"5G has consistently influenced complementary technologies"

With over 34 years of experience in the IT services industry, Dinesh Rao currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Co-Head - Delivery at Infosys.

- Shubhendu Parth

He has played a pivotal role in transforming global enterprises, particularly within the Retail, CPG, and Logistics sectors, driving significant growth and innovation. In this conversation with Shubhendu Parth, he shares insights on the strategic role of 5G in accelerating digital transformation, the opportunities it presents for enterprises, and security and device readiness challenges. He also discusses how Infosys is helping organisations leverage private 5G networks, the importance of upskilling to create a 5G-ready workforce, and his vision for the future evolution of 5G technology. Excerpts:

How do you see 5G as a strategic catalyst for digital transformation across industries? What specific opportunities does it present for organisations to enhance operations and create new business models?

5G is undoubtedly a game-changer for industries seeking to accelerate digital transformation. It delivers high bandwidth, low latency, and highly secure wireless connectivity, making it ideal for mission-critical production networks. Through its seamless and secure connectivity, this technology enables Industry 4.0/5.0 transformations and powers immersive and interactive media collaboration, thanks to its high bandwidth and low latency. Additionally, 5G’s extensive network capabilities are well-suited for remote-guided and autonomous vehicles, while edge connectivity supports AI-driven applications like computer vision.

The real-time nature of 5G connectivity allows instantaneous data insights and quick decision-making, which is crucial for driving operational efficiency. This paves the way for innovative as-a-service business models or “servitisation” for high-value assets in manufacturing, utilities, logistics, and healthcare industries. Ubiquitous connectivity also enhances the ability to provide remote support, which is invaluable in facilitating the field workforce and improving end- user experiences.