Peter Boyland - Principal Analyst
One of the key themes of MWC 2022 will be the increase in global internet connectivity and the closing of the digital divide. As over three-quarters of people are expected to be connected by the end of the decade, the conversation is moving on from haves/have nots to the quality of these connections.
Omdia forecasts that global internet connections will reach over 6 billion in 2026, up from 4.8 billion at the end of 2021—a CAGR of 4.5%. The percentage of the connected population is expected to increase from 62% to 74%, with over half of these having access to both fixed and mobile connectivity (see figure).
Just over a third of the connected population have access to mobile only, with the vast majority using technologies up to 4G. While this is fine for basic web browsing and low-data use, these connections need to be upgraded to 5G to allow users to access the full potential of connectivity. Service providers are investing heavily in the next generation of mobile networks, and we expect to see a raft of rollout announcements at MWC 2022.
At the heart of this improved connectivity is fiber. Broadband operators are turning to full fiber (FTTH/B) to replace aging xDSL and cable broadband connections, while those in emerging greenfield markets are moving straight to full fiber, leapfrogging interim last-mile options. Fiber offers higher speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability, and can also drive operator ARPU beyond basic subscriptions, enabling a wider range of bundled offerings from enhanced video to connected home and healthcare.
But the proliferation of fiber will drive more than just broadband subscriptions and bundles. Fiber network backbone is vital to mobile cellular connectivity, as are hybrid technologies such as fixed wireless access (FWA). Another emerging technology that offers similar advantages is low earth orbit (LEO) satellite. Several competing satellite operators have emerged, and we expect to see some big announcements on broadband service partnerships in 2022.
Source: Omdia
As a major sponsor, Huawei is expected to reveal a number of new products at MWC 2022. The vendor is expected to build on its connected home offering, while we are also hoping for an announcement in the 5G FWA area, where Huawei is somewhat lagging its rivals.
2022 could well be the year the LEO satellite broadband proposition becomes real, as several operators’ constellations reach maturity. Starlink recently ran into regulatory barriers in India, but the fact the Elon Musk-backed operator is even talking to governments shows the extent of its ambitions.
T-Mobile has been disrupting the US cellular market for some time now, but the operator has now turned its attention to FWA. It’s a bit behind rival Verizon in this space, but T-Mobile’s aggressive rollout plans and its focus on wireless-only broadband make it one to watch in 2022.
You can meet with Omdia's expert team at the following events:
Cable Europe (June 21, location TBC)
Connected Britain 2022 (September 20, London)
Network X (October 18–20, Amsterdam)
