The Telecom Review Leaders Summit was a huge success this year with a large attendance and a great networking opportunity for all participants. We have further coverage in this issue.

I recently had the pleasure of being a special panel moderator for two sessions at the recent ITU gathering. There were people from around the world in attendance so the panel was well received.

The year 2016 was a remarkable year in terms of technology and mobility. As we look to the future, we can expect to witness the emergence of next generation robots, connected cars, the beginnings of artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Our world is rapidly transforming into a scene from a science fiction movie.

The fast spread of mobility around the world has influenced many prominent topics throughout 2016; such as increased data consumption and more smart devices. It has also driven the development of the internet of things (IoT), the notion that everything around us, from our cars, to our mobile devices, to our kitchen appliances will be wirelessly connected and controllable, propelling us into an age of unprecedented connectivity.  

Increased mobility has led to the emergence of 4.5G and eventually true 5G. Although it isn’t expected to be a final standard implemented until 2019-2020, 5G has caused a buzz of excitement because it promises improved coverage, better signal efficiency and data rates of several tens of megabits per second.

Our world is speeding toward connectivity like never before. As Africa, a continent with a billion people, begins to slowly catch up and connect to the rest of the world, it will mean millions more mobile subscriptions and will drive the need for better infrastructure.

We are looking forward to the Smart Cities World Forum this coming fall. It will be a “can’t miss” event.

Jeff Seal

Managing Partner

Telecom Review North America