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1、 Exploring the metaverse and the digital future February 2022 Copyright 2022 GSM Association GSMA Intelligence is the definitive source of global mobile operator data,analysis and forecasts,and publisher of authoritative industry reports and research.Our data covers every operator group,network and
2、MVNO in every country worldwide from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.It is the most accurate and complete set of industry metrics available,comprising tens of millions of individual data points,updated daily.GSMA Intelligence is relied on by leading operators,vendors,regulators,financial institutions and th
3、ird-party industry players,to support strategic decision-making and long-term investment planning.The data is used as an industry reference point and is frequently cited by the media and by the industry itself.Our team of analysts and experts produce regular thought-leading research reports across a
4、 range of industry The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover,develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change.Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people,industry and society thrive.Represent
5、ing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries,the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars:Connectivity for Good,Industry Services and Solutions,and Outreach.This activity includes advancing policy,tackling todays biggest societal challeng
6、es,underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work,and providing the worlds largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.We invite you to find out more at Follow the GSMA on Twitter:GSMAAuthorJames RobinsonAuthorJames Robinson,Lead Anal
7、ystContributorsJeanette WhyteContributorsJeanette Whyte,Head of Public Policy,Asia Pacific Christiaan Segura,Christiaan Segura,Director,Public Policy,Asia PacificEXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE Contents Exploring the metaverse and the digital future.1 Executive summary.4 1.Web 3.0 and
8、 the metaverse:what,how and when.6 1.1 A brief introduction.6 1.2 Market size and time frame.9 2.Key players and implications for telcos.11 2.1 Central players in the building of the metaverse.11 2.2 The role of operators.12 3.Opportunities and applications.17 3.1 Key enabling factors.17 3.2 Sectors
9、 potentially impacted by the metaverse.18 4.Challenges.21 4.1 Interoperability.21 4.2 Trust and safety.21 4.3 Awareness and adoption.23 4.4 Digital divide.23 4.5 Regulation.23 5.Call to action.25 References and further reading.27 EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 4 Executive summary The
10、 metaverse:melding physical and virtual worlds Despite being one of the latest buzzwords in tech,the metaverse can trace its roots back to a 1990s sci-fi novel.Although it lacks a universal definition,it is typically conceptualised as a network of immersive digital environments where people can inte
11、ract,game,work and shop,often through virtual reality(VR)headsets connected to mobile broadband.There is significant hype and investment among tech and financial communities,which has led to massive market value projections.It has also resulted in some consensus around the principles on which the me
12、taverse should operate:decentralised;interconnected and interoperable;and safe and trustworthy.Various companies have made the metaverse a strategic priority Hints of the metaverse are already reflected in some existing applications such as Minecraft,Roblox and Fortnite,which could provide a springb
13、oard for the scaled fusion of virtual experiences that has been envisaged.Some parties have displayed a degree of uncertainty and scepticism,but Meta,Microsoft,Qualcomm and other firms in the tech ecosystem are betting big on the metaverse and its potential to characterise the next chapter of the in
14、ternet.Grand ambitions and long-term funding commitments highlight the desire of companies to lead the charge.Future digital experiences present opportunities for mobile operators An increasing number of mobile operators have set out on their metaverse journeys,including AT&T,Verizon,KDDI and SKT(wh
15、ich has developed its own platform called Ifland).There are several ways that operators can participate in the metaverses development and capture value,such as by leveraging the advanced capabilities of 5G networks(plus edge compute and slicing technologies)or non-infrastructure opportunities such a
16、s utilising current digital identity efforts to generate incremental revenue from new services.However,additional demands on mobile networks could be significant,especially in the case of mainstream adoption.Tech enablers will underpin sectoral metaverse applications In addition to high-speed,low-la
17、tency mobile connectivity,certain technologies are likely to be central to the metaverse and the fusion of our physical and digital worlds.These include wearables,avatars,artificial intelligence(AI)and blockchain-based non-fungible tokens(NFTs).Combined with 5G(and future 6G)networks,this suite of e
18、nablers is poised to disrupt a swathe of industries,such as gaming,entertainment,retail and even architecture and manufacturing.Meanwhile,Seoul has become the first major global city to develop a metaverse platform for public services and cultural events,committing$3.3 million to fund the initiative
19、.Issues that have troubled the internet era only set to escalate While opportunities abound,there are multiple barriers to the development of a thriving metaverse that works for everyone.First and foremost,ensuring trust and safety online is a major challenge,with issues such as abuse,bullying and h
20、arassment particularly problematic when they impact the wellbeing of children and other vulnerable groups.Challenges relating to cybersecurity,data privacy and false information are also likely to intensify,which will need digital regulation and oversight mechanisms fit for purpose.Even if supply-si
21、de issues can be negotiated,action will be required to stimulate user awareness of and engagement with metaverse experiences.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 5 Creating a fully fledged metaverse requires stakeholders to act As the race to the metaverse heats up,appropriate policymaking
22、 will be needed to help turn ambitions into reality while protecting users from harm.Regulatory frameworks will need to facilitate mobile operators continued investments in 5G network deployments,ensure fair competition and mitigate concerns pertaining to data privacy,safety and security.As well as
23、planning for the impact of the metaverse on their networks,operators should move now to identify potential opportunities,collaborate with content creators and partner with hardware companies to develop compelling propositions for consumer and enterprise markets.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITA
24、L FUTURE 6 1.Web 3.0 and the metaverse:what,how and when 1.1 A brief introduction The internet,in its earliest form,was the physical connection of wires and governing protocols that allowed users to communicate on a single network.Web 1.0 brought the internet to the masses,allowing people to consume
25、 static,read-only content.Web 2.0 ushered in a new era of dynamic,interactive pages,enabling communication between users.Web 3.0 is currently developing around us,connecting users,content and programs directly to each other,bypassing intermediary applications.It is this Web 3.0 framework that could
26、create“massively multi-user economically strong applications”,1 including the metaverse.The metaverse was introduced as a fictional concept by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel Snow Crash and referred to a permanent virtual world,a successor to the internet,where people spent large parts of their li
27、ves in digital environments.These places would be accessible via special goggles and allow people to meet,interact,play games,buy and sell things,and more.Arguably the internets first attempt at replicating such a world was Second Life,a place to socialise online without storylines or challenges.Dig
28、ital realms such as Second Life and MindArks Entropia Universe quickly became popular,with the former boasting millions of users at the end of the 2000s.Though Second Lifes user numbers have since waned drastically,there is a loyal(and potentially growing)community of residents still active on the p
29、latform.Today,the metaverse the kind that many tech companies are racing to build refers to a scaled,virtual fusion of video games,social networking and entertainment that creates new,immersive experiences,such as swimming while listening to music at an online concert.For some,the metaverse is just
30、the latest technology buzzword and may appear to be an enhanced version of VR.But advocates view it as transformative.Meta(formerly Facebook),for example,seeks to capitalise on the fledgling opportunity.Meanwhile,over 550 mobile apps include the term in their description or names.2 Though it remains
31、 unclear what a fully fledged metaverse will look like,there appears to be a consensus that people will engage and interact in interconnected 3D worlds via on-screen representations of themselves known as avatars.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 7 Table 1:Core technologies in the metav
