The race to dominate the 5G game is on among the major network providers and each of these companies understands the importance of being the first to scale up 5G. The telecom industry is immersed in laying down the promise and the future of 5G, one that opens doors to innovative products and services. There is a lot of collaboration between different industry categories due to 5G which is tirelessly working on building products that truly live up to the 5G promise (Read more) and luring users to shift with exciting offerings and partnerships.
The new spectrum will need newer technologies
For 5G to truly live up to the potential will need the support of technology and overcome the shortfalls of 4G. The major drawback of 4G was its limitation on the radio frequency spectrum available. As more people and devices were piled on the limited spectrum frequency created a shortage for everyone and thus a slower speed of data overall. For 5G to deliver on the speed and lower latency will have to rely on very different technologies.
MIMO: Multiple Input, Multiple Output will allow 5G base stations to have up to 100 ports which can substantially increase the capacity over the current infrastructure.
Millimeter waves: 5G is based on an increased frequency spectrum and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made the spectrum available for 5G.
Small cells: Shorter signals of millimeter waves will require more base stations to relay signals without interruptions and interferences. Small cells will be extremely important in creating low-power base stations that can be placed at much smaller intervals.
With the technology part in place, the difficulties in the implementation of 5G are far from over. The telecom operators will have to deal with other issues on the ground.
Challenges of Telecom Industry
- Investment to build: Networks operators today are already laden with debt and are suffering from low operating margins. Building a proper 5G infrastructure will require additional investments to buy spectrum licenses and investments on small cells and upgrading the current systems.
- Longer adoption: A majority of the current devices available are not 5G compatible and it would be at least a couple of years until the market has enough compatible devices for the scale-up of 5G.
- Value perception: The perceived value of 5G currently is not worth the shift with possibly a higher cost for service. Telecom operators will need to give either substantial value or bring down costs.
- Redesign operations: The current setup for supporting 4G will practically be obsolete for 5G. The overall system will need an overhaul and redesign. This includes technology, hardware equipment to reskilling the workforce.
We are well aware of the benefits that 5G will bring about and building a truly digital ecosystem. This digital ecosystem that has been envisioned with 5G as its backbone is revolutionary and some will even help build a better world of inclusion. The implementation will however not be easy. Network providers will have to invest heavily in acquiring spectrum licenses and for the complete hardware and software overhaul of their systems. This cost will flow done to the users as a higher cost of service.
The promise of 5G which is most talked about is speed and the problem with speed is the overall perceived value does not really justify the investments and the higher cost of usage. An ecosystem built around the reliability of data and low latency instead of just speed will help the telecom players build a better value proposition for the user.
How to succeed in the race for 5G
Have a defined and ambitious strategy for growth: This will help telecom companies stay in course with a unified objective. This will help align the partnerships, investments to the goal and not get carried.
Operating models will have to be restructured: The operational cost of 5G will be expensive and companies will need to restructure their operating models to meet their agreed goal.
Understanding the regulation requirements for 5G: 5G will come with numerous regulations with respect to spectrum planning, small cell deployment, and knowledge to navigate will be extremely necessary.
Robust training and upskilling: Telecom companies will need to invest extensively in upskilling and transforming the workforce.
How can Kaytech Coverage Solutions help?
We at Kaytech Coverage Solutions believe in building a network that is able to meet the demands of the user and small cells is definitely a step into the future. We are world-class connectivity solutions engineers that design efficient and cost-effective networking solutions and provide post-support maintenance. Write to us by visiting https://ktcoverage.com/contact for a free consultation and audit.
