5G Readiness on the Horizon

Ericsson has released its 5G Readiness Survey 2017 [1]. The report shows that many operators have accelerated preparations for the new technology and that trials are being carried out by 78% of the respondents. Furthermore, 28% expect to deploy fifth generation (5G) in 2018. The survey also shows that operators have further developed their business strategies for 5G services. They are now looking beyond the consumer segment and foresee opportunities in the business and industrial areas. According to the survey, operators are seeing that the consumer market is becoming saturated. As a result, 5G planning this year is more evenly distributed across specialized industry segments (58%), business users (56%), and consumers (52%). Those surveyed highlighted the top three industry sectors as media and entertainment, automotive, and public transport, but many also ranked health care as well as energy and utilities among the most attractive sectors for 5G applications. A clear majority of the respondents believe that the Internet of Things (IoT) will play an important role and that third-party collaboration will be essential in this context. © 2005-2012 IEEE.