5G networks will enable more detailed and efficient augmented and virtual realities, higher resolution video, fully autonomous vehicles, massive connected IoT networks (like smart cities), and more.
5G is the most highly anticipated change to the future of telecom. Though it isn’t set to officially launch until 2021, the four major U.S. cell carriers have already announced they’ll be releasing 5G capabilities in 2019, some as early as May.
The IoT consists of a network of connected devices, able to communicate with each other, and which can be controlled and monitored remotely. By 2021, there will be an estimated 30 billion connected IoT devices worldwide, many of which will be industrial connections, an essential component of smart cities.

Smart cities take the IoT a step further by creating an interconnected network that residents can access online, often via a mobile app. A network like this will provide data and communication channels that allow users to better manage their day-to-day activities, from corresponding directly with their government, to instantly finding a parking spot on a busy day.

The main goal of smart cities is to create a better quality of living for their citizens by streamlining urban services like energy and transportation through smart technology. However, prior to the promise of 5G networks, experts couldn’t foresee the capacity to support the amount of data a truly connected city would generate. Now that 5G is on the horizon, major urban areas will be racing to be the first to introduce their own smart city.
AI in the telecom industry encompasses a myriad of focus areas. Customer service and network optimization are at the top of that list. Throughout this year, some of the biggest implementations of AI will be in these spaces (this seems redundant). In fact, according to IDC 63 percent of telecom companies are investing in AI systems this year.

Predictive analytics is one of the most promising capabilities of AI technology, especially for the telecom community. AI-based analytics provide telecom companies with the ability to use data and machine learning software to predict future industry trends and potential infrastructure snags, and to continuously assess their service for bugs or potential pitfalls.

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