How to Address Network Challenges of the Telecom Industry in the 5G Era

The 5G era demands transformation from the telecommunications industry. Telecom carriers face several network-related challenges, including high costs, security concerns, and downtime.  Get the latest information on these trends and learn how managed network service providers (MNSPs) can help operators overcome 5G-related growth challenges.

Emerging Trends in the Telecom Industry

There are several trends prompting change within the telecom industry, some of which make it difficult for carriers to remain competitive. Top trends within the telecommunications sector include:

• 5G adoption – 5G provides several benefits including greater transmission speeds and lower latency. While the technology is lucrative from a capabilities standpoint, its adoption will require carriers to invest in and install new hardware and technology to support it.
• Internet of Things (IoT) – IoT technology enables automation and supports digital transformation for several industries, and 5G will enable new applications due to its increased bandwidth and lower latency. In response to the increase in connected devices, telecom carriers will need to develop how to optimize their platform to best sustain the increased amount of device connections. 
• Shifting consumer needs – Consumers are continuing to adopt cloud-based technologies with the communication capabilities they desire. Telecom carriers will need to determine how to change their offerings to best serve them, while ensuring reliable and quality connectivity.

Learn More:  Discover localized,customizable network solutions available to telecommunications carriers in Southern California.

Top Network Challenges Facing the Telecom Industry

There are several network-related challenges of the telecom industry that affect carrier infrastructure and how they can best serve their customers:

Security

As telecom carriers continue to implement new and emerging technologies, they open up new avenues for security threats. 5G in particular expands the surface area where malicious attackers can target, especially with more connected devices. Another security concern is when a carrier may have to reroute devices that are having trouble accessing 5G to 4G or 3G instead, circumventing 5G protections.

A 2021 Trend Micro and GSMA Intelligence report surveyed telecom operators about their largest 5G-based security challenges. The top three concerns were:

• Not having enough knowledge or tools to deal with 5G vulnerabilities
• Confidentiality and privacy threat concerns
• Network virtualization vulnerabilities as carriers shift from hardware-based to software-based infrastructures

High Cost

One of the main network obstacles for carriers is the large expense of upgrading and maintaining their telecom infrastructure. Telecom operators are anticipated to spend an average of $47.75 billion annually on 5G expenses from 2020 to 2025.

Top drivers of increased costs for carriers include1:

• Rapid changes in hardware and other technology – Telecom companies must plan for shorter upgrade cycles as customers demand that latest technology
• Continual scaling – As telecom networks take on larger customer bases and new network capabilities, their cellular infrastructure must expand its capacity to handle more traffic and more network-intensive activities
• Consumer expectations – Consumers will continue to push for better mobile devices, better carrier packages, and more features, driving competitive development within the telecom industry

Network Outages

Telecom carriers with frequent outages are at risk of losing customers.. Downtime can happen due to a variety of reasons:

• Malfunctioning equipment
• Weather
• Cybercrime
• Human error

Without the proper back-up systems, outages will cause customers to lose the ability to send data properly, causing frustration and dissatisfaction. 

Read More: Why Telecom Companies Should Leverage Carrier-Grade Networks

Overcome Telecom Challenges With A Managed Network Services Provider

In order to increase security, reduce costs, and maximize uptime, telecom carriers should consider partnering with a local MNSP. Providers have the equipment and industry expertise needed to troubleshoot and address telecom challenges. 

A local MNSP can evaluate a carrier’s network infrastructure and identify optimizations to increase performance and reduce operating costs. In addition, network service providers can provide proactive maintenance and issue prevention to catch and resolve network-related problems before they negatively affect customers. 

Read More: 6 Services from Telecom Infrastructure Companies in SoCal that Help Carriers Scale

SCE Carrier Solutions is a local MNSP providing telecom carriers and other organizations across Southern California with reliable, cost-effective, secure, and scalable network solutions. Leverage carrier-grade networks from SCE to improve the quality of your service, expand your coverage, and increase your competitiveness.