Ofcom Internet Futures new tech report
July 20, 2021
By Colin Mann
Ofcom has published the latest report from its Emerging Technology programme, which it says shines a light on the technological advances that could shape the Internet of the future.
As the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom says it is vital it are aware of the trends and changes affecting the sectors it regulates – both now and in the future. Ofcom’s Emerging Technology programme monitors these developments closely and earlier in 2021, it published a Technology Futures report – looking at the telecoms technologies that could pave the way for new ways for people to communicate in the coming years.
Ofcom has continued its work to explore what the next game-changing innovations could be, and has now published Internet Futures – a follow-up report that focuses on the technologies that could underpin how the Internet operates in the future, and what that could mean for people and businesses.
The report includes contributions from industry, academics and technology experts from across the world – offering a sample of the many different innovative technologies being developed. The report summarises these views, with the following overarching themes emerging as the key trends:
- Personalisation of experience, privacy, trust, and quality of experience for users;
- Increased introduction of cloud technology and its extension closer to the end user; and
- Environmental sustainability.
Ofcom confirms it will continue to keep a close eye on how the communications sectors are evolving through its ongoing Emerging Technology programme, and welcome further views on important technologies for the future.