32、erse Augmented reality(AR)A presentation method wherein objects in the real world are supplemented with artificial digital objects,which can be either constructive(i.e.adding to real world objects)or destructive(i.e.masking real world objects).Virtual reality(VR)An artificial rendering of an environ
33、ment making use of audio and visual fields,possibly supplemented with other sensory devices.Mixed reality(MR)A blend of elements of physical and digital worlds into a single immersive experience.Extended reality(XR)An umbrella term encompassing AR,VR and MR,which refers to the spectrum of technologi
34、es that combine computer-generated virtual elements into the real environment.Artificial intelligence(AI)AI is the ability of a computer or machine to emulate human tasks through learning and automation,generally understood to be the simulation of the higher-order functions of intelligent beings in
35、areas such as visual processing,speech processing and analytics.Source:GSMA3 Key principles that make up the metaverse As the concept is largely embryonic,there is no single definition of the metaverse and one may never emerge.Nevertheless,there is some uniformity on certain foundational pillars on
36、which the development of the metaverse should be based in order for it to function effectively and for everyone(see Figure 1).Figure 1:Key principles in the metaverse Source:GSMA Intelligence Community-driven protocols,without central oversight and governanceDecentralisedOpen standards enable real-t
37、ime access to shared virtual worlds for unlimited usersInterconnected and interoperableEnsuring safety,cybersecurity and data privacy from the start and throughout the metaverseSafe and trustworthyEXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 8 Decentralised Web 3.0,and the companies working to bui
38、ld it,are“aiming to make the web and the internet more decentralised,verifiable,and secure”.4 The metaverse will incorporate some of these Web 3.0 principles.Some parties are steadfast in their view that decentralisation needs to be at the core of a successful metaverse.Building decentralisation int
39、o the foundation of the metaverse could mitigate the risk of a central entity that can act freely as a gatekeeper to user interactions,play the role of an oversight authority and impose the standards and policies to which developers must adhere.To deliver this kind of decentralisation,attention has
40、turned to blockchain technology as a means of ensuring the metaverse landscape is secure and avoids being controlled by a select group of large corporations.From a blockchain standpoint,decentralisation refers to the transfer of control and decision-making from a centralised entity to a distributed
41、network,which can have benefits for reconciling data,reducing points of weakness and optimising resources.5 It has been pointed out,however,that a heavily decentralised platform leveraging community-based standards and protocols(like the open web)would not necessarily prevent the existence of domina
42、nt closed platforms in the metaverse.6 Interconnected and interoperable For a fully fledged metaverse to come to fruition,it will need to interconnect the many different devices and platforms being used for interaction.In October 2021,Metas Founders Letter stressed the need for interoperability to“u
43、nlock a massively larger creative economy than the one constrained by todays platforms and their policies”.Ecosystem lock-ins are a popular,tried-and-tested way to force continued engagement while isolating the competition especially when it comes to technology and operating systems.However,with int
44、eroperability likely being the driving force of the metaverse,layered standards are required as they are with the internet to allow different and diverse networks and subnetworks to clearly interact with each other.7 The idea of the metaverse often refers to shared virtual worlds that people can acc
45、ess and navigate seamlessly and in real time through different,typically XR devices.Hence,the interconnected nature of these digital environments could be paramount,as it will allow these environments to be experienced synchronously and persistently by an effectively unlimited number of users.Interc
46、onnecting standards are already starting to take hold:Disney Pixars Universal Scene Description(USD)is an open-source software that allows transmission of 3D data,a key factor in developing the immersive 3D worlds that could make up the metaverse.Similarly,standards around verifiability that provide
47、 a user with portable unique credentials that can be used across virtual world boundaries could prove useful.Safe and trustworthy A third principle of the metaverse is the related notions of safety and trustworthiness.As with any online interactive platform,there are user safety concerns(such as onl
48、ine abuse,trolling,inappropriate contact,grooming and mis/disinformation).And given the size and immersive nature of a fully fledged metaverse,these issues could be exacerbated.As there are many different forms of threats to online safety,there is no one way to address all of the issues.Nevertheless
49、,according to technology and human rights expert Brittan Heller,“VR and AR platforms need specific terms of service for immersive environmentsbecause platform governance in digital worlds must regulate behaviour,in addition to content”.8 Cybersecurity,a key tenet of this pillar in relation to both t
50、he hardware and software components of the metaverse,will become more challenging,as vulnerability will increase due to the broader attack surface for online criminals.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 9 Regulatory frameworks can often struggle to keep pace with technological change;as
51、such,user education,awareness and prevention will be vital to security and resilience in the metaverse.9 Personal data privacy issues may also come to the fore as new in-depth virtual experiences take shape and digital devices and platforms connect.Beyond cross-industry collaboration,Metas Founders
52、Letter stated that privacy and safety should be embedded into the metaverse from the outset,as well as new forms of governance.However,it is reasonable to assume that concerns over the mishandling of sensitive user data,for example those that plagued Second Lifes creator Linden Lab,10 will remain.Pr
53、otecting such data and analysing the large number of transactions could be an important feature in securing the metaverse and stimulating adoption.11 1.2 Market size and time frame Market size Some proponents believe the metaverse could be the future of the internet,with its series of virtual worlds
54、 establishing the most important new technology platform since the arrival of the worldwide web itself.In June 2021,Roundhill Investments created an exchange-traded fund(ETF)to track and profit from the work of metaverse enablers.Metas hope is that the metaverse will reach a billion people within th
55、e next decade and support jobs for millions of creators and developers,in addition to hosting hundreds of billions of dollars of digital commerce.To that end,valuations attributed to early incarnations of the metaverse suggest a clear commercial reason for the strong desire from the big names in tec
56、h to be at the forefront of this nascent phenomenon and to shape the design of a future digital reality.One estimate put the economic value of Second Life in 2005 at$64 million,while Project Entropia saw$1.6 billion pass through its online world in the same year.12 Yet,the potential value of the mod
57、ern,in-progress metaverse far eclipses these figures.Epic Games which owns Fortnite,one of the most popular games globally believes that the metaverse could become“a multitrillion-dollar part of the world economy”.13 Forecasts from multiple sources appear to validate that belief.PWC expects the valu
58、e of the metaverse market to exceed$1.5 trillion by the end of 2030(see Figure 2).Morgan Stanley goes further,seeing the metaverse as an$8 trillion addressable market,which is likely to become the“next generation social media,streaming and gaming platform”.Reports also suggest that the gadgets and w
59、earables opportunity in the metaverse could be worth$100 billion in 2030 and subsequently grow another fivefold by 2040.14 EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 10 Figure 2:Metaverse market size,20212030 Billion Source:PWC15 Time frame The projected market size may reflect a growing consens
60、us around the profound impact that the metaverse could have.Though investment bank Jefferies believes a fully realised version of the metaverse may be more than a decade away,it thinks the metaverse has the potential to disrupt“almost everything in human life”.16 Despite the time and effort that wil
61、l be required to build the metaverse,work has already been undertaken to sow the seeds for developing the metaverse and expanding its ecosystem.At Web Summit 2021,Roblox stated that it has been working on its vision of the metaverse for about 15 years and that“it needs to be a place that everyone ca
