We’ve been watching the telecom forecasts closely. So far in 2016, we’ve tracked major trends in the changing communications landscape that include gigabit service, the decline of pay TV subscribers, and concerns over data security. So what’s headed our way?
Gigabit networks are taking over. You might think the gigabit hype should have come and gone by now, but it looks like this trend has staying power. Whether it’s competitive pricing or creative deployments, gigabit headlines are taking up real estate in the news. Just how pervasive has gigabit service become? We recommend you visit the NTCA’s new interactive map feature, which lets you see its 32 Smart Rural Community Showcase award winners and 62 NTCA Gig-Certified providers. If you want to know more about the gigabit race, you can read more of our blogs here, here and here.
The pay TV decline hasn’t looked this bad in ten years. According to recent news, cord cutting has had an acute impact on the top 6 pay TV providers in the United States. For the first time since 2006, there’s been a full-year decline in pay TV subscribers. What does this mean? Big changes to traditional service models. IneoQuest Technologies found that 3 out of 4 consumers watch video via OTT service providers daily. Of those surveyed, 51% reported “Buffer Rage” while waiting for content to load. Service providers are in the position to capitalize on the opportunity to ensure quality throughout the OTT value chain. One way to do this might mean offering new service packages, as AT&T recently announced, or renting out middleware to help consumers stream more efficiently.
Data security concerns are growing alongside the popularity of connected devices. Future Market Insights (FMI) forecasts a $17 billion value on the global IoT security product market by 2020. If this number is any indication, the public has major concerns over their private data, especially in relation to banking and personal finance. A MasterCard survey found that 77% percent of Americans doubt the online security of their sensitive personal information. But since the average consumer does not take precaution against security vulnerabilities, IoT device manufacturers are spending increasing amounts to secure their products from data and application threats. Telecom organizations should brush up on security and disaster recovery plans to ensure consumers’ data is protected and avoid lasting repercussions from a breach.
On Thursday we’ll talk about three more buzz-worthy trends at the forefront of telecommunications news this year.