Asian countries are expected to ramp up efforts in improving internet connectivity next year, with 5G rollouts being the center of attention. Investors are expected to look into the possibility of opening opportunities in remote surgery and augmented reality (AR).
According to an op-ed by chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific at Credit Suisse, John Woods for the South China Morning Post, it is expected that the rollout of 5G around Asia will pave the way for more advanced mobile and internet connection services.
Mobile connectivity is already a massive sector but it could also open new segments under AR technology. Since 5G has much higher data transfer compared to its predecessors, it is expected to encourage investors to look beyond existing communication and connectivity products.
Woods acknowledged that advanced augmented reality and especially remote surgery is "moonshots" away from happening but recent developments in Asia's 5G technology efforts are a good sign moving forward.
In China, in particular, efforts are reaching a significant level as the country launched commercial 5G services in 50 Chinese cities. As of early November, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai are expected to get full coverage of the high-speed tech.
China is recognized worldwide as the leader in 5G technology, considering that the country already has impressive runs in the cloud computing, cloud infrastructure, and other high-end technologies that other countries have yet to tap.
Outside China, South Korea is also boosting efforts in the technology. Around 3.5 million subscribers signed up for 5G, with the figures going beyond the South Korean market's adoption rate of the tech's predecessor, 4G.
Beyond augmented reality, it is also expected that remote surgery will be supported largely by technology. It already happened earlier this year, when the world's first of its kind took place in the southeastern province of Fujian.
5G made the remote surgery possible, wherein the surgeon used the technology to control robotic arms. The said surgeon was in a remote location about 30 miles away from the physical site.
It is expected that more research will be done all around Asia for the technologies that 5G will bring life to, with China leading the way in driving new segments that will benefit the global market.
In other news, Chinese tech giant Huawei snagged a contract to supply 5G equipment to Telefonica Germany. The German telecoms operator announced that the role of Huawei will be the same as that of Finnish provider Nokia for the country's networks.
Telefonica Germany said both Nokia and Huawei are "proven strategic partners" that will help roll out 5G in the country.
