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Future proofing your 5G strategyDan Hays, Principal, PwC Strategy&
PwC
5G deployment will likely be a long process…
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Source: PwC's US 5G mobile index, 2019
Near-term 5G deployment timeline
2018
Initial 5G fixed wireless access on MMwave
Initial 5G mobile networks begin limited coverage
Early 2019
Initial smartphone availabilityLate 2019
Expanded mobile coverage and device availability
2020
PwC
…and to date, 5G industry hype is outpacing rollout
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Source: PwC's US 5G mobile index, 2019. Jan. 1, 202 figures are projected.
PwC's US 5G mobile index
PwC
We recently surveyed MNOs to assess their 5G outlook
During Q2 of 2019, PwC’s Strategy& team interviewed leading operators in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
We focused specifically on network objectives and strategic investment areas for the next 3-5 years, was well as how operators plan to deploy 5G.
Interviewees were senior executives in Network, Procurement and Finance.
38%
46%
15%Procurement
Network strategy/planning
Finance
4
PwC
% of respondents using one or more of these 5G migration paths for RAN (multiple options possible)
33%
33%
100%
Densify by adding small cells
Densify by adding new macro/micro layer
Overlay of existing macro layer
Uncertainty of 5G plans is high
• The 5G business case is still unclear.
• All interviewees plan to deploy non-standalone (NSA) 5G.
• The use of massive multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) technology for increased capacity and coverage is most widely planned.
• Movement to standalone (SA) 5G is seen as happening starting in as little as 2-3 years.
• Small cells are not viewed as an investment priority due to a lack of cost-effective deployment and operating models.
5
PwC
% of respondents stating as a priority in the next 3-5 years
While 5G rollout is a top priority, it is not alone
• 5G rollout is a focus area for investment for almost all operators.
• Network virtualisation and 4G expansion are a secondary focus.
• Almost all interviewees have done partial or complete core virtualisation, or will be doing so in the next 2-3 years.
• The case for RAN virtualisation is seen as less clear due to technical challenges and unconfirmed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) benefits.
21%
50%
64%
79%
79%
93%
Others
IoT solutions
Cloud and data centres
4G expansion
Network virtualisation
5G rollout
6
PwC
% of respondents considering core or RAN virtualisation in the next 3-5 years
Virtualisation was widely cited as a key opportunity
• Consensus that network virtualisationis a priority for the next 3-5 years.
• Core virtualization is a consensus top priority.
• Divergence in views on whether there is an investment case for RAN virtualization due to:
• Technical challenges
• Unclear performance impact
• Lack of proven examples
• Unconfirmed savings
7%
33%
93%
67%
Core virtualisation
RAN virtualisation
ConsideringNot considering
7
PwC
What can be done to future-proof your 5G strategy?
Network operators
• New spectrum use models• Evolved backhaul approaches• Revised capital lifecycles• Segmented coverage• Greater network standardization• Big data based network planning• New deployment models• Optimization automation• New monetization strategies• Increased focus on enterprise
Enterprise and governments
• Early planning, timely action• Technology trials and partnerships• Experimentation with alternative pricing
structures• Focus on customer / user experiences• Development of new employee experiences• Large-scale automation• Prepare for data tsunami
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PwC
Want more? Visit pwc.com/us/5Gindex
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