By Samkele Mchunu
Johannesburg, South Africa — Despite years of development and deployment, 5G technology is still heralded as the next major leap in telecommunications. In a recent interview with ITWeb Africa, Nitesh Singh, Managing Director of Communications, Media, and Technology for Accenture Africa, emphasized that 5G is set to accelerate the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), leading to increased automation, efficiency, and overall quality of life.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th Edition Connected Africa – Telecom Innovation and Excellence Awards 2024, Singh highlighted the transformative trends shaping the telecommunications industry.
Singh detailed the numerous benefits of 5G, citing its faster speeds, lower latency, higher capacity, and improved network reliability as key factors that will have a profound impact on the industry. “It enables the seamless connectivity of a massive number of devices, supports transformative technologies like IoT, augmented and virtual reality, and edge computing, and drives innovation across industries,” he explained.
In addition to the advancements brought by 5G, Singh discussed how telecom providers are increasingly utilizing data analytics to gain deeper customer insights, understand behavior patterns, and deliver personalized services. He noted that the telecom sector is undergoing significant change, with connectivity being recognized as a fundamental human right, leading to unprecedented investment in network modernization and a reduction in prices.
“Business models are being reinvented as the search for value continues amidst stagnation and the emergence of new competitors. Platform businesses are generating higher returns,” Singh said, highlighting the importance of partnerships and ecosystem collaboration in driving growth.
The use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in telecoms is another trend redefining the industry. “Telecom companies are leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize network performance, and automate processes,” Singh said. AI enables personalized interactions, predictive maintenance, and intelligent network management, transforming how telecom providers interact with customers.
Singh elaborated on the transformative potential of AI-powered conversations and smart assistants, stating that by leveraging AI and automation, telecom providers can offer personalized and seamless omnichannel experiences, enhance customer engagement, and provide consistent and efficient support. Combining AI with data and analytics allows telecom providers to gain deeper customer insights, adapt to changing demands, and create relevant products and services.
Network optimization is another critical area where AI will impact telecoms. “AI algorithms can analyze real-time network data to optimize resources, allocate bandwidth efficiently, and improve network performance. This can result in better call quality, reduced dropped calls, and improved overall reliability of mobile phone connections,” Singh said.
Predictive maintenance, enabled by AI, allows telecom providers to analyze network equipment data to detect patterns and anomalies, enabling proactive maintenance and preventing network outages. “By addressing potential issues before they occur, AI helps ensure uninterrupted services for customers,” Singh added.
As the telecom industry continues to evolve, 5G and AI are set to play crucial roles in driving innovation and enhancing the customer experience. The future of telecommunications promises a more connected, efficient, and intelligent world