By: Ludvig Landgren

In today’s connected world, communication networks are no longer simple data pipes. They have become intelligent, programmable platforms that act as critical digital infrastructure. This evolution is increasingly powered by AI, automation, and the deployment of 5G StandAlone (5G SA) networks. These technologies form the basis of something we like to call ‘differentiated connectivity’. This model is designed to deliver reliable, tailored, and context-aware network performance. 

Service providers across the globe are now embracing this shift. As they look for new revenue opportunities and greater service relevance, differentiated connectivity provides a timely and strategic path forward. In fact, according to recent research, 35 percent of Australian users no longer accept best-effort 5G performance, and 32 percent of Australian 5G users are interested and willing to pay for differentiated connectivity. 

At the centre of this transformation is 5G SA and the new operations reality of autonomous networks, which can replace traditional rule-based automation with autonomous operations capable of thinking, learning, adapting, and making business-critical decisions in real time. Together, these factors enable real-time network adaptability. 

For Communication Service Providers (CSPs), accelerating the deployment of 5G SA and the adoption of autonomous networks is essential to unlocking the full potential of intelligent, responsive, and profitable networks. 

What makes differentiated connectivity different?

CSPs have traditionally relied upon a range of conventional approaches to customise the services they offer to customers, through things like data caps. While effective in addressing the needs of broad consumer markets, these techniques do not support the complex demands of today’s latency-sensitive or mission-critical applications. New experience-based service models are taking shape, offering performance guarantees that are meaningful to both consumers and enterprises. 

These models are being made possible by advanced Radio Access Network (RAN) features and essential capabilities such as network slicing, the introduction of User Equipment Route Selection Policies (URSP), and the network exposure offered by Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), all of which provide CSPs with the ability to deliver services with precise performance characteristics. For instance, a gamer can receive low-latency connectivity, and an enterprise can rely on secure communication for remote operations. Such use cases are supported by a single programmable network. 

Underpinning these capabilities is the introduction of 5G SA, which CSPs can now use to guarantee network quality at specific times and in specific locations. According to recent research, more than 70 service providers worldwide have launched 5G SA networks, many of which are now creating optimised service tiers based on use case and context. 

These are enabled by the programmability of 5G SA networks. With the right software, high-performing, programmable networks are essential for delivering consistent, guaranteed connectivity that underpins scalable and profitable differentiated services. By leveraging advanced automation and intent-driven architecture, these networks can adapt in real time to diverse service requirements and efficiently allocate resources. This programmability provides rapid service deployment and tailored connectivity. 

Driving broad-scale industry transformation

Telecommunications has already transformed how we interact, consume information, and conduct business. Differentiated connectivity — and the emerging technology supporting it — now has the power to transform entire industries with the highly flexible, scalable, and customised network traits it can offer to individual users. This is especially powerful in an industry setting, where flexible connectivity capabilities can enable unique and value-added services, which in turn can help to drive revenue