62、n access,a place where people can express themselves and connect together”.17 The promise shown by games such as Roblox,Fortnite and Minecraft implies that they could all be stepping stones to an emerging new medium.Alongside such momentum and focus on the content and software fronts,there is also h
63、ardware under development to facilitate access to the metaverse and future virtual experiences.Firms such as Google,Meta,Qualcomm and Snap are working on new AR wearables for the metaverse,some of which are expected to launch in 2022.It could take a decade,if not longer,to build a fully fledged meta
64、verse in which people could live and work across interconnected physical and virtual environments.Nevertheless,with interests piquing,visions forming,and technologies and capabilities improving,it seems that important pieces to the metaverse puzzle are beginning to come together.Peggy Johnson,CEO of
65、 Magic Leap,considers that we are already in the early stages of the metaverse“in some way”.18 In addition,Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said that while the technologies powering the metaverse are still undergoing intensive research and experimentation,he believes that virtual work meetings wi
66、ll increasingly be done via personal avatars by 2024.19$148.5$476.4$1,542.9$0$250$500$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750202120252030EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 11 2.Key players and implications for telcos 2.1 Central players in the building of the metaverse Whether or not the metaverse b
67、ecomes as ubiquitous as the smartphone is today,several firms have already identified it as part of their future endeavours(see Table 2).Though Apple,the largest tech company in the world,is reported to be somewhat circumspect,20 there is clear momentum from other quarters specifically the gaming in
68、dustry,which is expected to account for most of the metaverse market value over the medium term.Tim Sweeney,founder of Epic Games(which is 40%owned by Chinese conglomerate Tencent)has said that firms like his are in a race to get to a billion users in order to set the metaverses standards for the fu
69、ture,with the next three years a critical time period.Tencent itself has yet to fully outline its ambitions,possibly due to Chinas increased scrutiny of leading domestic tech firms,but it has identified three main pathways to the metaverse:gaming;social networking;and AR/VR-based experiences.21 In J
70、anuary 2022,it was reported that Tencent had opened talks to acquire Black Shark,a gaming devices and accessories manufacturer.Moreover,Roblox,the worlds largest user-generated gaming platform,has its own metaverse plans.The company saw its value rocket during the pandemic,leading to a flotation on
71、the New York Stock Exchange in 2021.Roblox sees the metaverse as becoming a“human co-experience utility”that is“arguably as big a shift in online communication as the telephone or the internet”.22 It aims to give users and developers ways to create digital worlds,thereby providing opportunities to g
72、ame,learn,work,socialise and attend events,with the platforms virtual economy powered by its Robux currency.Table 2:Examples of metaverse activities Baidu In November 2021,Baidus Xirang(Land of Hope)metaverse app went live,offering a virtual exhibition environment and workplace for users,which is ac
73、cessible via smartphones,PCs or VR goggles.Baidu has also made hardware investments through subsidiaries such as iQiyi.ByteDance TikTok owner ByteDance is beta testing a metaverse social media app after investing in multiple companies,including VR headset maker Pico and chip designers Stream Computi
74、ng.The app,called Party Island,allows invited users to create avatars,join virtual events(e.g.concerts)and message other participants.Mawari Mawaris 3D rendering solution moves rendering into the cloud,allowing for real-time XR interactive experiences.Mawari has worked with several mobile operators,
75、including NTT Docomo and KDDI,to enable its new digital offerings.Nonvoice By working with app developers,Global agency Nonvoice has launched its Metaverse 5G Portal,which aggregates around 15 consumer AR apps,spanning education,games and sports.The platform operates on a revenue-sharing model with
76、telco partners.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 12 Nvidia Graphics company Nvidia has built its Omniverse platform to be the plumbing that can connect rich,shared virtual worlds within the metaverse.The platform is being used across a growing number of industries for projects such as d
77、esign collaboration and creating simulations of real-world buildings and factories.Qualcomm Qualcomm hopes that its flagship Snapdragon chips will be users ticket to the metaverse.At CES 2022,Qualcomm announced a collaboration with Microsoft to expand and accelerate the adoption of AR in the consume
78、r and enterprise sectors,with initiatives focused on chips and glasses.Snap Snap,owner of Snapchat,has long been building custom avatars and AR filters to overlay digital features onto the real world.In 2021,it unveiled the fourth generation of its smart glasses,known as Spectacles,making them avail
79、able for developers to experiment with creating experiences.Source:GSMA Intelligence(based on research and company interviews)In October 2021,Mark Zuckerberg changed the name of Facebooks parent company to Meta,subsequently claiming in a personal post in February 2022 that the firm is now a metavers
80、e company,building the future of social connection.Meta has earmarked$10 billion to develop the AR/VR headsets and glasses that many predict will provide a dominant access point to the metaverse.Using this funding,Meta will also hire 10,000 people,some of whom will be“highly specialised engineers”.T
81、he company is actively building VR apps for social meeting places and for the workplace,including ones that interact with the real world.Another member of big tech,Microsoft is also seen as a central player to the metaverse.The firm revealed at its annual Ignite conference that 90 new services will
82、be launched in three areas,one of them being the metaverse.Microsoft is working to make virtual gatherings as natural as possible using VR goggles and motion-capture gloves that will accurately replicate human gestures online and capture body language.It is also making progress in spatial audio,so t
83、hat communications and application sounds are real and immersive,and building the“identity systems of the future”that will enable computing solutions to be embedded in the real world while bringing real presence to any digital space.23 In addition,Microsoft has announced its intention to acquire lea
84、ding games developer Activision Blizzard,24 which could support its metaverse strategy although the transaction will require approval from the Federal Trade Commission(FTC).2.2 The role of operators Infrastructure The successful running of sophisticated digital worlds and XR will require similarly a
85、dvanced and consistent mobile broadband services.While the networks that carry data traffic are often overlooked,they are one of the main reasons why tech firms,investors and other stakeholders are so enthusiastic about the prospects of the metaverse.5G networks have the ability to provide the high-
86、capacity,low-latency transmissions needed for immersive experiences,as well as allow the user to experience extended realities(offered by the metaverse)in the real world.Moreover,by the end of the decade,the arrival of 6G technologies could enable further advances in digital worlds and scenarios,and
87、 the melding of virtual and physical realities.As the primary suppliers of connectivity,mobile operators are naturally interested in exploring potential opportunities in the metaverse,especially given the significant 5G infrastructure and spectrum capex commitments they have already made and will ma
88、ke over the coming years(Figure 3).Verizon sees 5G,particularly mmWave spectrum,as being fundamental to the ultra-EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 13 fast,low-latency connectivity that will“start to open up possibilities like VR experiences that include the sense of touch,and AR experi
89、ences that let visitors have in-depth conversations with AI hosts”.25 However,the growth of data triggered by the metaverse could put additional strain on mobile networks.According to Credit Suisse,even modest metaverse usage could cause current data consumption to increase 20 by 2032.26 The economi
90、cs of mobile networks are evolving,adding pressure onto operators as the demand for advanced network capabilities increases rapidly.Flexible regulatory frameworks,harmonised and affordable spectrum,and other supportive policy initiatives have the potential to ease this pressure and help to facilitat
91、e a fully fledged metaverse.Figure 3:Mobile operators will invest$620 billion in their networks over the 20222025 period,of which 85%will be dedicated to 5G Capex(billion)Source:GSMA Intelligence The rollout of high-quality,reliable 5G(and future 6G)networks is therefore the main pathway for operato
