One of the questions posed by operators in the debates of the next few days will be the viability of the business in the 5G era. This was anticipated by Lucas Gallitto, Director of Public Policy of GSMA Latin America, in dialogue with Convergencialatina. From the organizing entity of the MWC, work groups are promoted for the same purpose to analyze business models based on 5G.

The motto of MWC19, "Intelligent Connectivity", is related to this dilemma of the operator versus the next mobile generation: the concept that will be the focus of discussions in Barcelona is the result of the merger between 5G, AI and IoT, with the Internet of production as one of the most interesting use cases in the coming years.

In line with the still vibrant questions facing 5G, Nokia presented as part of its activity for the MWC19 its "5G Maturity Index", together with Analysys Mason. The document reveals that two thirds of the operators foresee that the new networks generate new revenues: the most frequently mentioned use cases were multi-gigabit mobile connectivity, connected and autonomous vehicles; critical health monitoring; and services for the connected household. 70% of respondents, meanwhile, said they are focused on using 5G to improve existing consumer services.

Live Trials

It is expected that the event held in Barcelona brings together in its debates operators, manufacturers and suppliers with much to tell about the new technology generation. After all, 5G comes to the 2019 edition of the MWC as a concrete reality, trials of all kinds and experiences to evaluate before commercial launches. As proof of this, a panel to be held next Wednesday will set aside the traditional debate format for a real-time demonstration of a surgery. A doctor from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona will be in the auditorium of the Fira Gran Via guiding his colleagues live in the sanatorium in the process, on a 5G connection. Although this is one of the many experiences that will be displayed at the fair for four days next week, telehealth will be revealed as one of the most viable 5G business cases.

Gallitto stressed that as part of the agenda of the MWC19 Ministerial Program, a working group was organized with the OECD, in which a digitalization group will be launched: not only telecommunications regulators will participate, but Finance, Transport, Health and Education ministers were invited, considering that 5G will be transversal to the economy of the countries.