Telecom infrastructure giant Nokia foresees a significant surge in network demand driven by the rise of the metaverse, Web3, and advanced technology, planning to meet this need by 2030.

Nokia’s Technology Strategy 2030 report outlines their vision for creating a future network framework designed to accommodate the growing market of innovative technologies. The company predicts a substantial 22% to 25% increase in network demand from 2022 through 2030. Federico Guillén, who oversees network infrastructure at Nokia, attributes this anticipated rise to the widespread adoption of generative AI and virtual reality gadgets.

The interplay between networks and the digital economy is central to this growth. Nokia’s strategy includes significant investments in its range of network tools and services over the upcoming years. One of the six key areas Nokia aims to serve is the Internet of Value, emphasizing decentralization, blockchain technology, and smart contracts. In the context of the metaverse, Nokia's focus will be on enhancing human capabilities, spatial computing, and distributed processing.

Additionally, the company plans to address the remaining five ecosystems: AI, Industry 5.0, the Application Programming Interface (API) economy, and the Cloud continuum.

In 2022, Nokia established two labs dedicated to researching the metaverse and the technologies supporting this ecosystem. By 2023, the company had conducted several large-scale industrial and metaverse-related projects.

Nokia has also crafted a future network architecture based on network digital twin technology. A digital twin is essentially a virtual model of a physical object, primarily used for prototyping and testing in industries like manufacturing and construction. In South Australia, Nokia has utilized the metaverse to potentially assist Cessna aircraft technicians at remote airports.

Using a 5G-connected Microsoft HoloLens, Nokia was able to guide personnel on servicing a Cessna aircraft through augmented reality. This innovative approach was highlighted by Robert Joyce, Nokia Oceania’s chief technology officer, in a 2023 discussion with Cointelegraph.

In another instance, two scientists in Finland experimented with digital twins, termed “Metahumans,” to demonstrate how the metaverse could transform employee management into a more engaging, game-like experience. Their research indicated that a MetaHuman includes not only the visual likeness of an individual but also their internal traits, such as emotions and cognitive states.

In practical applications, data collected from digital twins in industrial simulations can inform optimal work strategies, new safety protocols, and potential performance improvements for real teams.

Nokia's forward-thinking approach and significant investment in these cutting-edge technologies underscore the company’s commitment to leading the way in network infrastructure as the digital landscape continues to evolve.