The telecommunications industry has been the pillar of societies worldwide – tasked with the mammoth role of supporting the abrupt shift to work-from-home, remote learning, and other virtual activities in a pandemic-stricken environment mired by lockdowns.

Read more: Challenges and opportunities for the telecommunications industry in 2021

“GITEX Technology Week is an exceptional event and we are always eager to participate in it. But this year we have a surprise for our customers and partners; we will broadcast our activities directly to almost 150 cities around the world, so that those who cannot attend are able to experience our presence virtually. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out about the latest technical solutions we have developed to enable business sustainability and the globalization of work.”

Read more: It’s showtime for Avaya at GITEX 2020

When I think of the telecommunications industry, “What is essential is invisible to the eye” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in The Little Prince immediately comes to mind. From keeping us informed of the latest news and entertained while we stay home, to ensuring business continuity, we hardly notice our heavy reliance on the invisible networks that keep us connected – except when they disconnect.

Read more: The telecoms industry will never be the same again

This year has been nothing short of transformational for several public and private enterprises across the region and the rest of the world. The wholesale industry, in particular, had a unique experience throughout the pandemic, as people were forced into lockdown and began to study and work from home, causing a huge surge in internet traffic.

Read more: Vaneet Mehta discusses experience of wholesale industry amid COVID-19 at 14th Telecom Review Summit

Asia Pacific (APAC) is a hotbed for 5G technology adoption. According to GlobalData, APAC will lead in terms of 5G technology adoption with over a billion subscribers, accounting for 65% of global 5G subscribers by 2024. In the region, South Korea, China, and Japan will dominate 5G markets.

Read more: How key Asia Pacific countries are faring against one another in 5G adoption

As we come closer to making 5G a reality, OTTs and service providers will soon be able to look forward to implementing 5G’s network slicing capabilities within their business operations, in addition to being a new source of revenue to operators. Telecom Review Asia Pacific sat down with Mr Jason Tu Jiashun, Principal Scientist of NFV/SDN Solutions at ZTE Corporation to find out more about this exciting new possibility. 

Read more: Opportunities abound for vertical industries employing 5G network slicing

What started as a trade war between the world’s two superpowers evolved into a tech war with no sign of abating, as the US targets Chinese telecommunications providers in one of the latest tech retaliations against China even as Trump’s presidency comes to a near end.

Read more: Chinese tech giants blacklisted amid China-US tech war

With 40 years of hard-earned experience and continued progress, Arianespace has been lauded as one of the leading commercial satellite launch services in the industry. Telecom Review Asia Pacific spoke to Vivian Quenet, Arianespace’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific to gain insight on the company’s impressive portfolio within the region, COVID 19’s impact on business operations and its future missions with Ariane 6 and Vega C.

Read more: Arianespace’s legacy continues to soar with upcoming launch missions

Given the potential and promise of 5G, it comes as no surprise that the next generation mobile network is dominating technology industry headlines. However, while 5G is a generational boost for wireless networks, it’s important to recognize a more significant technology shift which impacts the migration to 5G networks: the cloud for business. 

Read more: Exploring the 5G ecosystem’s newest “cloud for business” model

With both Africa and Asia on the cusp of a digital renaissance, Telecom Review Asia Pacific secured an exclusive interview with ZTE’s SVP, President of International Sales Mr. Xiao Ming to discuss the evolution of 5G within these two very distinct regions as well as the significance of investing its global revenue into R&D in a post-pandemic world.

Read more: Looking to Asia and Africa as future hubs for digital economic development

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