What new technology is out for telecoms in 2025

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the newest / emerging telecom technologies and trends in 2025 — things being rolled out, or soon will be — plus what they enable and the challenges around them:

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Key New Technologies & Trends

1. 5G-Advanced (aka “5G-A” / Release 18 of 3GPP)

   • Enhancements to 5G networks regarding uplink, latency, energy efficiency, spectrum usage. Open RAN Policy Coalition+3huawei+3ericsson.com+3

   • Example: China Telecom + Huawei’s “Intelligent Ultra Pooling Uplink” decouples and pools spectrum, time, RAT (radio access technologies), space and power resources to improve uplink & reduce latency. huawei

   • AI gets more deeply embedded into the network (AI-native networks), not just for monitoring but for orchestration, dynamic resource allocation etc. Huawei BLOG+2Open RAN Policy Coalition+2

2. Edge Computing & Edge AI

   • Processing closer to the device is becoming more common, to support real-time applications (e.g. Industrial IoT, AR/VR, robotics). LinkedIn+2Huawei BLOG+2

   • With 5G-A, the combination of edge compute + AI is a key enabler of services that require low latency & real-time interaction. Huawei BLOG+1

3. Open RAN / Network APIs & Programmable Networks

   • More carriers are deploying Open RAN infrastructures to reduce vendor lock-in, increase flexibility, allow multi-vendor ecosystems. Open RAN Policy Coalition+2ericsson.com+2

   • Using APIs (network as code) / programmability so that services and developers can interact/configure aspects of the network (e.g. for slicing, QoS etc.) more flexibly. ericsson.com+1

4. Network Slicing & SLA-based Services

   • Dividing the network into virtual “slices” tailored for different application types (e.g. low latency for XR, high bandwidth for video, etc.) with associated SLA (service-level agreement). Telecoms are exploring ways to monetize differentiated experiences. Huawei BLOG+2Open RAN Policy Coalition+2

5. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), HAPS, Satellite & Stratospheric Platforms

   • Using satellites or high-altitude platforms to extend coverage in remote or difficult areas. Tom's Hardware+2The Economic Times+2

   • SoftBank successfully tested a 5G base station in the stratosphere (airborne) delivering 5G to phones from above, which helps fill in gaps where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult. Tom's Hardware

6. AI & ML throughout Telecom Operations

   • From predictive maintenance (anticipating hardware or link failures before they happen), to dynamic network optimization (routing, load balancing etc.) Tele Info Today |+2Huawei BLOG+2

   • Also for customer experience: chatbots, personalization of services / bundles, fraud detection etc. Huawei BLOG+1

7. Private / Captive 5G Networks

   • Enterprises (factories, logistics hubs, campuses) increasingly want their own dedicated 5G networks for reliability, security, and performance. LinkedIn+2The Times of India+2

8. Cloud-Native Network Functions & Virtualization

   • Moving core network functions into the cloud, using containers / microservices, allowing more scalability, flexibility and cost efficiency. MYVI+2Reddit+2

9. Enhanced Fiber and High-Speed Backhaul / PON Technologies

   • To support ever higher bandwidths (for 5G/5G-A/edge etc.), improved fiber access and backbone infrastructure are essential. New PON (Passive Optical Network) speeds (e.g. 25G PON and beyond) are being deployed in some areas. Reddit

10. Security, Privacy, and Resilience

    • As networks become more complex (5G, IoT, NTNs, edge), risks multiply. Telcos are investing more in zero-trust architectures, AI-driven threat detection, supply chain security. Telecom Infrastructure+1

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Impacts & Use-Cases

• More immersive / real-time applications: AR/VR/XR, remote robotics, remote surgery (or parts of it), autonomous vehicles.

• Smart cities, logistics, industrial automation getting more reliable connectivity with shorter delays.

• Digital twin models, analytics in real-time.

• Enterprises can tailor networks to their needs (private networks, slicing) rather than purely consumer oriented.

• Bridging connectivity gaps via non-terrestrial means (satellites / HAPS) in rural / remote / disaster areas.

