With promises of faster speed, wider coverage, and a stable network, 5G is being featured as a solution to challenges faced across the globe, such as strain on resources due to increasing urbanization, increased demand for healthcare and social care, and concerns surrounding environmental sustainability.

According to Frost & Sullivan’s recent report, 5G as an Enabler of Smart Nations in Asia-Pacific, the Asia-Pacific will emerge as the largest adopter of 5G by 2025 as the region strongly focuses on smart city applications.

For more information on the report, visit https://bit.ly/2NmPBOE.

The implementation of the network, which is expected to gain momentum in the Asia-Pacific from 2020, can power the use of open data to drive the region’s Smart City initiatives. Smooth Smart City operations require the deployment of 5G technology, which ensures faster speed and lower latencies than the existing 4G or 3G networks.

5G operates in significantly high frequencies, achieving gigabit plus browsing speeds, as opposed to the fastest 4G service providers, which are limited to an average of 45 Mbps.

5G rollout will therefore not only increase network efficiency but also help in connecting more devices that can effectively communicate with each other. As a result, Smart Cities developed on this wireless network platform will unfold massive opportunities across most industries such as smart infrastructure, smart mobility, smart healthcare, smart energy, and smart buildings. Consequently, this will spur economic growth and thus improve the overall quality of life for residents.

In order to reap the benefits unleashed by Smart City initiatives and boost the economy of Asia-Pacific nations, governments in the region, including, but not limited to, South Korea, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore are collaborating with industry participants and allocating budgets for 5G research and development. The 5G platform can address gaps within Smart Cities, thereby opening up substantial opportunities for enterprises in terms of new services and business models.

Experts at Frost & Sullivan have identified major growth opportunities for the internet of things (IoT) in 5G and Smart Cities:

  • Technological innovation: 5G leverages technological innovation to introduce new business models and revenue streams.
  • Cross-industry collaboration: As 5G connects beyond smartphones to wireless devices, collaborations with vertical industries such as automotive, healthcare, and utilities are essential for cross-industry connectivity and adoption.
  • Unified global standards: A globally harmonized framework across industries will lead to economies of scale, facilitated through multiple vendors and solutions; it will also enable international roaming for consumers.

5G as an Enabler of Smart Nations in Asia-Pacific is a report published by Frost & Sullivan industry analysts and experts to identify trends and growth opportunities in the 5G market. Access the executive summary of the report here: https://bit.ly/2NmPBOE.


Subarna Poudel is a researcher with Frost & Sullivan. He can be reached at subarna.poudel@frost.com