The UK's communications regulator Ofcom has published a new report, Technology Futures, that shines a spotlight on the innovative, emerging technologies that could shape the communications industry in the future.
Following a consultation in 2020, Ofcom has selected a sample of technologies based on the responses it received, as well as discussions the regulator had with thought leaders in both academia and industry. The emerging technology research is an ongoing project for Ofcom: it will continue to identify other important technologies as they emerge and in sectors beyond those considered in this report.
The report itself is in five parts:
Immersive communications and applications
Mobile and wireless technologies
Fixed and optical technologies
Broadcasting and media technologies
Satellite technologies
Ofcom notes that its role as regulator itself is changing, it has recently expanded to include the regulation of video-sharing platforms, and the imminent regulation of online harms. In parallel to its regulatory scope, Ofcom states the necessity of understanding how the technology underpinning communications sectors is changing, to ensure it can meet its duties and protect consumers.
For immersive communications and applications, this includes "smart" devices to emerging applications that allow people to project their senses from a distance are underpinned by intelligent and immersive communications between people and technology. Ofcom notes that as we move further into the new world of immersion, it not only expects to see new products and services, but also significant digital transformation in areas such as retail, sport and entertainment, education and training and health.
Mobile and wireless technologies are also developing at pace—driven by the rollout of next generation connectivity like 5G—and Ofcom selects four particular areas it thinks progress will have a major impact in the medium to long term: beyond the traditional wireless communication limits; AI native systems; hybrid topologies; and joint communications and sensing.
Advances over recent years in the underlying technologies in fixed networks and optical technologies look set to be impacted by complex multi-core and hollow-core fibre deployment techniques. Quantum based techniques will also impact in the near future, as well as denser and more complex integrated optical chips.
In broadcasting, emerging media technologies are set to impact both the creation and production of media content and its distribution. Consumption will evolve too, such as optional graphics shown on screen and alternative audio options.
Finally, the satellite sector, which has recently benefited from the emergence of small satellites and cheaper services, leading to new players entering the market and diversifying the sector. The stage is set for onstellations of innovative communications and sensing services in Low Earth Orbit. This trend is set to continue with fertile ground for experimentation and innovation through small satellite formations and virtual antennas; larger and more capable systems; re-usable satellites; manufacturing in space; and studies into solar power in space.
Sophie Greaves
Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Sophie Greaves
Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
Mia joined techUK in September 2023 as the Programme Manager for telecoms and net zero.
Sitting across two teams, Mia works to ensure that policy and regulatory conditions promote investment and innovation in the telecoms sector. And, that policy enables technology and digital solutions to deliver net zero ambitions.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) leading on manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation policy.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys travelling, running, and cooking.
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant, supporting the Communications Infrastructure programme, as well as the Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Policy Fora.
Before joining techUK, Matthew worked in marketing, data, and events across a number of sectors, including education and consumer goods. He studied German and Dutch at University College London and the Universiteit van Amsterdam.