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Challenges / Constraints

• Cost: Upgrading hardware, deploying densified networks, deploying fiber, deploying edge datacenters etc.

• Regulation & Spectrum: Licensing, interference, cross-border issues particularly for satellite / stratospheric platforms.

• Power consumption & energy efficiency — as networks do more real-time processing / AI, energy demands increase.

• Interoperability and standardization (especially for Open RAN, network slicing, AI in networks) to avoid fragmentation.

• Security and privacy concerns escalate.

• Device compatibility: New features will require devices that support 5G-A, NTNs etc.

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If you like, I can pull together a brief of what’s newest in the UK telecom space specifically, or forecasts for 6G to see where things are headed. Do you want that?

how much data can go down a fibre cable

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of data that can travel down a fibre optic cable depends on several factors, including the type of fibre, the equipment used at either end, and the transmission technology. Here's a breakdown:

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🔹 Theoretical Limits

• Single-mode fibre: Can carry data at terabit-per-second (Tbps) speeds over hundreds or even thousands of kilometers.

• Multi-mode fibre: Typically used for shorter distances (up to a few hundred meters), with data rates generally up to 100 Gbps.

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🔹 Practical Examples (as of 2025)

• Standard single-mode fibre used by ISPs and telecom companies:

  • Common commercial deployments: 10 Gbps to 400 Gbps per channel.

  • With Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), you can transmit multiple wavelengths (channels) down the same fibre. For example:

    • 80 channels × 100 Gbps = 8 Tbps.

    • Newer systems can reach 100+ Tbps over a single fibre pair.

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🔹 World Records

• Research labs have achieved data rates exceeding 1 petabit per second (Pbps) over a single fibre using advanced multiplexing and modulation techniques.

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Summary Table

Fibre Type	Typical Max Capacity (Commercial)	Notes
Single-mode	100 Gbps – 100+ Tbps	Long distances; used in backbone networks
Multi-mode	1 Gbps – 100 Gbps	Short distances (e.g., data centers)
With DWDM	8 Tbps – 100+ Tbps	Multiple wavelengths, cutting-edge gear
Research systems	1+ Pbps	Not commercially available (yet)

Whats the advantage of fibre over copper telephone line

 

 

 

 

 

Fibre-optic cables have several advantages over traditional copper telephone lines, especially for internet and telecommunications:

1. Faster Speeds

• Fibre-optic cables can transmit data at speeds up to 100 Gbps or more, while copper lines (DSL) typically max out at around 100 Mbps.
• Fibre offers symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download speeds), unlike copper-based broadband, which often has much slower uploads.

2. Higher Bandwidth

• Fibre supports much higher data capacity than copper, making it ideal for modern applications like 4K streaming, cloud computing, and online gaming.
• Copper lines suffer from bandwidth limitations, especially when multiple users are connected.

3. Lower Latency

• Fibre connections have minimal lag compared to copper, making them ideal for video calls, gaming, and remote work.
• Copper cables experience more signal interference, leading to higher latency.

4. Longer Distance Transmission

• Fibre signals can travel up to 40 km or more without degradation.
• Copper lines experience signal loss beyond 100 meters, requiring amplifiers to boost the signal.

5. Better Reliability & Stability

• Fibre is resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI), weather conditions, and electrical interference.
• Copper lines are prone to signal degradation, corrosion, and interference from electrical devices.

6. Energy Efficiency & Durability

• Fibre-optic cables consume less power than copper because they use light instead of electrical signals.
• They are also more durable, resistant to weather, and less likely to degrade over time.

When will 6G be ready

 

 

 

 

6G is expected to be commercially available around 2030. Development is already underway, with research efforts led by organizations like 3GPP, ITU, and major telecom companies (Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung, etc.). However, key milestones include:

• 2025-2026: Initial standards and testing
• 2027-2028: Pre-commercial trials
• 2030: Expected commercial rollout

6G will bring faster speeds (up to 1 Tbps), ultra-low latency, AI integration, and terahertz (THz) spectrum usage, enabling innovations in holographic communication, smart cities, and real-time immersive experiences.

Would you like details on specific aspects of 6G, such as its impact on industries or how it differs from 5G?

