Globally, telcos are noticing a gradual reduction in core revenues as connectivity services become more commoditised. According to World Bank, the per capita expenditure on healthcare has grown from USD 479 in 2000 to USD 1,111 in 2018. Moreover, healthcare is a universal necessity; as populations grow and wealth accumulates, there is little to no room to cut its overall spending. So, compared to other verticals, the healthcare industry provides substantial potential for operators.

Emerging network technologies such as 5G, edge computing, and the Internet of Things have generated a lot of buzz. This article notes the use of 5G in the healthcare industry and some opportunities for telcos in the short, mid, and long term.

A) Short-term: Opportunity for telcos and learnings from the existing operators

Virtual consultations/remote monitoring- the biggest opportunity

One of the most significant benefits that 5G brings to healthcare is its capacity to offer the next generation of virtual and linked care. Access to dependable, efficient and cost-effective virtual health services has never been more critical for ensuring a healthier population.

According to a survey conducted by Ericsson:

1. Online consultations are preferred by 39% of chronic patients over face-to-face sessions.
2. According to almost two-thirds of consumers, wearables that monitor and dispense medicine are crucial for better managing chronic illnesses, resulting in fewer trips to the doctor.
3. 56% of customers are concerned that their wearable health patches may run out of power.

COVID-19 has helped establish the need for high quality healthcare to the remotest part of every country. Telcos are in a powerful position to enable virtual healthcare solutions which is now becoming commonplace.

• 5G devices consume less power compared to 4G. It will enable doctors to administer remote care to their patients through 3D/UHD video conferencing. To add on, its lower latency will enhance the accuracy of virtual consulting with a more immersive experience.

AI-based healthcare apps and platforms- A popular choice among telcos

This is a model where telcos have an all-in-one AI platform providing services like music, financial payments, online shopping, entertainment etc. In addition, there is a dedicated segment for healthcare that is in demand.

Here are some examples on how telcos are participating in the healthcare segment:

1. SK Telecom: SK Telecom has a separate segment for older people that cater to their specific needs and also a tool to help parents with their parenting needs. The telco collaborated with a company that provides genetic-based testing services.
2. NTT Docomo: The telco has a point-based or coins-based reward system, which attracts more users. Users will take daily challenges, and hence the app consumption will go up.
3. Spark: Spark developed a COVID tracker-and-tracer system by working with the health ministry in New Zealand.
4. KDDI: KDDI created a fitness section that includes personalised suggestions for users, virtual gym consultations, selections for the best gyms, and a lifestyle tracker.
5. Telstra Health: The telco provides multiple solutions to various organisations in the Australian healthcare industry.

B) Mid-term: Application of AR/VR technology in healthcare

Enabling distraction therapy:

In the case of distraction therapy, a youngster about to receive an injection can wear a headset and be in a virtual world. As a result, he will no longer focus on the potential anxiety of the injection. Nowadays, VR is also being used to help women get through labour pain.

• 5G enables the smooth streaming of AR/VR based apps.

Enhancing surgeries:

5G-enabled AR/VR headgear allows a specialist to watch a surgery in real-time while directing and commenting on what they see based on their experience. This might be enhanced to include haptics, so much so that the in-person surgeon receives vibratory cues from the remote guide, telling him where and when to move. The guide also receives haptic information about the texture of the patient’s body to assess the situation better.

• Low latency allows a surgeon to control robotic equipment from afar and get haptic input with greater accuracy.

Helping the visually impaired:

Visually impaired patients can connect in real-time to a live advisor via a 5G-enabled AR/VR headset or a pair of video streaming glasses. The advisor can then coach the patient through particular activities in their everyday life.

C) Long term: How can 5G transform the health industry?

Connected ambulances:

5G could transform ambulatory services, allowing for high-quality real-time connectivity between hospitals and ambulances at accident scene and during transfers. First responders will be able to use HD videos to communicate with specialists, enabling them to send large files for lifesaving in-the-moment diagnosis and treatment. This gives hospital professionals a better idea of a patient’s condition before they arrive for emergency treatment.

• 5G ‘network slicing’ plays a role here, allowing for prioritising specific types of data on a sub-network, such as one dedicated to ambulatory services, further increasing connection reliability and speed.

Automated robotic surgery:

There are broadly two forms of robotic surgery: assistive and fully automated robotic surgery. In assistive surgeries, doctors participate by using assistive equipment to create small incisions. On the other hand, fully automated surgical instruments can perform end-to-end procedures without the need for human involvement.

When surgeons are in the same room, they can handle robotic tools readily with no latency. However, handling surgery off-site is complex with the existing network paving the way for 5G networks. Although these opportunities are promising, they are not yet ready for general use.

D) How can 5G create a tangible impact?

Managing large amounts of data- the biggest challenge:

Even though an unprecedented quantity of data is available today from an increasing number of devices, healthcare practitioners cannot access or use it to its full potential. For instance, many high-resolution photos and files used may require high-output computational processing for diagnostics and design. A patient can generate hundreds of gigabytes of data per day, from patient medical records to enormous picture files created by MRI, CAT, or PET scans. It could be challenging to send over such a huge file quickly with the existing networks.

• Telcos that do not want to get deep into healthcare directly can consider this option. They can offer analytic solutions to hospitals, as they possess large amounts of data. AI-facilitated analytics will help hospitals make better and more informed decisions. This will also support the hospitals in cost and resource efficiencies, as AI can identify savings opportunities.
• A 5G network allows massive files to be sent swiftly between doctors and hospitals, removing time and service interruptions.
• 5G can enable the sending and analysis of molecular models and structures to the cloud, using better computer/graphic processing capability and cheaper resources.

F) Existing telcos in the healthcare domain

Here are some examples of services provided by telcos within the healthcare vertical:

Telstra Health:

The telco provides software products, solutions and platforms to hospitals, pharmacies and other organisations in the healthcare sector. It is the largest e-health company in Australia. Here are some initiatives from Telstra: