2. Benefits of cellular standards

• 1. Global multi-vendor interoperability

  Consumers expect to be able to connect their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, etc., to the Internet and to each other, regardless of whether they are in Munich, New York, or Rio de Janeiro. However, operator networks are often made up of products supplied by different parties. In addition, the networks support mobile phones and other connected devices from many different manufacturers. Reliable and fast wireless connectivity is possible because companies agree to follow the same set of technical rules (standards). As a result, devices made by different brands can seamlessly ‘talk’ with the network and with one another worldwide. Without cellular standards, we would depend on less capable and more geographically fragmented networks. Our devices would communicate, as in the past, only with others of the same type and in certain regions.

  
• 2. Communication on the move

  Cellular standards allow us to connect with others, access information, and conduct business transactions, all while on the move. Without cellular standards, it would be nearly impossible to be continuously plugged into the world.

  
• 3. Consumer access to affordable technologies

  During the standard-development process, some companies that have invented cutting-edge technologies contribute them into standards. If selected, they make them available at reasonable royalties. This enables manufacturers and downstream inventors to incorporate these innovations inexpensively, eliminating the risk of investing in unsuccessful technologies. Moreover, manufacturers do not need to spend extra money on producing different designs for different countries and regions. Consequently, consumers can access to new mobile functionality and services that might otherwise be inaccessible. While mobile phones were not widespread in the 1990s, today, more than 91% of people in the world own mobile phones. For the same price we are getting increasingly more technologies in our smartphones. 

  
• 4. Quality

  Each generation of cellular standards is built on the foundation of the previous one. Did you know that 4G transfer data 12,000 times faster than with 2G networks? This is the reason why you can download a full 90-minute high definition (HD) video within seconds (compared to hours in 2G networks). Another example is the improved voice quality. Gone are the days of crackling phone lines and dropped calls. Newer generations of cellular standards such as 4G and 5G, enables the use of advanced high-quality video calls on-the-move. Thus, taking a professional call from anywhere has become common place thanks to the development of cellular standards.

  
• 5. Safety

  When developing cellular standards, standard development organisations typically set certain product requirements on top of the actual development of cellular technologies. Some areas are those related to consumer safety or environmental protection. With vehicles transferring data through 5G networks, it is expected that 70% of rear-end crashes will be prevented, €450 million will be saved in collision costs, and at least 20% of railway energy consumption will be reduced. Cellular standards enable safe systems, such as the eCall, which is based on 4G/5G technology. The eCall allows for vehicles involved in a serious road accident to notify emergency services providing e.g., the location and time of the accident. Furthermore, those in the vehicle can communicate with the emergency centre operator.

  
• 6. Energy saving

  Our daily lives are dominated by constant communication and online presence which requires telecom equipment that can support enhanced capacity and coverage. Also, companies are increasingly using wireless communication to enhance their products, processes and services. This translates to higher energy use and higher costs for operators. Now with 5G, energy efficiency is at the forefront. It is estimated that 5G saves 30-40% more energy comparing to its predecessors. This means that consumers can enjoy improved services while telecom companies reduce energy consumption to the benefit of the planet.  

  
• 7. Innovation booster

  Standardisation has been carefully designed to maximise innovation. For example:

  • Empowering of new companies.
  • Effective use of R&D.
  • Platform where innovative SMEs can flourish.
  • Tough competition in the development process.
  • Contribution to economic growth.