The rollout of 5G technology over the past five years has been slow, but adoption has accelerated recently. 7.9 billion 5G connections worldwide It is expected by 2028.
Also read: Telecom retailers can improve customer experience by implementing integrated solutions
While 5G is still being implemented, the international telecommunications industry is already preparing for the development of 6G. The United Arab Emirates is Plans to launch 6G in 2030Nokia partners with Indian company 5G and 6G communications researchIn North America, NVIDIA is building an AI platform We are stepping up the development of 6G, with commercialization planned for 2030.
6G technology could be commercialized in about six years. It may seem like a long time, but if the development of 6G keeps up the pace, six years may not be enough to speed up the telecom retail business. Currently, the demand for 5G devices is increasing rapidly. The compound annual growth rate is 40%. The implementation of 6G technology promises faster connections and devices that offer greater performance and capacity – all of which are attractive propositions for customers, leading to high demand for 6G devices.
Carriers need to start sorting out their operational policies and POS technologies now to accommodate the upcoming demand for 6G devices.
Telecommunications carriers’ expectations for 6G
The introduction of 6G will drive demand for faster and more capable smart devices. Video streaming requirements alone will motivate customers to purchase 5G mobile devices and even 5G Home Internet6G speeds are set to bring even more powerful devices, but can wireless retailers expect to see increased sales revenue?
The answer is complicated. On the one hand, there are certainly customers who want the latest 6G-enabled premium smart devices. On the other hand, The trend towards longer-lasting devicesand some customers prefer cost-effective devices. Retail sales teams have noticed that customers are upgrading their devices much less frequently. Instead of once every 18 months, customers are upgrading their devices once every three years. 6G devices are expected to last even longer than 5G devices, which could result in lower sales. Even though retailers are in a position to charge premium prices for higher rate plans, this may not be enough to offset the losses from the overall decline in sales.
The answer lies in diversification. Wireless retailers need to diversify their inventory in anticipation of declining sales. Selling smart home devices Internet of Things (IoT) devices are predicted to grow over the next few years. Retailers must take steps now to meet customer demand for smart home devices. By the time 6G devices hit the market, retailers will have a well-diversified product portfolio to maintain revenue-generating channels.
Customer experience should be a priority
For carriers, having a large inventory of the latest 6G devices may not translate into the same amount of sales if the customer experience is not improved. There are many lessons to be learned from this example. Rapid expansion of prepaid retailers In the United States.
Device activation in mail order sales has traditionally been difficult and time-consuming for all involved: carriers, salespeople, and above all, customers. In 2023, Average device boot time was 30 minutessome customers are experiencing wait times of up to 60 minutes. Efforts are underway to reduce activation costs and customer wait times. However, this is not a one-time solution; it is a continuous process. Carriers need to stay aware of customer pain points and address them quickly.
While wireless retailers’ goal is to stock and sell more 6G devices, behind the scenes they are leveraging 6G technology in a variety of ways. For example, 6G connectivity speeds up data analytics, putting customer data and sales patterns at the fingertips of sales associates when they need them. Faster access to data allows sales associates to upsell with more precision. Wireless retailers can now deliver personalized customer experiences across multiple channels, strengthening customer relationships.
Beyond data, 6G technology can improve logistics and operational inefficiencies, reduce customer wait times, and improve employee retention.
Key Considerations for 6G Deployment
Artificial intelligence (AI) is in the spotlight AI is expected to be a key tool in the development of 6G networks, especially in optimizing equipment and resources. However, AI is already being used in the telecommunications industry. Most industries have proven that they have more data than humans can analyze. That’s where AI comes in. In the wireless retail industry, AI can be used to collect and process customer data to suggest better pricing plans.
But there are many ethical considerations when using AI. AI technology requires human intervention, not just because human bias is involved in programming AI. AI HallucinationsAI-generated data can have negative effects on businesses. Additionally, companies must obtain consent to collect customer data and develop policies for how and why that data can be used.
Another key consideration in 6G deployment is the need for sustainability. The development and operation of 6G networks will be Billions of kilograms of e-waste 6G electricity is already being generated on Earth, and as companies like NVIDIA and Nokia work hard to build out 6G networks, they must consider how the construction process, maintenance, and recycling will impact the environment.
The 2030 timeline is uncertain and use cases are undefined.
Several challenges remain for the introduction of 6G. Although the telecommunications industry has learned many lessons from the rollout of 5G, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the issues that plagued 5G operators won’t affect 6G technology.
Some problems have been solved. For example, the rollout of 5G was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the introduction of 6G should not be a problem. Moreover, the heavy network boxes used to roll out 5G have already been miniaturized. Vodafone recently 5G Network in a BoxThis could pave the way for a smoother rollout of 6G.
But 5G operators have struggled with private use of unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum, and this could become an issue again with the rollout of 6G. 5G C-band transmission for the aviation industry There are concerns about interference with GPS and navigation that are still being worked out.
Some issues with 5G implementation could negatively impact the rollout of 6G. 5G makes it harder to get inside Population density is also affecting 5G rollout, with many Asian countries doing better than North America due to a much higher density of mobile sites. Even if 6G technology develops faster than expected, actual coverage may not be enough for operators to recoup deployment costs, let alone turn a profit.
Given this uncertainty, the real priority for telecom retailers is to strategize around the macro trends listed above, which are much more certain: at this stage, it is less important to plan for the potential of 6G and much more urgent to plan for current consumer trends colliding with emerging technologies, such as diversifying retail with IoT products and enhancing operations with AI.
Beyond 6G products, wireless retail success requires interconnected technologies
Omnichannel retail experience It has become the norm across every industry, and telecom retail is no exception: the growth that 6G devices promise means little in terms of revenue unless the omnichannel experience is optimized.
Today’s retail industry requires that systems communicate with each other in real time, without users (usually salespeople) having to deal with clunky interfaces and multiple different pieces of software, and the only way to meet this demand is through integration technology.
From now on, telco retailers can choose comprehensive software that connects different systems and allows staff to easily manage processes. An interconnected approach to commerce – including HR systems, business operations, tax management and inventory management – will enable retailers to meet any challenges that 6G brings, and beyond.
About the Author
With a 15-year career in the wireless communications industry, Jason Raymer is the Senior Vice President of Revenue and Customer Experience at iQmetrix, North America’s only Interconnected Commerce solutions provider designed to empower the telecommunications retail industry. Early in his career, Jason navigated the complexities of the consumer electronics retail industry, which quickly evolved into revenue and operations roles at Tier 1 and Tier 2 telecommunications carriers in North America. These experiences have served him well in his current leadership role, focused on strategic vision to drive organizations to new heights. Jason’s expertise lies in developing revenue generating strategies, leveraging technology to help telecommunications retailers optimize their operations, and nurturing strong customer relationships. As a seasoned industry expert, his commitment drives iQmetrix’s success in an ever-changing landscape, propelling the company to the forefront of the telecommunications industry. Jason drives efforts to leverage the power of emerging technologies, ensuring iQmetrix solutions remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
