As we approach the end of 2024, we gathered our experts for our annual Christmas get together. We reflected on key moments, projects, and insights in Real Wireless that we expect to shape both the wireless industry and the end user in the coming years. From groundbreaking sustainability initiatives to tackling connectivity challenges, here’s a look back at some highlights.
Supporting net zero goals with digital innovation
This year, we celebrated winning a project in the UK Net Zero Living Digital Competition. We developed a strong understanding, through the development of our analysis tool’s capability, of how to address the need for increased collaboration between the Energy and Telecoms sectors. Both sectors have an important role in operating critical national infrastructure. We have seen how wireless systems can drive efficiencies, reduce emissions, and help communities transition toward net zero goals. However, as public and private sector increase their adoption, the wireless industry needs to be evidencing that they are moving their system efficiencies in the right direction to address the longer term sustainability challenges.
Advancing spectrum sharing
We have advised clients on spectrum sharing for many years. This year, with the start of our Spectrum Sandbox, we are managing collaborations between industry, telecoms ministry and regulator perspectives with the joint mission of maximising efficient use of spectrum. We analysed spectrum sharing models and are now seeing the benefits of collaboration and how this could pave the way for faster deployment of innovative technologies while ensuring fairness and accessibility for spectrum resource.
Sustainable mobile infrastructure
The shift toward more sustainable mobile networks gained momentum this year. We delved into the economic and environmental benefits of prioritising sustainable mobile infrastructure. Our research emphasised that moving away from traditional TCO and ROI value assessments is necessary to address both financial and ecological challenges, shaping a greener and more future-proof industry. The translation from SDGs to KVIs, and how industry establishes a trusted verification and validation approach is still at an early stage, this year was significant for us in helping to shape that agenda.
Taylor Swift, mobile Data, and record-breaking networks
Even cultural moments intersected with telecoms this year. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shattered mobile data records, highlighting the demand for robust wireless networks at major events. We explored how Real Wireless contributed to the planning and execution of connectivity solutions that delivered seamless experiences for event attendees. Our Wireless Fabric© oriented services benefited several venues this year.
Tackling passenger connectivity on trains
Passenger connectivity on railways remained a pain point in 2024. Building on our work from previous years, we investigated new approaches to solving poor connectivity on trains. While technical solutions are available, the recurring challenge lies in determining who should fund the required investments.
Sustain-6G and the future of wireless
We were thrilled to be part of the winning SUSTAIN-6G Consortium led by Nokia, coming through the UKs “Horizon Europe winter” to fully rejoin the ecosystem. We will manage tasks centred on developing and applying a comprehensive methodology for assessing the sustainability impacts of 6G deployments. This initiative focuses on integrating sustainability into the development of 6G, ensuring that future wireless technologies are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible. If there is another commercial market proposition at the end of the 2020s called 6G, its real capability with respect to sustainability is going to have to be compelling.
Environmental impact of streaming
A standout finding from our research on the Future of TV Distribution this year was that internet-based TV produces higher greenhouse gas emissions than many realise, due to the complex infrastructure both outside and inside the home. This work sheds light on the importance of factoring full life cycle assessments into sustainability strategies for both consumers and industries. Our Net Zero oriented analysis has been refined throughout the year to now encompass both wireless and fixed system distribution of video-oriented services.
As we prepare for 2025, these stories remind us of the many complex challenges and exciting opportunities ahead for the telecoms industry. As ever, we’re committed to advancing connectivity, sustainability, and innovation.
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