RFS 2022 predictions
Open RAN with no compromises
Open RAN has been a part of the conversation for a number of years, but 2022 will see a shift from hype to the beginnings of reality. Japan and the US are set to lead the way with Open RAN trials and the results will define a blueprint for how the rest of the world will embrace this approach to network architecture. There are certainly big benefits that come with the more open architecture that Open RAN promises, but the big challenge will be to ensure that Open RAN solutions deliver on connectivity without compromise. By putting RF expertize at the heart of Open RAN technologies, we can ensure that it offers operators the best of all worlds.
Alec Wang, VP Mobile Site Solutions
Laying the foundation for true smart cities
The smart city market is expected to reach $1.03 trillion by 2028 according to research by Polaris. In order for smart cities to reach that potential, they cannot afford to take a trial-and-error approach to getting smart city infrastructure right. For many responsible for smart city deployments, wireless connectivity is unchartered waters and in order for their deployment to swim rather than sink, they must achieve connectivity success first time. Municipalities working with connectivity partners must be a priority for 2022 as this is the best way to guarantee a solid foundation on which to build a smart city.
Tom Kuklo, Global Product Manager, Connected Cities
Microwave antennas – less is more to drive ROI
5G has come through the very early stages, we know it can work in a real-world environment. The next step is making it work for operators to drive return on investment. To ensure this, operators need to focus on technology that delivers maximum performance for minimum investment and a key element maximizing performance will be ensuring robust backhaul. Traditionally the remit of fiber, multi-Gbs throughput can now be delivered wirelessly using microwave solutions, but operators need to work with RF designers to balance performance and the volume of equipment needed. Microwave technology is seeing huge leaps forward and will offer a cost effective, efficient, and streamlined approach to 5G backhaul to allow operators to achieve more with less.
Emmanuel Saint Dizier, VP Microwave Antenna Solultions
Building a blueprint for the future of broadcast
2022 will see the results of the next generation broadcast trials in Brazil published which will provide broadcasters around the world with a blueprint for the future of broadcasting. We anticipate the results of the trial will have a big impact on the trajectory of broadcasting but regardless of the results in 2022 broadcasters have to focus on getting the most out of their spectrum allocation and working to deliver the viewer experience that their customers expect.
Nick Wymant, Global Product Line Manager, Broadcast
Return of HF solutions
We’re starting to see in the defense industry, a move away from satellite solutions as it becomes clear that they are not beyond interference. This has sparked a resurgence of HF solutions as a secure alternative and the latest generation of this technology will be a key focus for decision makers in 2022.
Gopal Naidu, VP Broadcast and Defense
Driving innovation in APAC
APAC will continue to lead the way when it comes to the latest mobile technologies in 2022. We’ve seen plenty of consolidation across the region in 2021, giving operators in APAC the scale they need to invest in the future of telecoms. With a huge push to win the race on 5G subscribers we are expecting to see a concerted effort extend the lead when it comes to 5G penetration as well as seeing a greater adoption of mmWave technologies.
Ken Lim, VP Sales, APAC
Chasing long term ROI
According to the GSMA 90% of the €145Bn that operators expect to invest between 2021 and 2025 will focus on 5G technology. In 2022 we expect to see operators looking to find the technologies that protect that investment by offering futureproofing. We anticipate that the standout technologies will be those that offer futureproofing by reliability and flexibility– that can adapt and evolve with networks to deliver long term ROI.
Enrico Leonardi, VP Sales EMEA
Buzz across North America
Of course, we will see 5G evolution in the North America Market, but there are two big trends we will see in 2022: Open RAN and CBRS. Open RAN will be a huge focus for the region in 2022 and as operators look to work with new suppliers to drive innovation and take advantage of the benefits of a more competitive market of vendors to work with. As Open RAN moves from hype to reality we expect to see operators begin to see a glimpse of the potential rewards this offers in 2022.
Then we come on to CBRS. Set to revolutionize connectivity for a range of industries as it enables more organizations to invest in private 4G/5G networks and 2022 will be a pivotal year for the technology. From our perspective, getting the infrastructure foundation right will be key to the early adopters of CBRS seeing a return on their investment.
Christian Barb, VP Sales, North America
Coming through the storm
In 2021 we saw the impact of a pandemic, disruption to the supply chain, rising cost of raw materials and a climate crisis create a perfect storm; however despite the challenges there is cause for optimism in 2022. From OpenRAN and CBRS to 5G broadcast we will see big and varied changes across the wireless landscape, all linked by the overwhelming need to enhance coverage and capacity. Efficiency and innovation will be key to helping our customers embrace these trends and at RFS we are excited to be developing solutions that enable the industry to not only survive but thrive in a post-Covid world.
Monika Maurer, President & CEO