5g benefits over 4g 

 

5G offers several advantages over 4G, improving speed, latency, capacity, and connectivity. Here are the key benefits:

1. Faster Speeds

• 5G: Can reach 10 Gbps (theoretical peak), with real-world speeds 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
• 4G: Maxes out at around 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in ideal conditions.
• Benefit: Faster downloads, streaming in 4K/8K, and instant app loading.

2. Lower Latency (Response Time)

• 5G: 1-10 milliseconds (ms)
• 4G: 30-50 ms
• Benefit: Real-time gaming, ultra-responsive AR/VR, and improved remote surgery capabilities.

3. Higher Capacity & More Devices

• 5G: Supports 1 million devices per square km
• 4G: Supports about 100,000 devices per square km
• Benefit: Better performance in crowded areas (stadiums, cities, concerts), smart city connectivity, and IoT (smart homes, vehicles, industries).

4. Better Network Efficiency & Energy Savings

• 5G: Uses advanced technologies like beamforming and network slicing to optimize data usage.
• Benefit: More efficient bandwidth use and lower power consumption for IoT devices.

5. Supports New Technologies

• 5G unlocks innovations like:
  • Autonomous vehicles (real-time decision-making)
  • Remote surgeries & healthcare (ultra-reliable connections)
  • AR/VR and Metaverse (seamless, immersive experiences)
  • Smart factories & automation (faster machine communication)

Conclusion

5G isn't just about speed—it's about low latency, massive connectivity, and enabling new tech. However, it still requires widespread infrastructure deployment, including small cells and higher frequency bands (mmWave), which is why coverage varies.

Would you like a comparison of 5G vs. 6G or details on 5G rollout in your area?

What is the benefit of fibre over copper telecoms

 

 

 

 

 

Fiber-optic telecommunications offer several advantages over copper-based systems, making them the preferred choice for modern networks. Here are the key benefits:

1. Higher Bandwidth

• Fiber: Provides significantly higher bandwidth, supporting data transmission rates of terabits per second, which are ideal for high-speed internet, video streaming, and other data-intensive applications.
• Copper: Limited in bandwidth and struggles to support modern data needs, especially over long distances.

2. Faster Speeds

• Fiber: Transmits data as light signals, enabling near-instantaneous communication over vast distances.
• Copper: Uses electrical signals, which are slower and prone to signal degradation.

3. Greater Distance

• Fiber: Maintains signal strength over distances up to 40-60 kilometers (and even longer with amplification technologies) without significant loss.
• Copper: Signal degrades quickly, often requiring repeaters after just a few kilometers.

4. Lower Latency

• Fiber: Reduces latency, improving performance for real-time applications like video conferencing, gaming, and cloud computing.
• Copper: Higher latency can hinder the performance of these applications.

5. Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

• Fiber: Unaffected by EMI because it uses light rather than electricity for data transmission.
• Copper: Susceptible to interference from nearby electrical equipment and environmental factors, which can degrade signal quality.

6. Security

• Fiber: Harder to tap or intercept signals without detection, providing enhanced data security.
• Copper: Easier to tap, increasing the risk of data breaches.

7. Durability and Reliability

• Fiber: Resistant to environmental factors like temperature fluctuations, moisture, and corrosion.
• Copper: Prone to corrosion and degradation over time, especially in harsh environments.

8. Scalability

• Fiber: Can support future technologies and higher data demands with minimal infrastructure upgrades.
• Copper: Limited scalability due to its physical and technical constraints.

9. Energy Efficiency

• Fiber: Consumes less power for data transmission, reducing operational costs for large-scale networks.
• Copper: Requires more power to transmit signals over comparable distances.

10. Lower Maintenance Costs

• Fiber: Once installed, fiber-optic systems generally require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan.
• Copper: Needs frequent maintenance due to susceptibility to wear and environmental damage.

