respond to any inquiry; in "reality” they can be programmed to say anything. AI-based tools can also be subject to inaccuracies and biases. CSPs that deploy such tools can reap many benefits but also need to be aware of the ethical challenges inherent in using AI.

Find new synergies
with cloud providers

With the advent of 5G and the move to open software-based networks, there is an increasing focus on the convergence of telcos, enterprise and hyperscalers. By leveraging the cloud, service providers can embrace edge computing to move processing closer to the devices and support new immersive experiences that require ultra-low latency. These new latency-sensitive applications include live multi-player gaming, live video streaming, autonomous vehicles, machine learning at the edge, and augmented and virtual reality.

To monetize this emerging market for edge-based applications, CSPs and cloud providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are partnering. CSPs can readily build, deploy and scale 5G optimized services, while leveraging the compute, storage and networking capabilities at the edge offered by hyperscalers. CSPs and hyperscalers are already joining forces to enable on-premise private networks for smart factories, connected hospitals, entertainment venues and more.

Address security and privacy in a hyperconnected world 

As the world is increasingly digitalized, maintaining the security and privacy of data is more important than ever. New regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU were put into place to protect personal data and to regulate how it is used and transferred.

New technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve user authentication security. AI-powered computer vision and speaker verification capabilities can enable authentication systems to use biometric traits to solve common password problems like vulnerability, frequent changes, complexity, and length. With biometrics, face or voice identification cannot be duplicated, forged, or forgotten, and it can be used across any connected service.

Rather than relying on the end devices to implement these authentication services, CSPs can prevent unauthorized access to data by using these technologies to deploy in-network real-time voice and video analytics in a scalable and cost-effective manner. CSPs can quickly and efficiently process speech and video streams that enable these reliable biometric authentication services.

Open networks built from a growing multi-vendor ecosystem

In 2022, we will continue to see the shift to building networks with open hardware and software components to take advantage of a larger multi-vendor ecosystem, reduced costs, and reduced time-to-market. GSMA is embracing this trend at MWC Barcelona with its Open RAN Summit at the upcoming event. Service providers are also continuing to lead many of the workgroups of the open industry organizations such as the O-RAN Alliance, Open Networking Forum, Open RAN Policy Coalition, the Small Cell Forum, and others.  

Governments are also becoming more engaged in supporting investments in connectivity solutions to bridge the digital divide, and ensure security of networks, as well as support research in next-generation 6G wireless technology. In the U.S., the FCC developed the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to distribute more than $20B to fund deployment of networks in regions without broadband service. The Rip & Replace program was designed to provide funding to service providers that need to modernize their legacy equipment with new gear from a trusted vendor ecosystem. CSPs can apply for these programs to build trusted networks that are critical to bridging the digital divide.

2022 Network Trends and Opportunities

The opportunities for communications service providers have never been greater. New technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision are enabling CSPs to deliver new revenue-generating services that meet their residential and business customer demands. New partnerships with hyperscalers are enabling the move to edge computing applications for ultra-low latency applications. And new specifications and architectures from leading global industry organizations are enabling CSPs to leverage a multi-vendor ecosystem to build their next-generation networks with best-of-breed components. Now is the time for CSPs to make the most of these opportunities.