• by Chuck Martin , April 15, 2019

The mobile industry is moving up its timetable for implementing 5G services, according to a new study.

While 27% of operators plan 5G rollouts in 2020, 42% are now planning services for this year.

The study comprised a survey of 740 mobile industry participants globally, including telecom operators and mobile hardware and software supplier conducted by Mobile World Live for Huawei.

The operators are putting a key focus on cellular IoT and connected cars. More than half (51%) of operators say they aim to be digital service providers in the future.

The key driver fueling deployments is cost reduction, according to the study.

The initial focus of 5G implementations is expected to focus on hotpot coverage in high-traffic areas with a small percentage considering nationwide rollouts.