Ericsson Communications Solutions has highlighted network capacity, performance levels, and the various challenges faced by communications providers during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Ibrahim Al Daftar, Director of Artificial Intelligence at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said communication service providers are focusing attention on facing increased challenges caused by the spread of the virus.
He added that it is necessary for service providers to take into account the importance of forward planning, and to work on developing and improving network efficiency and performance.
“Cellular, fixed and wireless broadband technologies are essential to support various companies and to ensure business continuity remotely,” he said.
Communication services have proven, more than ever, their importance as a basic lifeline for communities and businesses to continue, given the current circumstances. The virtual seminar highlighted three main trends that have emerged since the beginning of the crisis.
The first is that a fundamental change has happened in data traffic patterns. Fixed and mobile communication networks have witnessed major shifts in data traffic, as the expansion of quarantines worldwide has led to more institutions being closed. As a result, a movement of data from the city centres and businesses towards the suburbs and residential areas has occurred.
There has also been a high demand for data uses. Social distancing measures have created tremendous pressure on fixed home communication networks, as more people work and study remotely. The demand for data is high, as these networks have witnessed a marked increase in data traffic.
The third trend has seen a growth in demand for broadband facilities. The increased use of video conferencing applications, games, and broadcasting services has caused a significant increase in demands on data. The trend to use gaming or streaming apps increases the need for high-quality videos that broadband provides.
The seminar also highlighted the role of 5G technology in providing next-level experiences for users, with a rise in data traffic across broadband mobile phones (MBB). These come in addition to new gaming experiences and the reliance on applications that provide 5G services, including classroom environments using virtual reality (VR) technology and remote-functional holographic imaging.
On the other hand, artificial intelligence and automation technologies will be essential to restarting supply chains by automating the manufacturing process in connected factories. This in turn reduces human communication when transporting goods across connected fleets and self-driving trucks, in addition to many other applications.
