Is the bloom off the 5G rose already?

Research shows that communications service providers (CSPs) are moving too slowly with automation and 5G. Is this research accurate?

The challenge of network and process automation is proving more challenging than expected for CSPs, and delays are already creeping in to their 5G deployment plans. In fact, automation based on machine learning is grinding to a halt, according to new research from ReTHINK Technology Research.

“When asked what percentage of their RAN planning, deployment, management and optimization processes they expected to automate at various time points up to 2025 most plans had gone backwards. Globally, only 18% expect to have more than 40% of functions automated by the end of this year,” a blog about ReTHINK’s report states. “Last year 21% of the same operators said they would have more than 60% of processes automated by the end of 2020. Those hitting this 60% mark fell to 14% in this year’s study, suggesting respondents had been over-optimistic previously or that projects are snagged, or harder than they seemed.”

Do you agree with this analysis?

Similarly, preliminary results from an ongoing TM Forum survey about 5G management and orchestration show that mobile edge computing barely registers as an active initiative for most CSPs. Is this true, or do you see it as a great enabler of 5G services that your company is actively delivering or plans to deliver soon?

Other CSPs and suppliers who have responded to our 5G survey seem more optimistic about automation and 5G, with some relying on their long histories in the industry to remain patient and hopeful.

So which is it? Are CSPs in danger of not capitalizing on 5G’s promises, or are they right on track? To paint the clearest picture possible of the reality for CSPs and their suppliers, we need input from both sides using the survey links below.

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Here are a few more examples of preliminary findings from our research:

• 40% of CSP respondents don’t think network slicing will be much of a factor before 2022 or later. I think they are wrong – as wrong as the 40% that also think the number of slices in a network at any given time will be limited to approximately 10. However, they are not as wrong as the 32% that think the number of potential slices will be infinite. The true number will lie somewhere in between.


• Most respondents don’t think Standalone 5G will be here before the second half of 2020.


• Licensing of virtual network functions and real-time monetization are among the most serious obstacles to 5G deployment, and more than a third of respondents say interoperability and proprietary systems are also key problems.

Though I may not agree with some of the findings so far, the real issue is that they are preliminary conclusions drawn from too few respondents. Our survey needs your input to make it useful and impactful.

Take the CSP 5G survey

Take the supplier 5G survey