92、rs to carve out a position in the metaverse ecosystem.With advanced mobile connectivity providing the platform,there are network innovations such as edge computing and slicing that operators could use to capture new value from metaverse growth areas.Multi-access edge computing Amid huge excitement a
93、bout the metaverse from wealthy investors and big tech firms,one opportunity for the telecoms industry is 5G multi-access edge computing(MEC),a technology that serves as both a resource computing platform and a mobile network capability platform.Immersive experiences such as those offered by the met
94、averse require networks that provide“low-latency communication for imperceptible response time and significant server resources to run the virtual 3D world”.27 Work has started to test and develop the optimal 5G Telco Edge Cloud network infrastructure that could enable interoperable services in the
95、metaverse.28 84%98%91%75%73%70%43%$0$50$100$150$200$250$300Asia PacificNorthAmericaEuropeLatinAmericaMENACISSub-SaharanAfrica5G capexNon-5G capex5G as a%of total capexEXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 14 Localised content,efficient real-time data processing and management,and ultra-low
96、latency connectivity are some of the features made possible by MEC,enabling innovative consumer and enterprise services.MEC can be both a technical and commercial solution for operators that allows them to establish new business models and provide more than enhanced mobile broadband.It can facilitat
97、e opportunities for operators to expand into other new sector-specific markets,and unearth revenue streams through MEC-enabled connectivity offerings and hosting edge application servers for third parties.Operators are also collaborating with partners such as AWS,using revenue-sharing models to offe
98、r public and private cloud services in areas to support ecosystem development.29 Network slicing Hype around AR/VR and digital worlds resurfaces every few years but usually fades away.However,there is a view that for the first time the technology is almost in place,with connectivity moving close to
99、what might be needed to underpin the metaverse.Network slicing may be another opportunity for operators to monetise 5G,as it offers the capability to isolate and tailor portions(or slices)of the network to cater to the differing needs of customers or future virtual applications.For instance,Deutsche
100、 Telekom has successfully completed an end-to-end 5G network slicing trial with Ericsson and Samsung,which siphoned off one slice for mobile broadband and another that was optimised with higher throughput and low latency to support VR gaming.Trials such as this demonstrate how network slicing could
101、be used to customise user uplink/downlink rates and latency requirements to guarantee on demand the level of service quality needed to support metaverse use cases,such as cloud gaming.Leveraging core competences While 5G networks can unlock the metaverse,mobile operators have the potential to genera
102、te other revenue streams in support of these new types of service offerings.Given their wealth of experience and expertise,operators are well positioned to provide services such as data traffic analysis and management,which allow for seamless application automation,along with a collection of usage d
103、ata and billing for platform providers.Tech opportunities for operators Besides providing the digital nuts and bolts of the metaverse,there may also be scope for operators to share in its spoils,such as through revenue-sharing agreements,strategic investments(e.g.SoftBanks Vision Fund 2 into NFT-rel
104、ated startups)or the successful development and marketing of new services,applications or plans.Verizon is already exploring metaverse opportunities,utilising its six 5G research labs to test and trial imaginative enterprise and consumer use cases for 5G,such as holographic medical imaging.Verizon m
105、ade an initial foray into the metaverse at the 2021 Super Bowl,offering a virtual 5G stadium in Fortnite Creative.The experience let fans come together and interact with their favourite NFL players via games.Verizon believes that the metaverse might be the best opportunity for 5Gs so-called killer a
106、pplications to flourish.30 EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 15 Gaming In light of a growing trend towards subscription-based cloud gaming services,mobile operators are increasingly pursuing opportunities in this sector.All three mobile operators in South Korea offer cloud gaming servic
107、es to their customers,while A1 Telekom,China Mobile,Orange,Telefnica and Vodafone have launched propositions in collaboration with third parties.Reflecting the global dimension of this theme,several telcos including Deutsche Telekom,EE,Globe,Orange,SoftBank,SKT,Telstra,Telus and Verizon are particip
108、ating in the Niantic Planet-Scale AR Alliance,which is leveraging 5Gs performance capabilities to develop and distribute AR-based content and game titles.31 These types of gaming environments have the potential to evolve into a world that makes up the fully fledged metaverse.Figure 4:Consumers are m
109、ost interested in music and video streaming;gaming will benefit from rising 5G adoption Which of the following do you already have as part of your mobile subscription/contract or would you be interested in adding to your mobile subscription/contract if it was available?(Percentage of respondents)Sou
110、rce:GSMA Intelligence Consumers in Focus Survey 2021 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%BrazilChinaFrance GermanyUKIndiaItalyJapanSouthKoreaUSVideo streamingMusic streamingLive sportsGamingCase study:SKT SKT is arguably one of those leading the mobile industrys charge into the metaverse.The South Korean oper
111、ator has even moved to reorganise its business in order to capture future growth from sources outside of core telecoms services.Finalising this corporate restructuring in November 2021,SKT will house Ifland,the metaverse platform the operator launched earlier that year,in its new AI Service Unit.Ifl
112、and has been designed“to maximise user experience through diverse virtual spaces and avatars”,i with an initial focus on meetings and presentations.However,SKT has pledged to expand this to holding large-scale events such as lectures,festivals and concerts.With several companies launching their own
113、metaverse platforms,success may depend on attracting as many users as possible through themed events and customised services.Accordingly,SKT plans to offer special programmes and content,such as fan meetings with K-pop stars and social media influencers.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE
114、 16 Digital identity In the fully fledged metaverse,users could have the ability to travel between worlds or other metaverses while keeping their digital identities and possessions intact.This interoperability between metaverses will be supported,in part,by the verifiability of the users.An operator
115、s ability to verify identity at the connection and then continue to verify without divulging sensitive data would enable users to create avatars,purchase NFTs and bring all of it across digital world borders.Additionally,a mobile network identity verification at connection would allow users to exper
116、ience the metaverse on multiple devices,depending on the desired experience,switching between headset,smart glasses or smartphone while either inside or outside the home.AR/VR solutions As mobile connectivity advances,an increasing number of telcos are recognising the business potential of the metav
117、erse.Operators in leading markets such as China,South Korea and the US are exploring how to blend the digital and real worlds though AR/VR as a way of making back money spent on superfast 5G networks.SKT has described the metaverse as both its“future business model”and its“core business platform”,wh
118、ile several operators(including LG Uplus,Bell,KDDI,China Telecom and Orange)and chipmaker Qualcomm are part of the Global XR Content Telco Alliance,which is helping to finance the creation of high-quality AR/VR content.32 In Thailand,TrueMove has partnered with Nonvoice to launch a cloud AR applicat
119、ion platform,subsequently incorporating NFTs/digital collectibles as part of the service.The scaling of 5G standalone network deployments could strengthen the AR/VR opportunity,with greatly improved speeds,latency and reliability supporting operators to better identify and develop new experiences(an
120、d revenue streams).Similarly,planning for the 3GPPs Release 18 begins the process to make 5G-Advanced a reality,which incorporates plenty of metaverse-friendly features and capabilities,including boundless XR.Partnerships Leveraging new and existing relationships creates the potential for telcos to
121、establish partnerships to capitalise on the metaverse.AT&T is one operator already thinking in this direction.According to AT&T,connectivity is“the glue that will bind everyone and everything,together”.33 Its Ecosystem Innovation Team is already working with businesses to help build technologies and
122、 solutions for the future metaverse.Leveraging the superior capabilities of mobile operators 5G networks,partnerships could therefore be key to discovering the killer application(s)in the metaverse.AT&T and e-sports organisation 100 Thieves have collaborated on the AT&T Station,an immersive VR space
