Many predicted that 2020 would be the year that fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology moved from something discussed as “coming soon” to a reality in many consumers’ lives. The move to 5G will not be an overnight occurrence, but one planned to gradually evolve over the next decade. The evolution of 5G starts with the consumer market: the latest Android-based smartphones feature 5G connectivity, and Apple plans on releasing its 5G smartphone in the fall. Many global communications service providers (CSPs) now offer at least limited 5G coverage; 2020 was the year to expand that coverage and market 5G to a wider audience.

However, no one predicted that the world would be disrupted to the extent it has been by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 9 June 2020, almost 7.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally along with at least 407,000 deaths. Most of the world has had at least some period of government-mandated lockdown or stay-at-home orders, and most schools globally have been or are currently closed. While all industries have been affected to some extent by this disruption, the negative impacts to some, such as travel and hospitality, have been dramatic.

As many people continue to work from home, the essential nature of the telecom industry has become more apparent. Both wired and wireless communications networks have seen dramatic changes in use—and have held up quite well. The industry has felt negative financial impacts from the pandemic and will continue to do so until it passes; although they are relatively minor compared to other industries, they raise the question of how this will influence the planned rollout of 5G globally.

This is an important question, beyond just the financial health of the telecom industry. The rollout of 5G has been planned in steps that follow the release of industry standards, as will be discussed below. 5G is just at the first step: it improves upon the fourth generation of wireless technology (4G), but still requires 4G. The promise of 5G comes with the steps that follow over the next few years. As 5G matures, a wide range of industries will be affected—well beyond just the telecom industry. This report will examine how the pandemic will impact the rollout of 5G and look at how it will impact the overall telecom industry.

Author: Troy Morley