oriented approach, purpose-built hardware elements are replaced with software, which runs as a virtual machine.
As per a recent report, Network Function Virtualization (NFV) market is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 30% through 2021. By offering a range of technologies such as cloud communication, Partner Wholesale Networks has been able to dramatically cut costs and increase business agility for a range of business types.
nbn™
With the initial National Broadband Network build declared completed late in 2020, NBN Co put together their Corporate Plan 2021 highlights include;
- NBN Co’s highest peak wholesale speed tiers of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps1 available on demand to an estimated 75 per cent of homes and businesses on the fixed-line network by 20232, plus dedicated regional co-investment funding
- Investment in a range of initiatives to provide businesses across Australia with on-demand capability to support innovation, productivity and growth
- $4.5 billion network investment plan to be funded by private debt, which is forecast to create an additional 25,000 jobs in Australia
With the challenges faced by the telco industry in last years global pandemic it became evident that Australia must continue to invest in faster speeds, more reliable connectivity allowing a decentralised workforce. The demands created during the COVID-19 pandemic have allowed NBN Co to take advantage of the momentum and bring forward plans for the next stages of the network. NBN Co Chief Executive Officer Stephen Rue said:
“The National Broadband Network is the digital backbone of the nation. Now that we have completed the initial build, we will continue to invest in the nbn to be ready to meet the evolving needs of residential and business customers.
“With millions of people working and studying from home and thinking more about the download and upload speeds they need, demand for higher speed broadband services is growing. We are investing now and starting work immediately to meet this demand.
“Together, the initiatives outlined in this $4.5 billion network investment plan will have a real and positive impact on Australia’s retail and business telecommunications landscape and help lift the digital capability of the nation. With this plan we will support businesses, boost the competitiveness of regional areas, strengthen network performance and further enhance customer experience.
“With residential and business customers, and education and healthcare service providers more reliant on broadband than ever before, we believe the time is right to invest in the network capabilities that Australia will need in the years to come.
“Core to the success of this plan is to ensure that we continue to be customer-led in all we do, focussing on delivering great customer experience in collaboration with our retail partners, and ensuring we address the diverse needs of customers.
“The nbn network is a critical piece of Australia’s infrastructure, playing its part to drive the social and economic benefits that this country needs now, and in the future.”
For more information regarding the Corporate Plan 2021 visit https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/Initial-build-complete-NBNCo-announces-next-phase
The changes in the business landscape we have seen over the past 12 month presents an opportunity—and a need—for many businesses to build the competences previous lacking: to be more digital, data-driven, and in the cloud; to have more variable cost structures, agile operations and automation; to create stronger capabilities in e-commerce and security. Partner Wholesale Networks provides a complete telecommunication product ecosystem to help your customers face challenges and grow their businesses. If you would like to find out more about the benefits of partnering with us, contact Graeme Kelly on 1800 701 138
