Talking with Cecilia Atterwall & Thomas Noren from Ericsson

Welcome to another episode of Conversations with Des! In this episode, we have two special guests from Ericsson in Schiester, about 20 kilometers outside of Stockholm in Sweden. Cecilia Aderwal, VP and Head of Marketing Communications for Ericsson Networks, and Thomas Norin, the VP and Head of 5G Commercialization at Ericsson, join us to discuss the latest edition of the November 2018 Ericsson Mobility Report and the exciting possibilities of 5G deployment.

The 5G Smartphone Aspiration

In a recent survey, consumers around the world were asked how long it would take for them to acquire the first 5G smartphone after its launch. The results were surprising, with around 50% of consumers globally saying they would do so within a year after 5G products were launched. In some aspirational markets, consumers expressed the desire to acquire 5G smartphones as soon as they are available. This aspiration reflects the desire to be at the forefront of technological advancements and to showcase technical savviness.

The November 2018 Ericsson Mobility Report

Cecilia Aderwal introduces the latest edition of the November 2018 Ericsson Mobility Report. The report predicts that by 2024, there will be 1.5 billion 5G subscriptions and over 40% of the world’s population will be covered by 5G. Additionally, 5G is expected to handle over 25% of all mobile data traffic by 2024.

Traffic Capacity and 5G

Thomas Norin sheds light on the significant growth in mobile data traffic, particularly in Northeast Asia, where there has been an increase of around 140% in 2018 alone. The region is experiencing a surge in video usage, with consumers streaming HD video for approximately 10 hours per month. The growth in mobile data traffic is primarily driven by the increased use of video, highlighting the importance of traffic capacity in 5G networks.

Cost-Effective 5G and Device Outlook

The deployment of 5G is expected to be more cost-effective on a per gigabyte basis. This is attributed to the introduction of new spectrum bands and technologies that enable wider carriers and increased capacity. The future of 5G devices looks promising, with the first smartphones set to be launched in the first half of next year. Additionally, pocket routers and pugs will provide fast mobile broadband connectivity, paving the way for a seamless transition to 5G.

Paving the Way to the 5G Future

To realize the full potential of 5G, governments must assign spectrum to encourage operators to invest in 5G. The ability to reuse existing investments in spectrum and infrastructure will enable operators to build out coverage and capacity much faster than in previous generation shifts. With over 20 different 5G devices announced in October 2018, the future of 5G deployment looks promising.

The Impact of 5G on IoT and Smart Manufacturing

Dr. Andres Cangellaris and the Ericsson team discuss the potential impact of 5G on the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart manufacturing. With the deployment of 5G, there will be new possibilities to enable new use cases. Cellular IoT is already exploding, and there is a growing interest in wearables and sensors for personal health tracking. Additionally, the digitalization of industries will greatly benefit from 5G, with the potential to have a sensor or a camera every second square meter in a factory.

Bridging the Perceived Value Gap in Manufacturing

Thomas Norin discusses the challenges in manufacturing and the perceived value gap that 5G can help bridge. Many companies are looking to utilize 5G technology to connect their machines and digitalize their operations. The digitalization of industries will be greatly helped with 5G, and Ericsson is prepared to support the entire portfolio for 5G deployment.

In conclusion, the conversation with Cecilia Aderwal and Thomas Norin provides valuable insights into the current and future landscape of 5G deployment. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing demand for high-quality video content, 5G is poised to revolutionize the way we connect and communicate in the digital age. Stay tuned for more updates on the future of 5G and the exciting possibilities it holds.

Stay connected for more updates on the future of 5G and the exciting possibilities it holds.

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