How to stay ahead of the curve in the towerco industry
The towerco industry is undergoing a major transformation as 5G deployment and monetization, digitalization and automation, smart energy solutions, indoor network-neutral host opportunities, and sustainability become key drivers of growth and differentiation. In this blog post, we will explore how these trends are shaping the towerco landscape and what you need to do to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Accelerating 5G network deployment and monetization
It goes without saying that for 5G to be monetized, it first has to be deployed. However, 5G deployment is not a simple task, as it requires more sites, more spectrum, more equipment, and more capital than previous generations. This is where towercos can play a crucial role by providing MNOs with access to existing and new sites, as well as offering flexible business models that can reduce capex and opex for MNOs.
Towercos can also help MNOs monetize 5G by enabling new use cases and revenue streams, such as edge computing, private networks, IoT, and fixed wireless access. By partnering with MNOs and other ecosystem players, towercos can offer end-to-end solutions that can deliver value to various verticals and segments.
2. Embracing digitalization and automation for operational efficiency
As towercos manage more sites and more complex assets, they need to embrace digitalization and automation to improve their operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Digitalization and automation can help towercos optimize site acquisition, design, construction, maintenance, monitoring, and reporting processes. They can also enable towercos to leverage data analytics and AI to enhance decision making, performance management, and customer service.
Digitalization and automation can also create new opportunities for towercos to offer value-added services to MNOs and other customers, such as network planning, optimization, troubleshooting, security, and quality assurance. By becoming more digital and automated, towercos can increase their productivity, profitability, and competitiveness in the market.
3. Leveraging smart energy solutions to meet cost challenges
Energy consumption is one of the biggest cost drivers for towercos, especially in regions where grid power is unreliable or unavailable. With 5G requiring more power-hungry equipment and more sites to be deployed, energy costs are expected to rise even further. Therefore, towercos need to leverage smart energy solutions that can reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Smart energy solutions include using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, deploying energy-efficient equipment such as lithium-ion batteries or fuel cells, implementing energy management systems that can optimize energy usage and generation across sites, and adopting energy-as-a-service models that can shift the energy cost burden from towercos to MNOs or third-party providers.
4. Exploring the indoor network-neutral host business opportunity
As 5G promises to deliver ultra-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity indoors, there is a growing demand for indoor network coverage and capacity from various verticals such as retail, hospitality, health care, education, entertainment, and manufacturing. However, indoor network deployment is challenging due to high costs, complex regulations, multiple stakeholders, and diverse requirements.
This is where towercos can explore the indoor network-neutral host business opportunity by providing shared infrastructure and services that can serve multiple MNOs and customers within a building or venue. By doing so, towercos can lower the barriers to entry for indoor network deployment and create new revenue streams from leasing space, equipment and spectrum. Towercos can also leverage their expertise in site acquisition, design, construction, maintenance, and monitoring to offer indoor network-neutral host services at scale and quality.
5. Taking the lead on sustainability
Sustainability is becoming a key priority for towercos as they face increasing pressure from regulators, customers, investors, and society to reduce their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Towercos have a unique opportunity to take the lead on sustainability by adopting green practices across their operations, such as using renewable energy sources, recycling materials, reducing waste, and promoting biodiversity.
Towercos can also contribute to social development by providing connectivity to underserved areas, supporting local communities, and creating employment opportunities. By taking the lead on sustainability, towercos can not only improve their reputation and stakeholder relations, but also create long-term value and competitive advantage in the market.
Conclusion
The towerco industry is undergoing a major transformation as 5G deployment and monetization, digitalization and automation, smart energy solutions, indoor network-neutral host opportunities, and sustainability become key drivers of growth and differentiation. Towercos need to embrace these trends and adapt their strategies and capabilities to stay ahead of the curve and capture the opportunities in this evolving industry.
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