Originally Published on: QuantzigBig Data Challenges Troubling Managers in the Telecom Industry
In recent years, the telecommunications industry has undergone substantial technological transformations, incorporating innovations such as 4G, 5G technologies, and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT). Despite these advancements, the industry faces challenges, particularly with the decline in revenues from traditional voice services. With the global subscriber base expected to surge to an estimated 5.6 billion, the telecom sector grapples with a crucial question: Is it adequately prepared to manage the forthcoming influx of massive data volumes? This article explores the critical big data challenges facing telecom players.
##Big Data Challenges in the Telecom Industry
1. High Capital Expenditure
Telecom operators confront a substantial challenge – the escalating capital expenditure driven by the surge in data consumption, overshadowing traditional voice services. Evolving consumer preferences, such as the inclination towards messaging apps like WhatsApp and Skype over conventional calls and texts, propel the growth in data traffic and bandwidth usage. Meeting these demands necessitates significant infrastructure investment while concurrently striving for cost efficiency. Furthermore, there's a need to invest in infrastructure conducive to robust big data analytics.
2. Network Analytics
Integral to optimizing telecom networks, network monitoring products collect and analyze data, providing actionable insights to network managers. To harness big data technologies, operators increasingly turn to advanced analytics for more valuable insights from network data. However, challenges arise in the process, including political issues related to data sharing and navigating relationships with uncooperative vendors.
3. Data Storage Issues
With a global subscriber base approaching 5 million, a number set to skyrocket with the proliferation of 3G and 4G subscriptions, the sheer volume of content and user data generated poses a substantial big data challenge in terms of storage. Telecom companies must explore automated data migration strategies and implement tiered storage data management to mitigate the escalating costs associated with managing this ever-expanding data repository.
4. Integrating IoT
While IoT opens new possibilities for telecom companies, it introduces unique challenges. Beyond smartphones, telecom companies must navigate the integration of diverse devices, including refrigerators, speakers, sound systems, and temperature control systems. Collaborating with key players driving the IoT phenomenon, such as IBM, GE, Deloitte, and Intel, presents a significant challenge as telecom companies strive to establish seamless connectivity.
