Operators need to adopt 5G Advanced and redcap if they are to attract high-spending IoT users, according to a report from Juniper Research.

Operators will generate $400bn in service revenue from 5G networks in 2024, up 32% on 2023. However, the report anticipates that as 5G penetration rates become saturated among consumers, it will be imperative for operators to launch services over 5G networks that provide value to enterprise IoT users.

To accomplish this, the research identified two key emerging 5G technologies that will impact operators’ ability to attract high-spending IoT users: 5G Advanced and 5G redcap.

These will enable operators to provide services including extended coverage, increased network efficiency and device battery life to enterprise users.

The report (www.juniperresearch.com/research/telco-connectivity/5g/5g-future-strategies-research-report) predicts the benefits of 5G Advanced and redcap will be instrumental in the growth of IoT sectors, including automotive and mobile broadband. In turn, it forecasts there will be over 360 million 5G IoT devices using public network by 2028, up from 35 million devices in 2024.

It identified FWA (fixed wireless access) as the sector to benefit most from these services, given the large amounts of traffic generated. FWA leverages cellular networks to provide internet connectivity to other devices, often through wifi.

“FWA has always been positioned as a key service for 5G network monetisation, but the emergence of 5G Advanced and 5G redcap will enable operators to offer similar network conditions as fixed network service providers,” said research co-author Sam Barker. “Operators must leverage their existing billing relationships with consumers to promote their FWA solutions.”