Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

Written by: Mohammad Al Amin, Journalist, AOPG.

Data is the key to gaining market insights and becoming more agile in manoeuvring market trends. So, the faster the connection, the quicker data can be shared, delivered, or received. That is why the deployment of 5G networks is a game-changer for many.

In fact, according to Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President, APAC, at Verizon Business Group, 5G technology is equally as important as other game-changing technologies such as quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning to businesses because it provides enhanced intelligence and flexibility. In other words, 5G networks provide superior reliability and predictability for businesses as well as improve and fulfil critical communications needs, such as Quality of Service (QoS) for a broad range of use cases.

Le Busque added that 5G networks also support the capability of connecting to 10x more devices than 4G networks without noticeable delays or interference. This means that in a densely populated area, 5G networks can provide better daily life experiences—better and smoother citywide surveillance, high-speed Internet access for both outdoor and indoor areas, and reliable cellular blanket coverage, among others.

“For example, when you are at a port with all these huge metal containers about — traditional Wi-Fi doesn’t interact well and provide the coverage you require. Whereas 5G networks provide a very dense layer of coverage. So, no matter where you are in the port facilities, you can remain connected,” explained Le Busque about these 5G network capabilities.

Adopting 5G and Other Innovations: Par the Course in Southeast Asia

The Verizon executive then touched on how Southeast Asia—particularly Malaysia—has been an enthusiastic technology adopter, mostly because business leaders in the region see new technology adoption as a competitive advantage that attracts investments and drives economic growth. And if this fervour for new technologies continues, Le Busque expects it to spur innovation growth for the next decade for the region in general and for Malaysia in particular.

Further, Le Busque noted that while the region is a leader in tech utilisation, it is at the same time—and perhaps ironically—a laggard. On the one hand, the region is adopting these technologies at a high rate. And yet this adoption, unfortunately, is still not broad enough to be accessible by both consumers and businesses at a large enough scale.

In this case, it must be noted that 5G networks are forecast to achieve a 50% penetration rate in Southeast Asia by 2028. Le Busque, though, would prefer that major stakeholders in the region think about how to move forward that timeline so that everyone can yield the full benefits of 5G sooner.

The Enormous Potential of 5G in Southeast Asia

According to Le Busque, private 5G networks have enormous potential within the region—and their importance is on par with AI and Big Data analytics.

“So, if we go beyond Southeast Asia—the Asia Pacific—all the way from Japan, down to Australia, then across the sea to India; everywhere I travelled, private 5G networks are sitting side by side with AI and Big Data analytics—are the three key technology trends and investment drivers that is every single executive is speaking about,” Le Busque pointed out

Verizon, incidentally, has big plans for the region when it comes to 5G.

According to Le Busque, Verizon is currently working on numerous projects across industries in Southeast Asia. For private 5G networks, in particular, Verizon will continue to drive growth in use case development. On top of that, Verizon is also bringing large network transformation and leadership experience to help businesses adopt and transition to 5G networks efficiently. Besides assistance in network transformation, Verizon is also sharing their experiences and capabilities in cybersecurity to help businesses better protect their important assets.

In an effort to provide better connectivity, Verizon will continue to collaborate with enterprises and government bodies and stand together with customers—whether in terms of resources, services, or availability. Simply put, Verizon is committed to serving its customers and bringing better technology growth through investments, particularly those related to 5G.

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