As we are nearing the end of the first quarter of 2018 lets explore developments that lie ahead. Let us take a glance into our telecoms crystal ball and look at some of the biggest trends and changes we predict throughout 2018...
Big steps toward the rise of 5G
Nokia, Apple and Samsung are already heavily involved in the development of a 5G network. As mobile data use continues to skyrocket and consumers expect high speed connection at all times, the demand for a high capacity, low-latency network is increasingly apparent.
A 5G network could pave the way for augmented reality, connected vehicles and support the Internet of Things (IoT). In the 2017 Budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond dedicated £500m to the development of 5G and other technologies in the UK.
The UK’s first public 5G test is set to run in smart city Bristol in March 2018. While it’s unlikely 5G will hit globally for a few years yet, the wheels of progress will undoubtedly continue to turn through 2018.
Cities keep getting smarter
Connected, responsive public services will be built into city planning going forward. With smart cities Bristol and London leading the way, other cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow will continue to enjoy the building momentum of a digital revolution across the UK.
Mobile connectivity continues to grow
Globally, mobile connectivity will continue to grow globally, particularly in developing countries where it’s often a cheaper and more convenient option.
Cloud first choice for big data analytics
Half of businesses will adopt a cloud-first strategy for big data analytics, according to a Forrester Research report. The study expects 50% of enterprises to embrace a public-cloud-first policy in 2018 for data, big data, and analytics, as they look for more control over costs and more flexibility than on-premises software can deliver.
Increased demand for data storage
Companies will continue to invest in data centre storage as part of their digital strategy.
Interop ITX and InformationWeek’s 2018 State of Infrastructure survey of IT leaders, found a quarter intended to increase spending on IT infrastructure next year, with business opportunities (27%) and workforce demands (30%) named as the key motivating factors.
Even more connected devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to grow, as new data sources are added throughout 2018. Smart devices like wifi connected washing machines, Nest thermostats and self-parking cars will become increasingly commonplace. With embedded devices firmly establishing themselves in our daily lives, privacy, security and trust issues will come to the fore of consumers’ minds.
The Internet of Everything (IoE) will emerge
Rising from the flames of the Internet of Things, the Internet of Everything will emerge characterised by machine-to-machine communication. The Internet of Everything (IoE) builds on the Internet of Things (IoT) and adds people, processes and data into the mix, with network at its core. Featuring wearable tech, new processes to govern how people, data and things interact and better insights into data gathered - IoE promises faster, more informed decision making, and will be made possible by better broadband connections.
New security threats
2017, saw more cyber attacks than any other year in history. As new cyber security threats continue to emerge, more proactive protection will be in demand. Low-sophistication attacks such as DDoS are likely to be on the rise, according to the government’s National Cyber Security Strategy, as well as more sophisticated state sponsored attacks.
