In the last decade, mobile service providers, device makers, and Internet companies built a virtual world for us to live, work, and play in – a digital one. Our research data states that it will be no different in 2020. However, in retrospect, people in 2020 will reflect more on how our real world and this new digital reality should safely and productively intersect.
Many of the technology trends we predicted for 2020 show the possibilities of innovation charging ahead faster than ever, enabled by more access and more demand, as well as by revolutionary new tech platforms and sociopolitical forces. Businesses are utilizing these changes and bringing new tech into their organizations, as well as using it managed service companies, so they can have a more streamlined and focused approach with their output.
Simultaneously, other trends suggest that we will be going through a common technological epiphany or rather a digital realization. People in lieu of awareness, are examining how and where technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and new network innovations will superlatively and most securely connect them with others and things that matter the most. The world of technology is not something that can be defined by a single storyline. It is our job to understand the larger and sometimes contradicting contexts we experience – in both the physical and digital worlds – and then to lean onto the most important developments that could reshape our lives.
World around us will see the possibilities of 5G, IoT & Artificial Intelligence
One of the most significant developments that will be leading the transformation and also be the connecting dot for the rest of the technological advancements is 5G. 5G tests and pilot applications are already a reality in different parts of the world. The definition and purpose of mobile broadband will take a giant leap with the speed of 5G but the real innovations, and with them, sweeping societal changes, will come from behind the scenes where industries are getting together and collaborating. 5G from network service providers, IOT devices from several local and global partners and AI capabilities together shall change the way we live our daily lives and enhance quality, speed and potentials.
In Bangladesh, the telecom industry has already started preparing to embrace the 5G era. Pre-5G technologies like NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), which is much more energy-efficient and provides greater range than existing 2G/3G/4G networks, will enable a vast number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices. On the other hand, having network functions virtualization (NFV) in place, network services will be developed by software, which will radically speed up the service development process.
In the earliest stage, which we have already started witnessing, the technologies will support various digitalization projects in both public and private sectors, such as online utility service metering, smart parking, waste management, and remote monitoring. Large industries will start to deploy advanced supply chain management techniques, such as intelligent inventory management, asset tracking, and quality control, with the help of industrial IoT.
e-Sim to be a reality to the mass
5G connectivity will open many doors to other innovative technologies such as E-sim accommodating efficiency and adaptability. In 2020, e-sim technology will become standard in both consumer electronics and company-related IoT. Users will be able to activate and change subscriptions without having to wait for a new sim-card to arrive by mail or go to a store to pick it up. While the digital distribution of mobile subscriptions is available in Bangladesh today, the commercial introduction of e-sim will start to speed up the transition from physical to digital retail, and we can expect to see several new e-SIM services and apps launch in the market in the coming year.
While unleashing the potential of connected world, we also same time need to be cautious of the risks
Many other technological advancements and transformations will take place in 2020. However, the development of a sense of responsibility is now a continuously growing requirement more than ever. Phone related scams are on the rise, and the year 2020 may witness an escalation. One of the most popular scamming devices is the Wangiri call or ‘one ring’ call, relying upon the innate curiosity of humans. Many people would instinctively return a missed call – even if it is from a mysterious international number. Such calls will be routed to a premium rate number, and the person will be forced to pay a considerable fee. To protect customers, not only us but also mobile operators around the world are putting a vast deal of work into detecting and blocking such scams.
Unfortunately, the awareness radar of the customers is not be limited to phone scams. The term “fake news” and its applications have already astounded the world in multiplicity over the past few years and especially in 2019. The fact of great responsibility does not end only by being aware in regard to the news alone. Many incidents around the world in 2019 have shown us how our personal information is being shared with other entities without our permission. Hence, users and consumers are not only being aware but are also educating themselves regarding how to protect their privacy. In 2020, we will see people reserve trust and think twice before sharing their personal information with companies.
The hydra known as fake news has extended its branch to something called “Dirty data,” also known as rogue data, which are inherently inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent data, especially in a computer system or database. With over 35 million Facebook users in the country and inferior awareness about responsible use of social media, Bangladesh is one of the highly vulnerable countries in the world to the risks of ‘dirty data.’ When faced with a choice and with vast amounts of data and advanced analytics to make our lives easier, machines can point us to the best option or even make the decisions for us. But what if the data sets and processes are inaccurate, biased, or even compromised? The decisions taken in such cases may turn incorrect and directed with ill intentions, which may turn illegal. The government and the local tech community is already aware of this challenge and is working hard to ensure data quality and increase public awareness regarding this.
On a more positive note, in recent times, there has been a boom in mobile financial services (MFS) in Bangladesh. However, this has also led to phone scams resulting in customers losing their money. This has drawn much attention due to security concerns. So, in 2020, it is predicted that Machine Learning (ML) techniques will be an efficient tool for operators and mobile financial service providers to prevent these phone scams and protect their customers.
In the streaming services we shall see both global and local entities fight for the winning position through good contents. Organizations will face the need to bring in efficiency, hence greater & focused digitalization will be on the roll. Our RMG industry will see a different industrial revolution and face greater competition leapfrogging through 5G, iOT and automation. Areas such as medical sciences will see z new path globally.
Bangladesh will definitely not wait to see all the development in 4th industrial revolution.
Transparency, efficiency, new possibilities & risks – we decide to take the right path
These technological trends will change the world in 2020. Innovation has improved our lives from uncertainty and will continue to grow as long as it is rationalized in the right way. We have to structure it so that it benefits the public and does not harm our environment and the next generation. In essence we have to know where to draw the line. Bangladesh is quickly adapting to the global innovations, and the upcoming tech trends will surely have a positive impact on the economy. With the integration between technology, lifestyle, and industries, we can expect to see revolutionary digital services emerge in the country and the evolution of a real digital ecosystem – Digital Bangladesh.
Author:
Yasir Azman, CEO, Grameenphone Ltd.
