UBB5.5G: The Catalyst for Digital Productivity Enhancement

The Global Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF) 2023, organised by Huawei in collaboration with the UN Broadband Commission, convened global carriers, partners, regulatory bodies, and industry thought-leaders to engage in comprehensive dialogues focused on productivity-driven UBB networks, encapsulated by the theme "Connecting Intelligence for New Growth."

Eng. Saif Bin Ghalaita of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), UAE, opened the event. He accentuated the role of government leadership in spearheading the development of cutting-edge ultra-broadband infrastructures. Such advancements, he believes, are pivotal for ushering in the intelligent digital era, amplifying connectivity benefits for all, while highlighting the potential of the 10 Gbps Smart City Initiative to ensure broad-spectrum digital inclusivity.

In a keynote titled “UBB5.5G: Unlocking Digital Productivity's Full Potential,” Huawei's David Wang underscored the foundational role of technologies like cloud, AI, 5G, and UBB in elevating digital productivity. Wang highlighted the mounting challenges posed by the spiralling demand for computational power coupled with the connectivity needs of increasing users. Advocating for seamless access and user experience irrespective of location, he contended that robust connectivity catalyses superior experiences, which fuels productivity.

Elaborating on the 10 Gigabit Smart City initiative, Wang visualised a transformative impact on residential, campus, and enterprise experiences, underpinned by swift data transactions and integrated cloud solutions, including the future computational demands of AI and edge computing. Moreover, he believes it paves the way for accelerating smart manufacturing and the advent of level 4 autonomous driving networks (ADNs).

Wang also discussed the necessary enhancements for ultra-broadband networks. These include 10-gigabit access everywhere and adaptive transport networks for better latency management. Hyper-converged data centres will also be vital for addressing computing, storage, and AI demands. Furthermore, large-scale models will be essential for enabling self-optimising networks. Wang emphasised the need for industry collaboration to boost business innovation and adoption in the age of digital economies and comprehensive intelligent connectivity.

Echoing his sentiments, Richard Mahony, Vice President at Omdia, projected an exponential increase in network demands. He cautioned that nations not integrating UBB could be excluded from the most advanced digital economies by 2027. As IoT and XR reshape consumer demands, Mahony foresees a voracious appetite for faster and more personalised services and expects network providers will need to ensure latency of under 3ms.

Mahony anticipates the emerging digital divide becoming more disruptive by the decade's end. He emphasises the onus on industries to articulate the tangible benefits of augmented connectivity, especially when significant capital investments are at stake. Mahony stressed the urgency of accelerating the next-generation broadband that delivers a sustainable long-term ROI for all stakeholders.

Undoubtedly, the trajectory of digital productivity is inextricably linked to the future of the global economy. The insights and deliberations from UBBF 2023 underscored the urgency of embracing and facilitating digital transformation at all levels. As technological advancements continue to shape our interconnected world, nations, industries, and businesses must prioritise digital transformation not just as a means to progress but as an imperative for survival and sustained growth. Harnessing the power of digital infrastructures, such as UBB, will be the cornerstone of this transformation, paving the way for a more productive digital future where innovation, inclusivity, and intelligence merge.

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