MWC25 Opening D-1…The Competitive Landscape of Network Technology is Changing

A Preview of MWC25②: Enhancing Network Value through Standardization of Communication Network Specifications, ‘[Barcelona (Spain) = Reporter Park Soo-hyung] The discussions that led to the commercialization of LTE, smartphones, and 5G at MWC have now started to focus on 6G. Although the projected commercialization is still roughly five years away, discussions on next-generation network technology are rapidly advancing.’,
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, ‘Unlike past trends in network technology development that focused on data transmission speed and ultra-low latency, there is now a shift towards strategies for maximizing revenue through networks. With the rapid advancement of technology, global telecommunications companies are increasingly interested in enhancing the value of networks.’,
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, ‘A prime example is the “Open Gateway Initiative (OGI)”. Launched at MWC 2023, the core of OGI is to standardize Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) so that developers can create various new services on telecom networks.’,
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, ‘In other words, by introducing standardized criteria into the ways telecommunications companies operate networks, they can develop new network-based services that can be offered by any global telecom company.’,
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, ‘As OGI enters its third year, services such as protocols to prevent financial fraud or age verification are gaining traction. These services, which previously required connecting through other platforms, are being enabled at the network level.’,
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, ‘In its first year, OGI had few API developments and participating telecom companies, but it has now emerged as the largest service development project in the telecom industry, with 284 communication networks from 72 countries participating. Up until last MWC, the focus was on introducing OGI, but this year, it is expected to be the time when services created by OGI come to fruition.’,
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, ‘The shift to Open RAN, which replaces closed specifications for base station equipment thereby increasing the efficiency of network deployment, can also be seen as a trend to enhance network value. Open RAN refers to the technology that standardizes interfaces in base station equipment, such as radio units and digital units, so that various equipment can interoperate.’,
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, ‘For instance, it’s like being able to fit tires from multiple manufacturers on a car from any manufacturer, but when it comes to traditional network deployment, you had to replace all equipment to change tires.’,
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, ‘Open RAN allows the use of virtualized software-based equipment in certain sections as needed, increasing the efficiency of network construction and maintenance for telecom companies.’,
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, ‘Although Open RAN emerged as a movement to counter Chinese manufacturers amid the tech dominance battle between the US and China, it has recently entered a stage where an open RAN ecosystem is starting to self-sustain, enabling various use cases. This allows for easily configuring network environments tailored to specific regions and service demands without overhauling an entire network, which is a key trend to watch at MWC25.’,
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, ‘Satellite communication, considered an essential element of 6G, is also worth noting. At last year’s MWC, SpaceX’s Starlink and Intelsat were showcased in the outdoor space between the Fira Gran Via exhibition halls, and satellite communication services began to be subtly integrated into multiple global telecom booths.’,
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, ‘This year, such trends are expected to intensify further. Over the past year, the industry environment has rapidly shifted towards low-orbit satellite communication, with companies like OneWeb, Amazon, and AST SpaceMobile entering the scene alongside Starlink.’,
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, ‘Additionally, the GSMA, which hosts MWC, has announced a demonstration of a partnership program with the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at fostering next-generation satellite communication services.’,
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