Edge computing brings lucrative opps to network operators and telcos
Network operators will play a pivotal role in enabling new revenue streams from edge computing, according to new research from Vertiv and Omdia, formerly Ovum.
The co-created report titled 'Telcos and edge computing: opportunity, threat or distraction?' looks at the implications of the shift to edge computing for telecom operators and the best tactics and strategies for capitalising on edge growth.
Omdia states mobile and wireline operators can build a platform for the development of edge services, and also save on costs by combining existing cell tower networks with central offices and aggregation points such as edge data centers.
The report highlights that edge growth can open up new areas of competition, with 36% of those surveyed believing that network operators will be most important in the creation of new revenue services from edge. Application developers (30%) and public cloud providers (25%) are also seen as key edge players.
Omdia senior telecoms analyst and author of the report Julian Bright, says communications service providers (CSPs) have an opportunity in the edge computing market, but other potential players including public cloud providers and over-the-top (OTT) content players are equally attracted by the prospect of delivering the edge.
Bright says, "The size of share that service providers can expect to capture in the market for edge computing will depend on several factors. These include how successfully they can evolve their networks to support edge computing paradigms and avoid becoming mere connectivity providers.
The Omdia report specifically addresses the role prefabricated modular data centers (PFM) will likely play in helping telecoms operators deliver future edge infrastructure, with the PFM market forecast to grow from $1.2 billion in 2018 to $4.3 billion in 2023.
This projected growth is driven by telcos and the growth of edge computing, as well as overall growth by cloud service providers, the report highlights.
Vertiv chief strategy and development officer Gary Niederpruem says, "The growth at the edge opens opportunities for telecom providers to develop new services related to 5G, IoT and other innovative technologies.
"Operators will need partners with international reach, as well as a breadth of solutions and services, to support them on their edge journey.
Alongside rapid deployment, energy efficiency is also a key concern for network operators. In a recently published update to a landmark 2019 survey commissioned by Vertiv 2020: Same Hopes, More Fears technology analyst firm 451 Research identified that the energy costs associated with edge and 5G connectivity remain a serious concern for operators.
451 Research vice president Brian Partridge says, "Energy consumption is a major concern for 5G network owners as it constitutes between 20-40% of network OPEX.
"Analysis conducted by Vertiv estimates 5G will likely increase total network energy consumption of 150-170% by 2026. The industry desperately needs energy efficient 5G solutions, especially for power-hungry tech like MIMO antennas, and data center specific countermeasures.
