Rewiring telecom's backbone for SMART, future networks

5G and GenAI are redefining telecom BSS, enabling smarter systems, real-time insights, and personalised services to drive growth and innovation

- SACHIN SARAF

As digital transformation accelerates, the telecom industry is evolving to meet the demands of increasingly connected consumers. At the heart of this shift lies Business Support Systems (BSS), the backbone of communications service providers. With the convergence of 5G technology and Generative AI (GenAl), BSS functionalities are being redefined to enable telecom operators to serve their customers better, optimise operations, and unlock new revenue streams.

According to a study by IMARC, the global market for OSS and BSS is projected to grow from USD 59.9 billion in 2023 to USD 142.9 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 9.8% over 2024-2032.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF 5G IN BSS

5G technology is emerging as a game-changer, offering speeds and low latency that earlier technologies could not match. Major events like the ICC World Cup have demonstrated the exponential rise in demand for streaming high-quality, real-time experiences, with millions of viewers relying on mobile networks to stay connected to the action. Reports indicate that digital streaming platforms such as JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar have experienced record-breaking engagement during such events, enabled by robust telecom network support.

Behind the seamless streaming of such events lies the critical role of Digital BSS. These systems address every aspect of the fray, from subscription management and billing to real-time analytics and customer relationship management (CRM). For instance, BSS ensures bandwidth allocation, subscription activation, and server scalability during high-traffic events, guaranteeing uninterrupted streaming.