AS we look into 2017, CommScope is positioned to offer insight into several trends we see coming to light. The industry will be preparing for 5G, and we’ll see the issue of net neutrality come to the forefront as several governments around the world welcome new leaders. We also envision more activity in emerging markets as even more attention is paid to rural areas. 

MOMENTUM OF 5G

Commercially, 5G wireless will come to market around 2020. But there is still so much to be done behind the scenes to prepare; it will take years to be ready.  Remember, wireless networks need a lot of “wired” to function, such as for backhaul and other connectivity to the core and edge. We will see solutions built around converged networks (wireless and wireline) to do this and offer: easy, plug-and-play solutions that help labor forces of any skill level install fiber networks; and ways to postpone some investment. Network operators don’t always need all of the capacity on day one. You’ll see solutions built around a phased approach. The advent of 5G also triggers additional discussion around densification of cells, which is required to enable 5G. These additional cells, whether small cells, metro cells or traditional macro cell sites, will require more power and fibre backhaul than ever before. Additionally, we will see several types of new powering solutions come to market, allowing people to power up all active devices at the edge of the network in a cost-efficient way. Gartner predicts there will be more than 20 billion “things” on the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020; this will have significant impact on networks. 

NET NEUTRALITY

With the US Federal Communications Commission under a new administration – and the undefined implications of Brexit in Europe – we may see different implications for net neutrality across the globe. This year will be one of change on several fronts, but for the telecommunications industry, especially as it relates to uncertainty on behalf of service providers. In the first few months of Donald Trump’s presidency, there may be no clarity on return on investment. Uncertainty – in almost any situation – can result in stalled investments and delayed deployments. 

EMERGING MARKETS 

North America is expected to remain a strong market in 2017, but there likely will also be a re-emergence in Europe. In both regions of the world, there is a strong push to not only “fiberize” the urban areas, but also deploy more networks in rural, or emerging, areas. 
Companies will look to identify these emerging markets, but also look into the kinds of solutions they need to provide the right support.