The fifth generation of mobile networks (5G) is the next major phase of mobile telecommunications that will enable the Networked Society. We describe the challenges and role of optical transport in the Networked Society. The paper covers the role of optical transport for 5G radio and SDN/NFV and the impact of integrated photonics with promise of low-cost DWDM which could serve as the basis for 5G transport satisfying requirements on performance, low cost and flexibility.