Heavy Reading: as Wireless Network Operators Set Sights on Looming 5G Service Launch, Long-Term Potential Still Yet to be Defined

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Commercial service providers (CSPs) are bullish on imminent 5G service launches, even if future 5G offerings remain unclear, according to a global survey, commissioned by InterDigital, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDCC), a mobile technology research and development company.  The study, conducted by Heavy Reading, found that there is a “striking difference” between how the U.S. and the rest-of-world (RoW) view both short and long-term business opportunities associated with the next generation of wireless standards.

A November 29^th webinar, 5G Expectations with a Global Twist, will explore these different points of view and the opportunities presented by evolving 5G standards to deliver new services and connected experiences for businesses, consumers and society.   A new white paper, 5G Deployment & Service Strategies: An Operator Survey, takes a closer look at both near- and long-term business opportunities identified by CSPs worldwide.
Some of the key survey findings include:

• The largest respondent group (38%) describes 5G as “evolutionary to 4G,” whereas 21% say 5G will be “disruptive and innovative.”
• A majority (52%) of U.S. respondents think “faster end-user speeds” will be the most important commercial benefit of 5G within three years of commercial launch; “new services and ecosystem expansion” were cited by 41% of RoW respondents as the primary benefit.
• Over a five-year view (2018-2023), the survey respondents foresee a wholesale transition to 5G, with 71% percent of respondents reporting they believe 5G will be a mass-market service by this time; within three years of commercial launch, a majority (53%) plan to deploy end-to-end slicing for “key vertical customers.” 

“What’s clear is that global standards have never been more important to building the technological framework that will deliver the promise and potential of new 5G-connected experiences,” said Diana Pani, Director, Research & Development, InterDigital. “The new network models being tested today are essential to supporting the highly reliable, ultra-fast connections required for continued industry innovation.  These are exciting times for operators worldwide to help fuel meaningful progress for businesses, consumers and society via next generation mobile networks.”

About InterDigital^®

InterDigital develops mobile technologies that are at the core of devices, networks, and services worldwide. We solve many of the industry's most critical and complex technical challenges, inventing solutions for more efficient broadband networks and a richer multimedia experience year ahead of market deployment. InterDigital has licenses and strategic relationships with many of the world's leading wireless companies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on NASDAQ and is included in the S&P MidCap 400^® index.

InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

For more information, visit: www.interdigital.com.