INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology
New research highlights 5G
Fixed Wireless Access
opportunity for mobile operators
uninterrupted video streams as a ‘very
valuable’ aspect of 5G. Additionally, a
majority of consumers find 5G video use
cases attractive, with 66% rating video
capture and streaming applications
appealing and 69% rating video detection
and alerting appealing. More than one-third
of consumers found AR experiences for
remote commerce appealing even before
the COVID-19 crisis. The need and appeal
have likely increased with social distancing.
More broadly, the outlook for 5G is
positive, based on the findings. Although
current familiarity with 5G remains quite
low, with just half of consumers claiming
any level of familiarity, the appeal of
5G increases with education. The survey
showed that 80% of those very familiar
with 5G find it appealing, compared to
23% of those who are unfamiliar. Further,
over 50% of smartphone owners said they
were likely to switch operator if their current
provider doesn’t offer them 5G in the next
12 months.
Nokia has announced new research
highlighting 5G Fixed Wireless
Access (FWA) as the most desirable
5G use case among consumers globally.
The study, which was conducted by Parks
Associates, surveyed 3,000 people in the
UK, US and South Korea and examined
consumer understanding and demand for
5G services across six different use cases,
including autonomous vehicles, video
surveillance and immersive technologies.
The research confirms that there is an
opportunity for mobile operators to compete
with broadband providers by offering FWA to
homes and businesses.
The new research highlights that 76% of
all respondents regard FWA as the most
appealing use case overall, with 66%
claiming they would subscribe to 5G FWA if
it cost the same as their current broadband
service and delivered the same or better
performance. Indeed, more would subscribe
if it cost less. Currently, 41% of respondents
only had the option of a single broadband
provider, with many resenting this lack
of choice. This highlights the opportunity
mobile operators have to offer FWA as an
alternative to traditional broadband services.
The research was conducted prior to the
global COVID-19 pandemic, which has
driven the world to work and learn from
home. However, this has coincided with
consumer demand for better quality video
calls. Indeed, 90% rated high-quality,
Josh Aroner, Vice President of
Communication Service Provider Marketing,
said: “Nokia commissioned this research prior
to the current global Coronavirus pandemic
but its insights are still valid and applicable,
perhaps more so in this new environment.
While current networks are performing well,
consumers are newly appreciating the value
of quality networking.
“Video has been a bedrock of social
interaction and 5G can greatly improve this
capability, while social isolation and remote
work likely increase appeal for immersive
experience applications. FWA is an attractive
early use case for 5G, especially with remote
install, but operators must make an informed
decision about how to invest in it and in
which geographic location.” •
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