123、 located within the VRChat platform.The experience is AT&Ts first push into the metaverse and 100 Thieves first experiment in digitising apparel items as the lines between the real and online worlds continue to blur.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 17 3.Opportunities and applications I
124、n 2020,the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated a digital evolution for many citizens,firms and industries.It is no surprise,then,that use of the term metaverse surged in 2021.Precisely what the metaverse will become remains to be seen.It may be an all-encompassing futuristic world of VR and avatars,or alt
125、ernatively just a richer,more immersive version of todays online platforms and networks.In any case,myriad potential use cases are foreseen as the metaverse unlocks access to new creative,social and economic opportunities.3.1 Key enabling factors 5G networks and beyond As described previously,5G net
126、works provide the high-bandwidth,low-latency services that a fully fledged metaverse needs to succeed.Advanced capabilities such as MEC and network slicing enable remote rendering and support the frame rate needed for an immersive experience.34 Mobile 5G(and future network generations)will serve as
127、the foundation for the metaverse,underpinning user engagement and helping the content and app ecosystems to flourish.Wearable technology Full 3D telepresence via AR or VR hardware is seen by many as a critical enabler to delivering a genuine metaverse experience.Instead of being on a computer,in the
128、 metaverse you might use a headset to enter a virtual world that connects all types of digital environments.In this scenario,an individual would be able to sense the other users occupying that same shared location rather than looking at faces on a flat screen display.AR and VR could therefore reflec
129、t the logical step beyond the smartphone and the current mobile internet era.The market is quickly maturing and seeing major investments,with AR(digital 3D objects layered on top of the real world)seen as suiting outdoor experiences and VR(interacting in an immersive,simulated world)better placed fo
130、r indoor environments,such as the home.However,with advancements in AR/VR technology still progressing,the first iterations of the metaverse may continue to be powered by smartphones over the coming years.Over the longer term,a shift to AR/VR as a central platform for digital and telecoms services c
131、ould have far-reaching implications for the tech ecosystem and handset vendors in particular.Avatars While visions for the metaverse vary,there seems to be broad agreement that a foundational element of future digital worlds will be customisable avatars that can move,speak and/or perform animated ac
132、tions.This is in sharp contrast to existing websites or social media networks,where individuals are typically represented by a username or thumbnail picture.Avatars have been common in online platforms since the 1990s(e.g.in Habbo Hotel),but recent advances in VR are enabling users to truly embody t
133、heir digital manifestations,for example by using hand-tracking controllers to gesture and interact with virtual items.Utilising its Mesh platform,Microsoft is adding 3D virtual avatars and environments to its Teams business communication system as part of its push towards the metaverse.Within immers
134、ive meetings,an avatar will represent a person and use AI to imitate movements and gestures without the need for an AR or VR wearable.Besides providing respite from video conferencing,millions of avatars(acting on behalf of their human counterparts)may also shape how the IMVU EXPLORING THE METAVERSE
135、 AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 18 metaverse,a 3D avatar social media app,develops by exercising voting rights in exchange for a fungible token.35 AI More than running synthetic versions of ourselves,AI will help enable,support and populate the metaverse while dramatically reducing power consumption and imp
136、roving the performance of 5G networks.AI algorithms can quickly parse huge volumes of data to derive insights and drive action,and are already commonplace within consumer and enterprise situations.Across the metaverse landscape,AI could be leveraged for digital humans(i.e.3D chatbots),creative writi
137、ng,language processing and interface optimisation.Regarding the last point,AI could play a vital role in accessibility to the metaverse,such as through image recognition for people with visual disabilities,automatic translation,intelligent exoskeletons to interact with the digital world and brain co
138、mputer interfaces for the most vulnerable.36 Non-fungible tokens Non-fungible tokens(NFTs)are non-interchangeable assets that represent ownership of a unique digital item.37 NFTs have one owner,which is recorded on a blockchain(most commonly Ethereum)to secure ownership.A blockchain is a shared,immu
139、table ledger for recording transactions and tracking assets.38 Virtual property(e.g.land or buildings),which links to a user and does not disappear between sessions,is widely expected to be a core feature of metaverse environments,as is the ability to exchange and/or sell that property.NFTs have see
140、n an explosion of interest,which could provide a signal as to how virtual economies would work.They have gained popularity as a decentralised and reliable way to track and establish ownership of digital goods,without any controlling authority or corporate server.NFTs could enable virtual assets to b
141、e moved freely between metaverses controlled by different companies,with a certificate of ownership or authenticity proven on an autonomous database.Decentraland,for example,is based on the Ethereum blockchain and uses ERC-20-based tokens(via the MANA cryptocurrency)to facilitate trading plots of vi
142、rtual land.Similarly,The Sandbox,a Hong Kongbased gaming platform,is allowing users to build up its virtual world and monetise their creations using NFTs.39 In practice,a high degree of standard-setting and cross-industry cooperation is necessary for full portability;however,NFT sales from metaverse
143、s are growing fast and are now the third largest category of transactions,behind digital collectibles and artwork.3.2 Sectors potentially impacted by the metaverse By leveraging the capabilities of 5G,AI,AR and VR,the disruptions and applications that may emerge in the development of the metaverse h
144、ave the potential to be wide-ranging,from interactive entertainment to traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing.Bernstein,a wealth management firm,considers that markets with potential annual revenue of at least$2 trillion could be disrupted by the metaverse.Gaming Due to its im
145、mersive nature gaming is expected to be a foundational use case for the metaverse.Research suggests that gaming including AR/VR hardware,software,service and ads will account for over half of the metaverses market value in 2024.40 Anticipation of this has resulted in a spike in investor interest in
146、firms capable of building such experiences.In November 2021,for example,The Sandbox raised$93 million from investors led by SoftBanks Vision Fund 2.Meanwhile,Microsoft announced an agreement to buy Activision Blizzard in a$68.7 billion all-cash deal;the transaction would be Microsofts largest acquis
147、ition to date and reflects its long-term aim EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 19 to be a leading player in the emerging metaverse space,with gaming a key component of that ambition.Tech firms have already implemented metaverse elements in popular games such as Animal Crossing,Fortnite
148、and Roblox,the last of which reported over 49 million daily active users in November 2021,many playing via mobile devices.Platforms and creation systems that allow users to build,own,and monetise(via NFTs)their virtual gaming experiences such as Epic Games Unreal Engine may become central to the gam
149、ing sectors role in the metaverse.An NFT-based play-to-earn model incentivises engagement by rewarding players with in-game items.Further,Bisonic and The Forgotten Runes Wizards Cult are developing a create-to-earn model,in which the community will generate game lore and custom NFTs in exchange for
150、land and resources.Live entertainment and events Unlike current VR,which is mostly used for gaming,the future digital universe could be used for practically anything,including work,play,cinema trips or just socialising.One opportunity lies in the planning of live virtual events such as concerts,in w
151、hich millions of individuals from around the world can interact.Following Travis Scotts virtual performance,millions of people watched Ariana Grande virtually perform in Fortnite in September 2021,while BTS the most popular K-pop boyband has released a new album within the game.Epic Games has moved
152、beyond video games and into social experiences,such as dance parties and virtual gigs,where users can pay to dress their avatars in different costumes.Likewise,SoftBanks investment will help fuel the growth of The Sandbox creators economy as it expands into fashion,architecture and virtual concerts.
