5G monetization is licensing communications service providers (CPSs) to profit beyond basic subscriptions through tailored network solutions to industries and immersive experiences to consumers, whether it’s from AR concerts or even real-time sports broadcasting controls.
Nowadays, Networks-as-a-Services is dominantly adopted by services providers for flexible enterprise scaling, as well as partnering with venues to create premium 5G-powered experiences.
Even if consumer plans remain foundational, and it is – and chances are it will always be – service providers’ biggest revenue flow lies in serving human-centric and industrial sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment. To maintain this revenue flow, CSPs will need to stay true to their promise of delivering ultra-low latency and high bandwidth to power advanced applications, to fulfill their vision of 5G monetization.
Another strategy catching on is value-add services (VAS), where telecom providers partner with venues like stadiums and concert halls to bring into play 5G-powered experiences.
At Berlin’s Mercedez-Benz Arena, Deutsche Telekom’s ultra-low latency 5G network mobilized real-time augmented reality (AR) overlays for fans during games. According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report from 2024, this boosted engagement by 40%.
In parallel, American telecom giant, Verizon, collaborated with Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to let concertgoers stream multi-angle 4K replays, instantly via mobile. According to Verizon’s 2025 Q1 report, the feature was used by 72% of attendees.
Key Tools to Monetize 5G
To fully unleash the might of 5G monetization, CSPs must integrate it with complementary technologies that amplify its capabilities, creating cross-industry value chains rather than isolated connectivity.
The evident synergy between 5G, edge computing, and AI is already fueling transformative uses cases, in various fields.
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT devices can be used to give real-time monitoring using 5G, enhancing precision in manufacturing sectors, where they track equipment performance and reduce downtime. This also offers to monetize 5G and IoT through the availability of tools to businesses to maximize their operations.
2. Augmented Reality (AR)
5G enables AR to deliver immersive experiences, like live interactive events or virtual shopping, offering 5G revenue opportunities for entertainment and retail firms.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI helps CSPs predict network issues before they happen, delivering real-time data from data generated by IoT devices, enabling companies to optimize operations. AI also helps enable 5G monetization models through improved network performance and customer satisfaction.
4. Drones
Low-latency capabilities of 5G are crucial for real-time processing of drone data. An example is Project SharkEye, a research initiative between Salesforce and The University of California (UC) Santa Barbara, that monitored shark sightings on beaches for safety through image processing.
5. Autonomous Vehicles
n sectors such as logistics, 5G enables accurate communication between autonomous vehicles and control systems, enhancing efficiency and safety. This supports 5G monetization through new business models and services in industries such as transportation.
Made for Customer Experiences
During the Huawei Intelligent CEM Forum experts discussed how smart network management can speed up 5G monetization. Huawei’s Intelligent Customer Experience Management (CEM) platform helps CSPs deliver personalized services for different user segments by leveraging advanced network analytics and real-time data.
This enables CSPs to adjust service quality dynamically, providing differentiated experiences that go beyond traditional revenue models based on traffic. By offering value-added services that enhance customer satisfaction, operators can unlock new 5G monetization models and revenue streams.
GSMA white paper Intelligent Packet Core explains the use of AI-powered solutions, including Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), to transition from traffic-centric to experience-centric 5G monetization.
Real-time optimization for services like live streaming and HD video conferencing is facilitated through this and by offering personalized guarantees of service and experience-based transparent reports, CSPs can achieve improved customer satisfaction and create new 5G revenue opportunities.
ROI on Businesses Moving to 5G
As 5G potential continues to satisfy and serve industries, organizations are increasingly opting for 5G future business models for monetization.
5G monetization is given incentive by industry-specific deployments delivering measurable efficiency gains, and this is evident in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and energy.
According to Accenture, maximizing return on investment (ROI) really depends on vertical-specific security, spectrum availability, and co-developed solutions, yielding between 9% to 14% efficiency gains – proving generic 5G fails where tailored deployments succeed.
For CSPs, 5G monetization is not just fast speeds, it’s about helping business drive innovation and simplify processes. The 5G technology ROI market will see network API integrations that speed up innovation and generate new business opportunities. CSPs who can monetize 5G will not only be able to recover their investments but also discover new horizons to expand in the future.
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