The Metaverse, a virtual reality space where people can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users, is rapidly evolving.
As this immersive digital world becomes more sophisticated, the role of telecomms infrastructure becomes increasingly vital.
The Metaverse is a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years, fueled by advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
It is envisioned as a fully immersive digital realm where users can explore, interact, and create. However, for the Metaverse to become a reality, robust and reliable telecomms infrastructure is essential.
It will require and drive an inordinate demand for next generation network capacity, run atop a wave of new Web 3.0 infrastructure and foster opportunity for a suite of immersive consumer and industrial applications.
Telcos and the Metaverse
As The Register reported South Korea’s top Telco, SK Telecom, launched a Metaverse virtual environment and plans to grow it from a fun place to hang online into a forum for more serious collaboration.
Known as “Ifland” and aimed at the “MZ generation” – the overlapping cohorts of millennials and Generation Z – the service offers users the chance to visit 18 different types of virtual spaces, among them conference halls, outdoor stages, and rooftops. All can hold 130 participants. The platform has gone global, launched into a further 49 countries, and others are intent on following their lead – Telefonica is seeking startups worldwide with Metaverse use cases.
Nokia asks Metaverse: opportunity or threat for telecom operators?, and Arthur D. Little writes how the trend offers a multi-billion dollar opportunity, highlighting that:
“Depending on quality, the average virtual reality (VR) Metaverse user requires five to 40 times more data than it takes to stream an HD video. In addition to the challenge of ultra-low-latency requirements, global network infrastructure requires overhauling to bring the Metaverse into consumers’ homes.”
E&Y describes Seven Ways Telcos Can Power the Metaverse, including the bundling and device management of VR headsets, provide edge computing and data analytics services, and acting as the orchestrator of the Metaverse ecosystem.
EPAM offers this report Unlocking Revenue Opportunities in the Metaverse for Telcos, and sponsors this companion TMF report: Into the Future: Can Telcos Monetize the Metaverse?
Metaverse Ready Networks
One of the primary requirements for a seamless Metaverse experience is high-speed connectivity and sufficient bandwidth. The Metaverse relies on the transmission of vast amounts of data, including real-time interactions, high-definition graphics, and immersive audio.
Telecomms infrastructure must provide the necessary network capacity to support these data-intensive applications. High-speed internet connections, fiber-optic networks, and 5G technology are crucial in ensuring a smooth and immersive experience within the Metaverse.
In the Metaverse, real-time interactions are a key component. Whether it’s collaborating with others, attending virtual events, or engaging in immersive gaming experiences, low latency is crucial. Telecomms infrastructure plays a vital role in reducing latency, ensuring that actions and responses within the Metaverse are instantaneous. Technologies such as edge computing and distributed networks help minimize latency, enabling seamless real-time interactions in the Metaverse.
This requires a technology strategy that defines a path to Metaverse-ready networks, a journey that Shah Rahman of Meta explores in this talk, and that is explored in a number of expert sessions.
In this presentation a Telecom Infra Project hosted an expert panel at MWC22 from Meta, Microsoft, Telefónica and Vodafone to detail strategies for enabling Metaverse-ready networks, and they also hosted the same topic in this talk at Fyuz 2022.
In this podcast interview, Michaël Trabbia, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of the Orange Group, joins Marc Petit (Epic Games) to discuss telecommunications in the metaverse. Topics include 5G, the evolution of infrastructure, open standards, and more.
Scalability and Accessibility
The Metaverse is expected to accommodate a massive number of users simultaneously. To achieve this, telecomms infrastructure must be scalable and accessible. It should be capable of handling the increasing demand for connectivity and bandwidth as the Metaverse expands.
Additionally, accessibility is crucial to ensure that users from all regions can access the Metaverse without limitations. Telecomms infrastructure needs to be inclusive, bridging the digital divide and providing equal opportunities for everyone to participate in the Metaverse.
Security and Privacy
As the Metaverse becomes more integrated into our lives, security and privacy concerns become paramount. Telecomms infrastructure plays a critical role in safeguarding user data and ensuring secure communication within the Metaverse. Robust encryption protocols, secure networks, and advanced authentication mechanisms are essential to protect users’ privacy and prevent unauthorized access. Telecomms infrastructure must prioritize security measures to build trust and confidence among Metaverse users.
Conclusion
The evolution of the Metaverse relies heavily on the development and enhancement of telecomms infrastructure. From providing high-speed connectivity and low latency to ensuring scalability, accessibility, and security, telecomms infrastructure is the backbone of the immersive digital world.
As technology continues to advance, investments in telecomms infrastructure will be crucial to unlock the full potential of the Metaverse and enable a truly immersive and interconnected virtual reality experience for users worldwide.