153、Given the considerable impact from Covid-19 on the live events industry,a sustainable future will depend on more than live-streaming performances,which provided a stop-gap solution during lockdowns.Metaverse platforms could represent a paradigm shift for the sector,enabling musicians to establish a
154、sense of presence and a deeper connection between themselves and their fans.Retail As an open,interconnected landscape of platforms,products and tools,the metaverse could eventually become home to all the brands and services consumers interact with on a day-to-day basis.Rather than visiting a websit
155、e to browse 2D versions of products,users could see those items in 3D before deciding whether or not to make a purchase.Immersive virtual shopping experiences could allow users to try on clothes via their avatars,which may have a positive environmental impact by reducing levels of returns and waste
156、from online orders.Many fashion companies have experimented with making virtual clothing,which peoples avatars can wear in digital environments.Through Roblox,Nike has created Nikeland,which is modelled on its headquarters and allows users to play and design games,and outfit their avatars.Well-known
157、 luxury names such as Dior and Gucci,as well as some local and regional brands,are intending to release virtual products on platforms such as Zepeto,which launched three years ago and has around a quarter of a billion users across Asia.Digital retail could therefore be a new frontier in the metavers
158、e,which is also giving rise to virtual influencers.These could be real people who design and sell items in the metaverse to other users in exchange for in-game currency or computer-generated avatars created and controlled by brands for marketing purposes.Enterprise/work Despite the strong social com
159、munication/interaction element to many metaverse ambitions,the metaverse is more than just games and entertainment.As part of its development of an“infinite office”,Meta has been experimenting with a VR meetings app called Workplace,which like the EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 20 co
160、mpanys social space,Horizon Worlds uses virtual avatar systems.Microsoft,too,sees a role for the metaverse in the world of work,showcasing in 2021 its Azure-powered platform Mesh,which uses MR to“enable geographically distributed teams to have more collaborative meetings”.41 In addition to office en
161、vironments,there could be opportunities for the metaverse in industrial settings.Nvidia is focused on its NVIDIA Omniverse,a real-time virtual world simulation and collaboration platform,which is being used across a growing number of industries,including architecture,automotive and engineering.The p
162、latform allows for the creation of digital twins(synthetic versions of real places)and the training of robots in virtual spaces before they are put into use on the factory floor.Education While Covid-19 and the associated restrictions on movement limited in-person education,technology has allowed pe
163、ople to continue learning remotely.The metaverse has the potential to have positive socioeconomic impacts by further enabling digital education opportunities,such as by delivering rich,immersive experiences that could enhance classroom environments.Roblox has created a$10 million fund to support the
164、 development of online education applications in its virtual world.42 In addition,mobile operators such as AT&T are also collaborating to develop metaverse-enabled learning platforms and programmes.43 Case study:metaverse for public services Seoul has become the first major global city to develop it
165、s own metaverse platform for public services and cultural events,committing$3.3 million to fund the initiative.The platform is expected to be fully operational by 2026 and will feature a virtual mayors office and fintech incubator,and allow citizens to file a civil complaint or visit historic sites
166、via VR technology.The programme reflects South Koreas aim to use digital and AI tools to improve healthcare,central infrastructure and the economy,and follows the formation of a metaverse alliance of 500 firms,which is backed by$26 million of state financing.In addition,several Chinese cities are in
167、corporating the metaverse into their official economic plans.In December 2021,the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology released its five-year development plan,which calls for the promotion of the metaverses use across public services,business offices,industrial manufac
168、turing and more.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 21 4.Challenges Though opportunities for individuals and industries abound,there are multiple barriers to developing and,in turn,thriving in the metaverse.Everything envisioned and/or possible does not necessarily translate into viabilit
169、y,and there are some concerns about the dystopian nature the direction the metaverse conversation may be taking especially as upholding appropriate governance frameworks could be as complex as the digital reality itself.Consequently,demand-and supply-side challenges may come to hinder the creation a
170、nd builders of the metaverse.4.1 Interoperability Many experts believe that there will not be one dominant metaverse and that instead bridges will gradually be created to allow users to keep their avatars and possessions,and to easily migrate or port them between different online spaces.44 To that e
171、nd,a primary challenge to the effective functioning of the metaverse is guaranteeing interoperability between different virtual worlds to provide a seamless user experience.This includes the issue of accessibility:will users be able to able to enter the metaverse via a browser,an app,a games console
172、 or all of the above?Collaborative work to develop the optimal 5G Telco Edge Cloud standards has already started and should facilitate interoperable services in the metaverse.Additional interoperability challenges relate to the integration of avatars and the importing of other 3D creations developed
173、 in modelling software different to that of the digital world the user is seeking to access.Further,several firms vying for metaverse leadership operate in interdependent worlds and have endured some common experiences,from antitrust battles to ad tracking disputes.As tech giants all look to swoop i
174、nto new territory,promoting interoperability may require the architects of future digital operating systems to work closely together to safeguard against closed systems and to implement common standards.4.2 Trust and safety In the past,Second Life attracted negative headlines after high-profile virt
175、ual riots,Ponzi schemes based on its own currency(called the Linden dollar)and issues around child grooming.Habbo(formerly Habbo Hotel)faced issues such as scams,lapses in content moderation and online raids by Anonymous.45 Such challenges could be amplified if the metaverse goes mainstream,presenti
176、ng tech firms with implications that span cybersecurity,privacy,false information and safety.Online safety and wellbeing Today,people face a number of issues(e.g.abuse,bullying,misogyny)that may prevent a safe and trustworthy online experience.According to an Anti-Defamation League report,83%of adul
177、ts and 60%of children surveyed had experienced harassment in online multiplayer games.46 As Covid-19 has driven populations online,more children than ever are connected.These issues have the potential to worsen as the metaverse blurs the real and digital worlds.Moreover,there are clues that the kind
178、 of dangers that pervade the internet may carry through to emerging virtual environments.47 For instance,in November 2021 a beta tester for Horizon Worlds was sexually harassed(though Metas internal review of the incident concluded that the individual should have activated a safety feature).48 Meta
179、has since introduced a four-foot Personal Boundary feature for its social VR platform.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 22 Many internet companies have developed advertising-based business models,focused on encouraging users into viewing more adverts.An immersive metaverse has the poten
180、tial be a much more potent tool in manipulation than mobile apps,exposing users to significantly more effective forms of digital advertising than ever before.The wellbeing of users is a multi-faceted issue,which may require standards and protocols along with public discourse about how to keep the me
181、taverse safe.The Information Commissioners Office Age Appropriate Design Code(or Childrens Code)is made up of 15 standards that ensure compliance with childrens online data protection obligations.49 Likewise,digital literacy programmes may prove vital to ensuring young people sufficiently understand
182、 the workings of the metaverse and can access appropriate content within it.Cybersecurity Generally speaking,security may be a step behind when it comes to new technology.However,the funding and development of a(largely unregulated)metaverse into a legitimate marketplace could be“extremely attractiv
183、e”to cybercriminals by offering a“huge potential for scams”.50 Current cybersecurity challenges,including phishing,malware and hacking,will persist and could expose vulnerabilities of VR headsets or avatars to misrepresentation or theft of sensitive information.Further,criminals may buy and sell fak
