Business Case and Technology Analysis for 5G Low Latency Applications

TL;DR

This paper analyzes 5G ultra-low latency use cases from technical and business perspectives, highlighting potential market benefits and investment challenges for operators in adopting new services.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of 5G low latency applications, assessing technical requirements and business opportunities for operators.

Findings

Operators can add value through 5G low latency services

Significant network investments are needed for ultra-low latency applications

Market opportunities are promising despite investment challenges

Abstract

A large number of new consumer and industrial applications are likely to change the classic operator's business models and provide a wide range of new markets to enter. This article analyses the most relevant 5G use cases that require ultra-low latency, from both technical and business perspectives. Low latency services pose challenging requirements to the network, and to fulfill them operators need to invest in costly changes in their network. In this sense, it is not clear whether such investments are going to be amortized with these new business models. In light of this, specific applications and requirements are described and the potential market benefits for operators are analysed. Conclusions show that operators have clear opportunities to add value and position themselves strongly with the increasing number of services to be provided by 5G.