How telcos are creating greater customer value through convergence

Standards have long been a critical part of the telecoms ecosystem. They, along with the collaboration they bring, maximise value from current telecoms technologies and assets by fostering interoperability and driving innovation. By working together and adhering to common standards, telcos can reduce costs, increase time to market of services and create a more competitive market.

Even now, with broadband firmly established as the fourth utility, standards continue to play a key role in its future development, specifically providing an improved user experience.

Convergence, for example, is just one key initiative currently driving collaboration and competition with standardisation at the centre. It is unlocking new possibilities and allowing the industry to explore new revenue with existing assets, technologies and services. But why is convergence important and how are standards and collaboration shaping its evolution in the telecom sector?

Convergence: streamlining widespread innovation

Typically, telecom customers are not concerned with how their internet or broadband connection is delivered. They only care about the performance of their service. This provides the service provider with the flexibility to use an underlying network technology of their choice or optimise their existing and readily available infrastructure. The freedom to select the network backbone also provides them with the potential to realise the rewards of convergence.

Convergence essentially refers to the integration of different communication technologies – including fibre and 5G – and their services to create one seamless network. By integrating services – like voice, data, and video – from a range of technologies onto one platform or network, it provides simplified management, introduces new service offerings and reduces operating costs.

For the customer, convergence delivers a seamless experience across their networks and devices whether at home, on the move, or at work, as well as access to a greater pool of services.

Collaboration and universally adopted standards are crucial for convergence as they ensure the required security and interoperability between different networks, devices, and services. Without standards, the convergence of various technologies and services would be significantly hampered, leading to incompatibility and fragmented networks.

Collaboration with extra-terrestrials too?

Convergence is not just a hot topic among the fixed and mobile broadband industries on earth; it is also a key initiative in the sky.

Satellite and terrestrial networks have traditionally occupied distinct domains, each with their own technical standards, business models, and user communities. But advances in satellite – particularly within Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations like Starlink – have positioned it as a competitor to communication technologies such as Fixed Wireless Access and 5G. It now boasts speeds as high as 300 Mpbs, which is enough to support multiple devices within the home or business. It can also provide latency between 20-40 milliseconds, which is optimal for many real-time applications, such as online gaming and video conferencing.

Convergence with cellular is dominating the conversation in the satellite industry, driven primarily by 3GPP’s expanding scope to include satellite access in its 5G standards and future 6G standards set to emerge in the 2030s. But as momentum builds, it is imperative that all satellite, cellular and fixed networks remain part of the discussion.

By leveraging the strengths of each technology – the high-deployment rates of fixed networks (with some leading nations boasting fibre coverage rates of over 70%), the mobility of cellular networks, and the extensive reach of satellite – telcos can achieve greater digital inclusion, service reliability and a seamless experience for their customers. With this widespread collaboration, true convergence can be realised.

From silos to synergy

As the telecoms landscape continues to evolve and become more dynamic, collaboration and standardisation are providing the tools to unlock the full potential of telcos’ existing infrastructure and assets.

A standards-led approach offers a powerful framework to reimagine global connectivity. It lays the groundwork for a new strategic imperative with significant implications for expanding coverage, enriching service offerings, and tapping into previously underserved markets.

By embracing convergence, the industry can deliver greater innovation and value, all without excessive infrastructure rollouts or compromising consumer choice and experience.