An outlook for 2021 for the Telecommunication industry

The Telecom sector is the backbone of all businesses and individuals. In the pre-COVID times, it was working fairly well with the rise in the usage of smartphones. However, the occurrence of the pandemic came with increased opportunities for the telecom industry. There has been a demand for the telecommunication sector's products and services as the requirement for high-speed networks increased. The work from home scenario, too, requires the smooth working of the internet and mobile phones. Hence, the industry’s supply has increased to meet the rising demands.

The telecommunication industry is expected to witness a major growth spurt in 2021. This will eventually lead to the drive the working of the telecom operators.

Key trends in the Telecommunication Industry in the year 2021

Spectrum auction

The Spectrum auction is supposedly going to be a grand affair as the market leaders like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone India are expected to be participating after four long years. 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2300MHz, and 2500MHz frequencies will be on this auction. According to ICRA’s credit rating agency, it will fetch around rs.55, 000-Rs.60,000 crores.

However, the auction along with the increased requirement for high-speed mobile connectivity will prove to be the driver for the telecom industry. While the auction likely to happen in March this year, Reliance Jio is already prepping up for the launch of 5G services.

The most awaited 5G launch

Reliance Jio recently sent across hints at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) that they would be initiating the 5G launch in India. With this move, they will yet again continue to rule on the throne of the pioneers of advanced technology. 5G in India has been long-delayed and its adoption is eagerly awaited.

With its introduction, the telecom industry will oversee a new wave of the tech revolution. However, to bring about the 5G technology, markets also need to consider certain factors. These include affordable equipment, spectrum price slabs, the demand, revenue generation expectation, etc. The Indian market caters to the masses and hence prefers selling the best possible products and services at affordable prices.

Launch and adaptability of the Open RAN

This will be a major trend in the telecom industry. India can be a global leader for Open RAN technology in the coming times. With the 5G launch, open RAN will create a space for itself in the market. This is because the 5G service is based on the Open RAN technology.

While the launch and adoption of this technology will take time, the key telecom players have already initiated their efforts in this direction. They have initiated the tech creation process by collaborating with third-party vendors. The telecom leader, Airtel has already initiated steps in this direction. They recently hosted India’s first plugfest event for the O-RAN Alliance. It has also claimed to have roped in with open RAN software developed by Altiostar whereas Vodafone has already partnered with Mavenir.

RAN will prove to be a boon for the telecom industry. Since establishing RAN will lead to disaggregation of hardware and software. The clients will be able to co-exist on a platform at reduced costs. It will not only aid in the customization of the technology and the network structure but will also lead to the creation of new job opportunities.

Unified Communication

With the telecom industry rising and shining, it will also help facilitate unified communication. In the millennial times where customers prefer swift and simplified communication and also products and services; the telecom industry will boost instant messaging and communication. The integration of the various modes of communication will eventually offer an enhanced customer experience allowing the users to access multiple devices, media types, and enable instant communications all at once with just a click.

Remote work

While COVID-19 is here to stay, the remote work continues its reign. In places where there is flexibility, the Bring Your Own Device culture will exhibit a rise.

Additionally, with the increased digitization and technological advancements in the telecom field, it will need increased security and encryption. The other sectors are booming and they are further helping in the growth of the telecommunications industry.

Summing Up

The market leaders have been constantly stressing on the fact that the right amount of frequencies combined with seamless infrastructure policy is critical considering the present scenario where the requirement for the telecom industry has risen and will continue soaring heights. However, in an ideal scenario, the 5G launch should happen only after resolving of all the other spectrum and telecom challenges for the year 2021. 2021 might be the year of success and achievements as the telecommunication industry is yet to receive many milestones in its path.