The CEO of Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has shed a light on the opportunities and challenges posed by the rapid evolution of mobile communications, emphasizing the need to utilize the new technologies in a responsible manner while embracing massive transformations.
John Hoffman, CEO of the GSMA, elaborated on how the mobile industry will fuel economic growth over the next decade through the implementation of 5G technology, during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) at the World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit.
He expressed high expectations on the emergence of new industries and business ideas driven by the "transformational" 5G, 5G advanced and 6G technologies.
"What we're seeing now is the transformation of businesses, large and small around the world, everything from the manufacturing sector being remade using technology, to the education systems around the world using technology, to educate our young people in ways that they've never foreseen in the past. So it's really a transformational opportunity that we have here with 5G. Fintech, medical research, the practice of remote surgeries that we could only envision in the past is now becoming the wave of the future. So, 5G is a very much transformational technology, one that is going to impact all of our lives now and then, well into the future," said Hoffman.
Highlighting China's influence on shaping global 5G innovation and 5G technology going forward, the CEO said the GSMA is hopeful of leveraging China's know-how to help promote the mobile communications technologies in the fledgling countries.
"China has been one of the leaders of 5G, obviously one of the first to implement the 5G technology, one of the first to now evolve it to 5G advanced. It is the largest country, we have more users of 5G technology here in China than we do anywhere in the world. So it's one of the global leaders. It's a showcase for the technology, and that's what the GSMA wants to do, is help bring that innovation, showcase that innovation, showcase the use cases that have been successful here to other parts of the world, to learn not only as China has learned from others, but to export those learnings to other countries that are now maybe just adopting 5G," Hoffman said.
Noting that new technology is emerging as a powerful force with the potential to transform the world on an unprecedented scale, Hoffman called for greater attention to the ethical and sustainable development of emerging technologies.
"Technology is just a tool, it's a tool, and it's a tool that if we can use it in a responsible manner we can benefit everyone around the world. Just as the original mobility communications transformed our lives by cutting the cord, 5G is going to transform our lives. Not as so much directly for the consumer, but more for the way that they live and work. So, the way that products are developed, products are then provided, services are provided, the way that technology allows processes to be enhanced. Now we combine that with AI, we have the best of our world. So we're going to see massive transformations in the coming years," he said.
The CEO also noted that the GSMA is working to promote the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the technical safety of mobile communications, while integrating with other products and technologies to boost innovations.
The 11th edition of WIC Wuzhen Summit is scheduled to run from Nov 19 to 22, themed "Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future -- Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace." The event features 24 sub-forums on topics delving into a wide range of topics, as participants gather to exchange ideas and shape the digital future.
GSMA CEO sheds light on future of mobile communications at WIC Wuzhen Summit
