Innovative Irish companies are partnering with international organisations to hasten innovation and increase the deployment of 5G across the world.
With the potential to reach speeds 100 times faster than 4G and bring a new wave of digitisation across industries, it’s no surprise that all eyes are on this promising technology. The global 5G infrastructure market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 54.1% during 2019-25. As well as the improvement in network speed, the low latency that 5G provides enables further use cases across VR, robotic process automation and IoT.
Global demand from the world’s biggest players
Perhaps the most significant event in 2020 for 5G commercialisation is the predicted launch of Apple’s 5G-enabled iPhone later this year. The launch should have significant implications on consumer expectations around 5G availability and coverage.
As more 5G enabled IoT, gaming, VR/AR and cloud computing applications are launched, interest will continue to grow.
Companies spanning industries have high expectations for 5G. According to a Gartner survey, two-thirds of enterprises plan to utilise 5G by 2020 with IoT and video applications as the key drivers. Now live in 24 markets, 5G technologies are expected to contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy over the next 15 years, and to account for 20% of global connections by 2025.
7 Irish companies making the connection
Irish telecoms companies, long bolstered by the industry’s commitment to R&D and innovation, are at the forefront of the worldwide deployment of 5G networks, partnering with international companies to make it happen.
Alpha Wireless is a market-leading specialist in designing and manufacturing high-performing antenna solutions. Last year, Alpha Wireless provided antennas for a 5G-enabled mobile network at the Millbrook Proving Ground that enabled self-driving vehicle testing. Their goal is to enable the rollout of next-generation telecommunications networks.
CEO Fergal Lawlor spoke about the potential for Irish companies to partner with global infrastructure providers and mobile operators, saying: “It’s incredible to think that 5G will be able to support the connectivity demands of three times the world’s population in years to come.”
Benetel provides a unique combination of disruptive and differentiated radio platforms, services and RF expertise. Their modular platform approach provides scalable solutions for communication providers. In 2018 big industry players like AT&T, China Mobile & Orange Mobile formed the ORAN alliance, showing a movement towards open interface solutions that Benetel provides.
“Benetel envisions that organisations will require the ability to quickly and cost-effectively customise and evaluate the benefits of 5G networks. We’re responding to this demand with deployment-grade open interface RUs,” John Doyle, Founder and CTO of Benetel, explains while speaking about the company’s addition to the OpenAir Alliance in 2019, whose mission is to provide software and tools for 5G wireless research and product development.
Cubic Telecom is a global connectivity management software supplier that offers solutions powering connectivity for leading IoT, automotive and mobile device companies across the globe. Cubic works with leading companies such as Audi, Panasonic, Volkswagen and Woolworths, providing them with connectivity in over 180 countries.
After successful rounds of funding and international partnerships to further global 5G innovation, Cubic Telecom’s CEO Barry Napier predicts that 5G will be a global game-changer in and beyond the automotive industry: “We will see an increase in the services being streamed directly to the car, and more manufacturers offering Wi-Fi hotspots in their vehicles.”
Druid Software provide cellular core applications for 5G, CBRS, IoT, Public Safety, Neutral Host, and Patrol & Enterprise Communications. Druid supply core network technology and components to Global System Integrators and Network Equipment Providers. Their technology is enabling LTE private networks withing mining, shipping, transport and manufacturing.
Openet provides Business Support Systems (BSS) to some of the world’s leading service providers (AT&T, BT, Orange) enabling them to create new revenues from digital services, improve customer engagement and enjoy faster time to market. Last year, they entered into a partnership with Samsung Electronics to deliver 5G core network solutions.
Speaking about the partnership, Openet’s CEO Niall Norton said: “This was a significant investment to ensure that Openet’s Digital BSS software fully supports 5G. The BSS market has changed, old business models are gone, and world-leading companies like Samsung want to work with independent, innovative and agile vendors who will make a difference.”
Software Radio Systems delivers open, auditable software for mobile wireless systems, providing custom product solutions, applications and modular, portable libraries for a range of wireless technologies including LTE and 5G NR. Previous projects of note include work with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, and SmartSky, an air-to-ground connectivity provider for commercial aircraft.
While speaking about a recent partnership with US-based VT Systems to transform multimedia streaming on mobile devices, Paul Sutton, SRS co-founder says: “This is a transformational project which will provide seamless video streaming content directly to millions of users over huge geographic areas.”
Taoglas, a world-leading provider of RF antennas next-generation IoT solutions, has deployed innovative IoT projects across automotive, utilities, smart cities, healthcare, telematics and more. Taoglas have an industry-leading portfolio of 5G antennas for both sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies and were the first to market with antennas that support the 600MHz spectrum being used by T-Mobile in the US.
“Our high-performance and cost-competitive subsystem will help solidify a broader and faster deployment of the [5G] technology,” notes Dennis Kish, COO of Taoglas, speaking on the back of a recent partnership with MixComm on a design that aims to reduce barriers to worldwide 5G adoption.
Ireland has a reputation as being the heart of ICT in Europe, and Irish companies are helping to pave the way towards global 5G deployment, evidenced by high-profile partnerships like those listed above, and through the energy, commitment and enthusiasm within the sector as a whole. With expectations from consumers and business alike, these companies are providing the support and expertise needed to achieve a faster, more connected digital world.
