New findings indicate that the APAC region is set to lead the way in the next phase of mobile technology. The Global Mobile Suppliers Association has forecasted that APAC will spearhead the global rollout of 6G mobile networks in the coming years, with telecommunications operators in the region showcasing innovation and outpacing their counterparts in other regions.
Despite this, the popularity of 5G remains strong. GSA has reported that numerous 5G launches are scheduled to take place in the short to medium term, with many more companies in APAC expected to see commercial 5G deployment in the long run.
Research suggests that the global launch of 6G is set for 2030, with potential early launches as soon as 2029. Analysts believe that APAC operators will take the lead in rolling out 6G networks globally, with Ian Fogg noting that operators in the region are more innovative and aggressive compared to their European counterparts.
The APAC region is also experiencing a significant increase in 5G deployments, with GSA data indicating a rise in the number of 5G networks in the region. This trend is reflective of a global surge in the adoption and investment in 5G technology by mobile network operators.
Furthermore, APAC is declared a hotspot for 5G standalone networks, accounting for a substantial portion of global investments in this area. While the adoption of 5G standalone has been slower due to speed concerns, operators in the region are already discussing the launch of 5G-Advanced networks.
In addition to advancements in mobile technology, the APAC telecommunications market is witnessing a decline in LTE deployments as the focus shifts towards 5G. Private network deployments, particularly in the manufacturing sector, are on the rise in the region. However, there are low levels of 5G RedCap activity in APAC, with only a handful of operators investing in this newer addition to the 5G standards. Esperamos que otras capacidades de 5G RedCap entren en juego una vez que se implemente 5G-Advanced.
A medida que crece 5G, esperamos que vengan más apagones de redes
GSA concluyó diciendo que se estaba haciendo “progreso fuerte” hacia el retiro de las redes heredadas 2G y 3G a favor de las redes LTE y 5G más nuevas y eficientes. Hasta julio de 2024, APAC ha visto 24 operadores en 14 países completar la actividad de apagado de redes, incluidos 2degrees en Nueva Zelanda y KDDI en Japón.
“A medida que más consumidores se alejan de dispositivos heredados en Asia-Pacífico, y los operadores continúan actualizando sus redes, podemos esperar ver una mayor actividad de apagado dentro de la región en los próximos dos a cinco años”, dijo Cox.