BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– COVID-19 is having a significant impact on mobile operator planning in relation to 5G services in 2020. Its rapid spread continues to disrupt economies around the world, with the magnitude of the effects of this disruption likely to grow while there are no signs of any short-term solution to fixing the problem.
Strategy Analytics forecasts smartphone sales will fall 21% this year, with an extension in device lifecycles impacting upgrade volumes for 5G. However, 2020 will not be a lost year for 5G and there are many positive signs both in terms of 5G growth potential and its ability to support initiatives tackling the coronavirus.
These are the conclusions from a new blog from Strategy Analytics, “Should Mobile Operators Push Back 5G Plans to 2021?” In the post, authored by Phil Kendall, Executive Director Service Provider Group, discussed:
Continued 5G commercial network launches since late February, most notably in Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand, with accelerated 5G CAPEX in China and the US.
Recent 5G smartphone launches from Huawei, Xiaomi, Vivo, TCL and Samsung in the US$340 to US$500 range.
The positive contribution that 5G has made to the COVID-19 response in some markets, most notably in supporting connectivity for emergency healthcare facilities in China and for supporting remote education and home working in other markets.
The role of 5G in supporting economic recovery, with governments in China, Hungary and South Korea all looking to 5G operators to play their part in stimulating industries post-crisis.
You can get the report at strategyanalytics.com or by email below.
Report contacts:
European Contact: Phil Kendall, +44 1908 423620, pkendall@strategyanalytics.com
US Contact: Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, +1 617 614 0724, swelshdegrimaldo@strategyanalytics.com
China Contact: Guang Yang, +44 1908 423662, gyang@strategyanalytics.com
