Hyperconnectivity

Key Takeaway:

In 2023, the structural forces of technological progress are moving us all towards more connectivity, both cost-efficient and reliable. The rapid expansion of 5G coverage, cheaper 5G smartphones, and interconnected IoT devices are expected to drive user adoption while tightening cyber security control.

Trend Type: Technology

Sub-trends: 5G cheap smartphones, 5G standalone networks, Wireless-Value Realization, Hyper-connectivity & cyber-resilience

April, 2023 • Less than 4 min read

Economic and geopolitical dynamics are pushing globalization into retreat and propelling the fragmentation of cyberspace alongside competing political blocs. However, the structural forces of technological progress are moving towards more connectivity, not less. According to Statista, in 2023,15 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), which is expected to double by 2030. A principal driver of this trend will be the rapid expansion of 5G coverage in 2023, allowing devices to communicate faster and improve their overall performance. The coming migration to 5G standalone core networks is expected to allow for increased device density, reliability, and latency, opening the door to advanced enterprise applications that create revenue opportunities for both Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and their enterprise customers. Deloitte Global expects the number of MNOs investing in 5G SA networks—with trials, planned deployments, or actual rollouts—to double from more than 100 operators in 2022 to at least 200 by the end of 2023.
Regarding smartphones, Deloitte Global predicts that 2023 will launch the 5G devices retailing at US$99 or equivalent in other currencies. These phones will likely represent a minimal share of 2023 smartphone sales. Still, they will eventually make 5G accessible to almost all consumers in nearly all markets, accelerating 5G’s adoption worldwide.
In addition, integrating multiple wireless technologies will provide a more cost-efficient, reliable, and scalable technical foundation that reduces capital expenditure. According to Gartner, by 2025, 50% of enterprise wireless endpoints will use networking services that deliver additional capabilities beyond communication, up from less than 15% in 2022. Our dependency on connected devices and infrastructures is growing exponentially, as do the risks of collapse by accident or as the result of an attack. Governments and regulators must ensure that connected devices comply with cybersecurity standards. This includes the European Union pushing ahead with its proposed EU Cyber-resilience Act and the Biden administration introducing a cybersecurity labeling rating program for IoT devices.

Use Cases

Tianjin Port

5G Standalone Networks: China has built the world’s first smart, zero-carbon shipping terminal, Terminal C, using 5G, cloud computing, AI, and robots to automate the entire workflow. This has reduced labor needs, improved safety, and created a more sustainable and efficient port operation that could become a model for the world to follow. The Tianjin Port, where Terminal C is located, processes more than 21 million cargo containers a year, ranking it among the top 10 busiest ports in the world. By embracing technology and improving logistics, the Tianjin smart port has become one of the smartest and safest ports in the world, greatly reducing the need for human staff.

Shufersal

5G Standalone Networks: Wireless-Value Realization: Shufersal an Israeli retailer, is using power harvested from the network to tag goods with low-energy Internet of Things (IoT) chips. It uses these to track vegetables directly from the farm to the store shelves, providing supply chain visibility, inventory management and provenance information..

Bosch-Siemens

Wireless-Value Realization: Bosch-Siemens uses ultrasonic sensors to slow down forklifts in real time. In addition to eliminating forklift accidents, there was a 98% reduction in near misses and a 10% increase in productivity. The technology is being implemented in 2.5 million square feet of production and warehouse areas with readers on 250 forklifts and 500 pedestrians.

Use Cases

Tianjin Port

5G Standalone Networks:

Shufersal

5G Standalone Networks:

Bosch-Siemens

Wireless-Value Realization:

Sub-Trend Sources
5G cheap Smartphones: Delloite TMT Predictions 2023
5G Standalone networks: Delloite TMT Predictions 2023
Wireless-Value Realization: Gartner Strategic Trends 2023
Hyper-connectivity & cyber-resilience: WEF Trends To Watch 2023