184、e NFTs and malicious smart contracts.A Chainalysis report has found a small but growing portion of activity on NFT marketplaces that could be attributed to money laundering practices.51 Integrating security measures will be required so that brands and users are empowered to engage without fear of be
185、ing susceptible to nefarious agents.Data privacy Related to the challenge of security is that of data privacy and protection,with possible implications for legislation such as the GDPR.At a time when some people are reducing their usage of social media(and even deleting apps from their smartphones),
186、whistleblower Frances Haugen has warned that the metaverse could give Facebook another monopoly online,in addition to being addictive and extracting more personal information from users.52 In fact,the granularity of interaction data available,including where someone goes,how they long they look at s
187、omething and how they react to certain stimuli,is a major reason why tech firms,data brokers,website providers and more are so interested in this space.Individuals and regulators will demand transparency to trust that behavioural data is being used and protected appropriately,though both may face en
188、forcement and governance challenges.The rise of the metaverse may therefore require new considerations of privacy,particularly regarding data portability between digital platforms and the collection of personal information,such as physiological responses.Mis/disinformation The arrival of the interne
189、t has proved an accelerating factor for false information,with online channels efficient instruments for circulating fake news for various reasons,including convenience,instantaneity and scale.Social media platforms and governments are already struggling with the issue,which is set to grow further a
190、nd see delivery mechanisms change as technology evolves.53 The metaverse could risk exacerbating the spread of mis/disinformation on a variety of themes,such as politics and democracy,climate change,religion and health.For example,social media networks have been weaponised to spread inaccurate or mi
191、sleading information about Covid-19 and vaccines,and the metaverse could serve to broaden the reach of such information and worsen harms caused.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 23 4.3 Awareness and adoption Even where certain supply-side issues can be negotiated,stimulating user awaren
192、ess and adoption could remain a challenge.In a recent survey,people in Singapore reported mixed views about the metaverse,with a smaller proportion of people feeling positive about it compared with individuals in other Asian markets.54 To encourage demand,users will need to be educated and persuaded
193、 as to the metaverses advantages for socialising,learning,entertainment and more.Also,companies will want to be assured of the benefits for collaboration and productivity before purchasing hardware and funding VR work programmes from firms such as Immersed or Virtual Desktop.The challenge may be com
194、pounded by mobility and comfort issues associated with cumbersome VR headsets,which are expected to be the main conduit to future immersive experiences.In the tech sector,it can take several years of R&D for an idea to come to life and to go mainstream,with many use cases later undermined by a lack
195、of mass demand and scalability issues.Some individuals may be put off by the way commercialisation permeates digital spaces that were envisaged to offer an escape from a globalised society.To engage the addressable market,innovators and their investors may need to focus now on the hooks(e.g.content
196、or platforms)that will convince users that it is useful,safe and worth spending time in the metaverses many worlds,which will ultimately create network effects as the user base grows.4.4 Digital divide The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the fundamental importance of connectivity,whic
197、h has acted as a lifeline for citizens,companies and institutions.Its value has been profound in enabling many business activities to continue and in sustaining social interactions between friends and family.55 However,the pandemic has also exposed clear digital divides between countries,regions and
198、 demographics.Despite its promise,the much-heralded metaverse could worsen digital inequality,further segregating the haves from the have nots.While a smartphone and an app may be sufficient to experience the metaverse to some extent,navigating and engaging in it fully may require someone to acquire
199、 AR smart glasses,a VR headset and a premium device equipped with 5G.The metaverse could therefore create even more connectivity and hardware challenges for those already facing exclusion.Moreover,with literacy another barrier to the adoption of technology and use of the internet,digital literacy pr
200、ogrammes may be needed to develop awareness,acceptance and adoption of the metaverse.4.5 Regulation There is undoubtedly another challenge in devising and putting into effect appropriate rules and oversight mechanisms for the metaverse and its actors.In Europe and the US,regulatory bodies are respon
201、ding to anti-competitive behaviour and privacy abuses,especially with respect to Meta/Facebook and Alphabet/Google,while in China the tech industry is feeling pressure from the government.In October 2021,the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations(CICIR),a think tank affiliated with
202、 the Ministry of State Security,published a research note arguing that the metaverse could pose problems for national security.Regulating the metaverse will be a challenge because policymakers are struggling to catch up with the technology and market disruptions(e.g.the data boom,mis/disinformation,
203、cryptocurrency)that occurred in the mobile internet era.There are calls for the metaverse to be open and decentralised and to have community at its heart.Regulation may therefore need to address the risk of a corporate land grab in the metaverse,EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 24 wher
204、e one firm sets the terms of the game and relegates users to mere consumers.Moreover,there could be regulatory challenges relating to responsibilities for owning,controlling and processing the massive amount of data the metaverse will generate.There could also be challenges with regard to the settin
205、g of global intellectual property rights.Copyright and the issue of infringement is a“possible severe limitation of the growth and reasonable use of the metaverse”.56 EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 25 5.Call to action As ambiguity persists around how the metaverse will evolve,it is a
206、lso unclear whether tomorrows internet users will be attracted by tech giants visions and whether the forecasted demand and market value will materialise.Nevertheless,like with space and some bleeding edge technologies,the metaverse is seen by some as a race that some parties want to win in order to
207、 set the rules and capture users and monetary gains.Appropriate policymaking will therefore be needed to ensure a level playing field and to mitigate concerns that could impact users.Enable mobile network deployments 5G has the ability to unlock a fully fledged version of the metaverse and associate
208、d use cases.However,in order to do so,network rollouts must continue apace.5G will generate positive externalities,but deployment costs are significant,revenues are uncertain and ecosystem development is still at a nascent stage.For example,the European Investment Bank estimates the EU digital infra
209、structure investment gap to be at 42 billion per year between 2020 and 2025.57 Access to harmonised and affordable spectrum,flexible regulatory regimes,liberalisation of foreign investment rules and the avoidance of sector-specific taxes and fees all have the potential to facilitate investment in 5G
210、 network deployment.More flexible forms of net neutrality should be explored to support the development of and investment in 5G(including network slicing or virtualisation technologies),which in turn will enable the types of bespoke offerings that will power the fully fledged metaverse.Collaborate t
211、o drive the metaverse forward Given the many shared experiences and interdependencies across the tech ecosystem,there is considerable work to be done among stakeholders in bringing a fully fledged metaverse to fruition.Future inhabitants of virtual 3D platforms will need compatible AR and VR solutio
212、ns to gain access,while new protocols and standards must be developed to bring together disconnected metaverse components,thereby enabling a seamless user experience.Mobile operators can be an enabling force by working with content creators and developers to lower interoperability barriers and with
213、consumers to build trust and awareness.Many different players will therefore need to be involved to build the metaverse ecosystem,from members of the tech industry to civil society.Said actors should collaborate and share knowledge,and also realise that the future digital reality is broader than any
