It is now 30 years since PTT started providing the world with innovative e-learning for the telecommunications and ICT industries.

In that time, the telecommunications industry has undergone significant developments driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer demands. Here’s an overview of just some of the most significant changes:

1. Mobile Communication: The introduction of mobile phones in the late 1980s revolutionized the telecommunications industry. The past 30 years have seen the development of increasingly sophisticated mobile devices, from basic feature phones to smartphones that allow for internet browsing, video streaming, and app-based services.
2. The Internet: The internet has become an essential part of modern life and has transformed the way we communicate, work, and access information. The emergence of broadband technology has led to faster and more reliable internet connectivity, and the growth of mobile internet has enabled people to stay connected on the go.
3. Convergence: The convergence of telecommunications and media has led to the emergence of new business models and the blurring of traditional industry boundaries. This has been driven by the rise of digital content, such as streaming services, which have disrupted the traditional television and film industries.
4. Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT is a network of interconnected devices that are able to exchange data and communicate with each other. The IoT has enabled new services, such as smart home systems and remote monitoring of medical devices, and is set to become increasingly important in the future.
5. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing has revolutionized the way telecommunications services are delivered. By moving data and services to the cloud, operators can reduce costs and improve flexibility. Cloud computing has also enabled the emergence of new business models, such as software as a service (SaaS).
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI has the potential to transform the telecommunications industry, from optimizing network performance to providing personalized customer experiences. AI can also be used to automate many processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

The pace of change within the telecommunications industry doesn’t look like it will be letting up any time soon. PTT remains committed to ensuring its catalogue of online courses covering everything from the fundamentals of digital communications to advanced telecoms and ICT systems keep pace with those technological advances and remain relevant to those working in the ICT sector.

The provision of 5G services continues to expand worldwide with the USA amongst the leaders in terms of availability. In 2022 13% of mobile connections in the USA were over a 5G system and this is expected to increase to beyond 30% by the end of this year, matching the percentage of 5G connections in South Korea.

On average 62% of the population in the European Union have access to 5G services though there are wide variations between EU countries: the Netherlands has 80% coverage while Switzerland leads the field with 99% of the population having the opportunity to connect by 5G. In the UK 70% of the population are covered.

The expansion of 5G will necessarily lead to the retirement of earlier generations with 3G the first to be withdrawn. 2G services will continue for a while longer due to the reliance of certain industries and IoT devices on 2G services: smart meters and automobile eCall (emergency call) devices rely on GSM circuit switching. LTE will of course provide high broadband speeds for many years.

Despite the growth of 5G availability, less sparsely populated areas will be the last to gain access to 5G. BT has announced trials of an airborne solution. The ultimate goal is to use High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) aircraft which fly above the flight paths of commercial aircraft to provide 5G coverage with broadband speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s.
HAPS aircraft will use phased array antennae to produce 500 individually steerable beams providing a range of 140 kilometres matching the footprint of 450 terrestrial masts.
Initially, the BT trial will use antennae on a high building followed by tests using hydrogen fuelled drones.

For a more down to earth treatment of 5G, PTT’s two new online courses cover 5G systems and services.

The rollout of full-fibre broadband continues to accelerate. The availability of fibre to the home (FTTH) in the UK has surged from under 2% of premises in 2016 to 43% last year. With the current growth rate, it seems likely that 2023 will see that number go far past 50%.

Full-fibre provision will continue be a priority for broadband providers for some years yet. Many households are continuing to require the most they can get out of their broadband connections with multiple devices for work, streaming, gaming and video calling.

While most providers don’t currently offer full-fibre connections beyond 1 Gbps, technology companies are already anticipating future speed demands. Telefonica has recently successfully trialled 25G PON technology using Nokia equipment. With this technology offering a theoretical symmetrical speed of 25 Gbps, consumers can look forward to even more capable speeds in the years to come. Nokia are not resting on their laurels however, and are now even trialling technologies which will allow for a 100 Gbps connection.

Not to be outdone, mobile providers are surging ahead with their rollout of faster networks. Some 70% of UK households now have access to a 5G service from at least one network, providing healthy competition to traditional fixed-line broadband providers as to who can get a reliable, fast internet connection into homes first.

PTT has a number of courses that cover full-fibre broadband access such as “Optical access networks” and “Next generation access networks“. Two new PTT courses covering 5G technology and services will be available soon.