Summary

While fiber-optic systems may have higher initial installation costs, their superior performance, durability, and lower operational costs make them a better long-term investment than copper-based systems. This is why fiber optics is becoming the backbone of modern telecommunications.

how does voice over IP WORK

 

 

 

 

 

Voice over IP (VoIP) allows users to make voice calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines. It converts voice signals into digital data and transmits them over the internet. Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Signal Conversion

• Analog to Digital: When you speak into a microphone or phone, your voice is captured as an analog sound wave.
• Digitization: This analog signal is converted into digital data using an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

2. Compression and Packetization

• Compression: The digital data is compressed to reduce file size, making it easier to send over the internet. This is done using codecs like G.711, G.729, or Opus.
• Packetization: The compressed data is broken into small packets. Each packet includes:
  • The voice data.
  • A header with routing information (e.g., sender and recipient IP addresses).

3. Transmission

• The packets are sent across the internet using the Internet Protocol (IP). This is the same protocol used for other online data, like emails and web browsing.
• The packets may travel different routes to reach the destination, depending on network traffic.

4. Reassembly

• At the destination, the packets are reassembled in the correct order.
• Lost packets can sometimes be reconstructed or ignored depending on the VoIP system.

5. Digital to Analog Conversion

• The reassembled digital data is converted back into an analog audio signal using a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).
• The analog signal is played through the recipient’s speaker or headphones, completing the call.

Key Components in VoIP Systems:

• VoIP Phones or Adapters: Devices or software that enable users to make calls. This can include apps like Zoom or physical IP phones.
• SIP Protocol: A signaling protocol (Session Initiation Protocol) that sets up, manages, and terminates calls.
• RTP Protocol: Real-Time Transport Protocol ensures voice data is delivered smoothly and in sync.
• VoIP Service Providers: Companies like Skype, Zoom, or Vonage that provide VoIP services.

Advantages of VoIP

• Cost-effective, especially for long-distance and international calls.
• Flexible (can be used on various devices like smartphones, computers, or VoIP phones).
• Advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and video conferencing.

Challenges

• Requires a stable internet connection.
• Latency or jitter can occur if the network is congested.
• Relies on electricity, unlike traditional landlines.

Let me know if you'd like more details about any specific aspect of VoIP!

Top ten telecom facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sure, here are ten interesting facts about the telecommunications industry:

1. Global Reach: Telecommunications has enabled unprecedented global connectivity. Today, there are over 7 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide, surpassing the global population.

2. Internet Traffic: The volume of internet traffic continues to grow exponentially. As of recent data, global internet traffic has reached several petabytes per second, driven by streaming services, social media, and the proliferation of connected devices.

3. 5G Revolution: The rollout of 5G networks promises to revolutionize telecommunications by offering faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. It's expected to enable innovations like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and augmented reality.

4. Submarine Cables: Underwater fiber optic cables carry approximately 99% of international data traffic. These cables span vast distances across oceans, connecting continents and facilitating global communication.

5. Satellite Communication: While submarine cables dominate international data transmission, satellites play a crucial role in connecting remote regions where terrestrial infrastructure is impractical. They're used for broadcasting, internet access, and communication in areas lacking terrestrial coverage.

6. Mobile Money: Telecommunications has facilitated the rise of mobile money services, particularly in developing countries where traditional banking infrastructure is limited. Mobile money allows users to conduct financial transactions using their mobile phones, fostering financial inclusion.

7. Cybersecurity Challenges: With increased connectivity comes greater cybersecurity risks. Telecommunications networks are prime targets for cyber attacks, requiring constant vigilance and investment in robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure.

8. Internet of Things (IoT): The proliferation of IoT devices, ranging from smart appliances to industrial sensors, relies heavily on telecommunications networks to transmit data. IoT has applications across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

9. Telecommuting and Remote Work: Advances in telecommunications technology have facilitated the rise of telecommuting and remote work arrangements. High-speed internet, video conferencing, and collaboration tools enable employees to work from anywhere, transforming traditional notions of the workplace.

10. Digital Divide: Despite significant advancements, the digital divide persists, with disparities in access to telecommunications infrastructure and services between urban and rural areas, as well as between developed and developing regions. Bridging this gap remains a significant challenge for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

These facts showcase the profound impact of telecommunications on society, economy, and technology, highlighting both its opportunities and challenges.