214、 one firm or category of application.Identify opportunities and carve out a niche With some weddings having already taken place in the metaverse,58 the digitisation of marriage ceremonies indicates how almost any sector could face disruption.The investments being made and the partnerships being forg
215、ed across the tech ecosystem also suggest that the hype should be taken seriously,particularly as the metaverse takes shape.While there is no guarantee it will become the big revenue driver that mobile operators are hoping for,they should be looking to seize opportunities to drive the development of
216、 innovative use cases or establish new niches.However,only a handful of operators including AT&T,SKT and Verizon have commented publicly on their predictions or visions for this future digital reality.The current fast pace of the metaverses development will have consequences for mobile networks,and
217、operators should prepare for that eventuality.Relatedly,a part of 5G-Advanced standard setting is about the metaverse.If this is part of an operators strategic planning,the operator will need to be ready to follow and provide input to the 3GPP 5G-Advanced Release 18 process.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE A
218、ND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 26 Ensure regulation is informed and appropriately targeted If the metaverse is to represent the internet of tomorrow,then stakeholders should consider whether the current regulatory regime is flexible enough to address future services or what appropriate new regulation looks l
219、ike and,in turn,how oversight will impact the virtual worlds in which many will live and work.Several issues relevant today,such as safeguarding fair competition and encouraging innovation,will continue to apply.In addition,concerns around safety and mis/disinformation may become more problematic.As
220、 the race to the metaverse intensifies,regulators will need to be suitably agile and forward-looking to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.The policies they implement should be guided by a collective effort of informed stakeholders,including governments,industry leaders and users
221、from diverse communities,and should provide clarity without risking overreach or political interference.Make data privacy,safety and security top priorities Policymakers will need to make important considerations stemming from the interrelated issues of data privacy and security.The amount of data g
222、enerated by metaverse experiences and what can be inferred from that requires strong,horizontal data protection and privacy measures,particularly in the case of sensitive data,and may contradict data minimisation and consent principles established by legislation such as the GDPR.In some markets,new
223、rules will be needed to facilitate cross-border data flows so that cloud-based services can thrive.In parallel,regulators will need to safeguard against abusive and inappropriate behaviour,and address security implications(or even weaknesses)of AR/VR devices and applications,especially where there c
224、ould be risks to the physical and emotional wellbeing of children or other vulnerable groups.Firms that take these issues seriously may be better placed than their competitors to improve brand recognition,build trust and appeal to consumers and therefore reap the predicted rewards of the metaverse.P
225、ay mind to bridging the digital divide As conversations unfold around the power and potential of the metaverse,pursuing equitable access and inclusive design from the outset is imperative.Doing so would ensure that the future digital reality is not a preserve of the rich and is instead able to reach
226、 and benefit as many as possible whether for education,work purposes or social interaction.Designing content and tools with different demographics in mind and effecting policies and initiatives to improve connectivity and reduce the cost of AR/VR technologies could help to avoid deepening existing d
227、igital inequalities and encourage cross-societal engagement with the metaverse.This could also support digital talent and innovation by providing opportunities for creators to build new virtual experiences.EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 27 References and further reading 1 The Journey
228、 to Web 3.0,Dr Gavin Wood,Web3 foundation.For more information,see web3.foundation/about 2“522 mobile apps using metaverse buzzword to gain new users:report”,ET Telecom,February 2022 3 Cloud AR/VR Whitepaper,GSMA Future Networks,2019 and AI&Automation:An Overview,GSMA Future Networks,2019 4 web3.fou
229、ndation/about 5 https:/ Metaverse:What It Is,Where to Find it,and Who Will Build It”,Matthew Ball,January 2020 7 Why commonness and interoperability is critical in Metaverse,Srushti IMX 8“How to address digital safety in the metaverse”,World Economic Forum,January 2022 9“Cybersecurity and the Metave
230、rse:Pioneering Safely into a New Digital World”,GlobalSign,December 2021 10“Second Life Is Plagued by Security Flaws,Ex-Employee Says”,Wired,August 2019 11“Securing The Metaverse Whats Needed For The Next Chapter Of The Internet”,Crunchbase News,December 2021 12“The ever-expanding metaverse”,BBC,Nov
231、ember 2006 13“Metaverse Is a Multitrillion-Dollar Opportunity,Epic CEO Says”,Bloomberg,November 2021 14“Perfecting the 3D world of the metaverse”,Tech Wire Asia,November 2021 15“To work for everyone,the Metaverse must be decentralized”,Cointelegraph,November 2021 16“The billionaire battle for the me
232、taverse”,The Economist,December 2021 17“Facebooks metaverse plans labelled as dystopian and a bad idea”,BBC,November 2021 18“Digital divide:Are we already in the early stages of metaverse?”,The Economic Times,November 2021 19“Bill Gates:Office meetings in the metaverse only 2-3 years away”,CNBC TV18
233、,December 2021 20“Apple reportedly wants nothing to do with Zucks metaverse”,Mashable,January 2022 21“Tencent shares its metaverse vision for the first time”,TechCrunch,November 2021 22“The Metaverse is coming:A 3D virtual world where millions meet online will become our key social hub”,Wired UK,Jan
234、uary 2021 23“Metaverse enables us to embed computing in real world,vice versa:CEO Satya Nadella”,The Economic Times,January 2022 24“Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone,across every device”,Microsoft,January 2022 25“The Metaverse is coming it
235、just needed 5G”,Verizon,November 2020 26“Even modest consumption of metaverse will bump up global data use by 20 times in decade:Credit Suisse”,Moneycontrol,February 2022 27“5G Edge Computing Opens the Era of the Next Version of the Internet”,Samsung Research,January 2021 28“GSMA Announces Details o
236、f Innovative Edge Cloud Applications and Dedicated Telco Edge Cloud Federation”,GSMA,June 2021 EXPLORING THE METAVERSE AND THE DIGITAL FUTURE 28 29“Verizons Vestberg makes private vs.public 5G MEC distinction”,Fierce Wireless,December 2020 30“What the heck is metaverse and will it affect wireless ca
237、rriers?”,Fierce Wireless,August 2021 31 The Mobile Economy 2021,GSMA,2021 32“The metaverse will save 5G?Thats so cute!”,Light Reading,September 2021 33“Time to Brush up your Avatar-Working From Home with xR&5G in the Metaverse”,AT&T,June 2021 34“Four Ways 5G Enables the Metaverse”,LinkedIn Pulse,Dec
238、ember 2020 35“7 million monthly active avatars will get rights to shape the future of the Metaverse with new token”,ZDNet,December 2021 36“How AI will shape the Metaverse”,Towards Data Science,December 2021 37 https:/ethereum.org/en/nft/38 https:/ 39 https:/discover.sandbox.game/#/anchor-description
239、 40“Metaverse may be$800 billion market,next tech platform”,Bloomberg Intelligence,2021 41“You can actually feel like youre in the same place”:Microsoft Mesh powers shared experiences in mixed reality”,Microsoft,March 2021 42“Teaching in the Metaverse?Roblox Looks to Make It a Reality”,Education Wee
240、k,November 2021 43“How AT&Ts 5G Networks Can Help Bridge the Digital Divide”,AT&T,October 2021 44“The question of metaverse interoperability”,Cointribune,October 2021 45“What is happening in Habbo Hotel?”,Channel 4 News,August 2012 46 https:/www.adl.org/hateisnogame 47“VR worlds are no better or wor
241、se than anywhere else online”,The Guardian,January 2022 48“The metaverse has a groping problem already”,MIT Technology Review,December 2021 49 https:/ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/ico-codes-of-practice/age-appropriate-design-code/50“Why Cisco Calls the Metaverse Cybersecurity
242、s Wild West”,SDxCentral,November 2021 51“Crime and NFTs:Chainalysis Detects Significant Wash Trading and Some Money Laundering In this Emerging Asset Class”,Chainalysis,February 2022 52“Why Facebooks Metaverse Is A Privacy Nightmare”,Forbes,November 2021 53 For more information,see Exploring online
243、misinformation and disinformation in Asia Pacific,GSMA,2021 54“Almost half of Singaporeans are wary of metaverse technology”,Disruptive.Asia,January 2022 55 For more information,see The Mobile Economy Europe 2021,GSMA,2021 56“Fundamental Considerations In Building The Metaverse”,Forbes,August 2021 57 Identifying Europes recovery needs,European Commission,2020 58“A couple held a live online wedding ceremony in the metaverse where their avatars married at a virtual chapel in the sky”,Insider,December 2021 For more information,please visit the GSMA website at