logo_header
  • Topics
  • Research & Analysis
  • Features & Opinion
  • Webinars & Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Event videos

How to build and operate at the edge

The telecoms industry is playing an important role in edge computing, providing the connectivity and helping to unlock new B2B and consumer services.

Tim McElligott
Mark NewmanMark Newman
05 Nov 2020
Download Report

By downloading this content, you are consenting to share your information with TM Forum and Red HatVMwareNetcracker

How to build and operate at the edge

Sponsored by:

Red Hat
VMware
Netcracker

How to build and operate at the edge

Edge computing is an evolution of public cloud that is happening regardless of how, where, when or whether communications service providers (CSPs) find a place in the value chain. The telecoms industry has an important role to play in edge computing because CSPs provide the connectivity that edge computing requires. The powerful combination of 5G connectivity and edge computing can unlock new latency-sensitive consumer and B2B services, such as gaming and telemedicine. Operators also own passive infrastructure such as telephone exchanges that could be suitable for housing edge computing equipment in some cases. Our research for this report includes interviews with more than 20 CSPs, public cloud providers, technology vendors and startups in the edge computing ecosystem plus an online survey of 55 CSPs from North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the AsiaPacific region, about 65% of them mobile operators. Nearly half of CSP respondents were from Europe and North America where edge activity is greatest. Read this report to understand:

  • Why CSPs are pursuing edge computing strategies – and why some may not
  • How CSPs intend to deploy edge computing capabilities and what the best business models may be
  • What the biggest challenges are in developing an edge strategy
  • The role for partnerships with cloud providers in deploying edge capabilities and why many CSPs are concerned about building equitable business arrangements with them
  • Why the access network is a source of leverage for CSPs and could put them in a position of strength with cloud providers
  • How 5G and edge computing are closely linked
  • What the impact of edge computing is on operations
  • Why edge will not be a monolithic solution but will grow organically in hot spots of opportunity