Virtualization of mobile networks must first occur in operators’ IT Networks and support processes before it can be made widely available to customers as either a reformulation of current service offerings or new horizontal and vertical market offerings. Gating factors include the availability of 3.5 GHz and e-Band mmWave and higher spectrum, availability and spread of 5G devices that include access to 2.5-2.6 GHz, 3.5-3.7 GHz, and 5G-ready infrastructure equipment.
The push for mobile operators towards the use of IT network standards including the embrace of virtualization has been driven by shared market economics as well as needs for interoperability with fixed networks.
