Edge Computing in Telecom: On the Road to IT and Telco Merger

Ever-increasing data volume growth, faster transmission speed and the need to eliminate delays in the provision of services all contributed to the emergence and development of the concept of moving cloud solutions closer to end-customers. This means that server rooms (IT elements) should be sited geographically closer to those locations where only transmission equipment (telco elements) was previously based.

What does this mean for the telecommunications and IT industries?

The need for IT and telco merger for edge computing in telecom

Moving to edge computing necessitates the integration of device management tools from both domains (IT and telecommunications) into one comprehensive system. This poses a challenge for communication/digital service providers, who, to large extent, haven’t prepared for the move as edge computing is still a bit of a niche. It will also be challenging because of the complexity of IT and telco elements and software, which are very different from each other. Merging them and making them consistent won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. In fact, it’s inevitable.

Consequences of the big move

This transition to edge computing in telecom has been spoken about since 4G, but it has become clear that real 5G won’t emerge until all the changes – including edge computing – are made. Moving to the edge will have many beneficial consequences, including the creation of entirely new business opportunities for telecoms. These will include bringing to life new services such as cloud provisioning, which used to be the domain of the IT industry.

These changes will not only apply to telecoms, but will affect everyone. As edge computing allows minimization of delays, shrinking them to almost zero, it will create space for better communication, swifter gaming sessions, remote medical surgeries and other crucial operations.

Bearing this in mind, moving to the edge will be beneficial for us all, and telecoms can – and should – monetize this technology before it becomes so commonplace that someone is able to steal their business.

2021 will be the year of moving to the edge

With the expansion of 5G networks, 2021 will be the perfect time to introduce edge computing use cases in telecom on a large scale. This is the right time to implement new solutions, and the ideal – maybe even the last – moment to start benefiting from the technology. As with any disruptive solution, this one brings challenges too. But, all in all, the advantages outweigh the potential complications.