5G network is the next generation in wireless technology evolution as it opens new opportunities for telecommunications players. Why 5G is becoming a game changer? It pushes the biggest business opportunities and empowers or facilitates Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), Millimeter-band radios (mmWave) with lightning-quick speed, Massive Internet of Things (IoT) – mMTC, Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO).
For telecom operators, the network 5G will open several opportunities to capture value from new 5G use cases and prevalent adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT). But for availing of such facilities, mobile operators will have to increase their infrastructure investments in this technology called 5G.
According to the report of the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), a smaller number of CSPs are investing in 5G standalone (SA), whereas the maximum number of CSPs are spending in 5G non-standalone (NSA). There is a very smaller number of CSPs who invest in 5G standalone (SA) as compared to 5G non-standalone (NSA). But there are certain 5G challenges facing operators today. For example, CSPs are investing in 5G, but 20 to 30% out of 100 are putting money into 5G SA.
Though the 5G SA infrastructure network technology is ready to use, but the maximum number of communication service providers investing in 5G NSA – 5G NSA has been around for recent years whereas the 5G SA is new. What is the main concern of 5G SA that need to be taken care of when compared to 5G NSA? Why is a smaller number of operators investing in 5G SA? The one answer to these two questions – 5G SA’s commercial potential which requires to be based on two main aspects, i.e., return on investment (RoI) models and the complexity of business diversification. So now let us see how 5G investment choices with Reliable 5g tester, 5G test equipment, 5g network tester tools and Reliable RF drive test tools & equipment, RF tester software app & network LTE 4g tester point to industry challenges
A brief about 5G NSA and 5G SA
When it comes to 5G NSA, it moved from LTE or 4G to non-standalone 5G and got popularity in the industry faster way. There was a time when one CSP started offering 5G NSA other CSPs just followed the same because of its importance and demand for wide use cases. But when it comes to 5G SA, it has not got as popular as NSA because many operators are not considering investing in it as they are not getting visibility on mass market revenue opportunities due to insufficient use cases.
Success is yet required in obtaining a 5G SA RoI. Now, the current phase of transformation (5G NSA) is in progress in the industry hence, it will take more time to adopt the next generation like 5G SA.
What are the areas 5G provides significant improvements over 4G?
1. Superior mobile broadband –
- Maximum data rates in terms of multi-Gbps peak rates and 100+ Mbps user-experienced rates
- High capacity to handle more devices let’s say 10 Tbps per km2 in a small area
- Deep responsiveness when it comes to discovery and optimization for machine learning
2. Mission-critical control –
- Ultra-low latency for example, as low as 1 millisecond of lag time
- Ultra-high reliability, i.e., 10-5 per 1 millisecond
- Strong security especially for varied applications such as healthcare, government, and financial institutions.
- Extreme user flexibility, for example, 5G network connection is maintained either for devices or vehicles moving up to 500 km/h or 310 mph.
3. Massive IoT –
- Ultra-low energy connections that help give 10+ years of battery life to the IoT (internet of things) devices.
- Ultra-high density, which means more devices can be connected simultaneously in 1 million nodes per km2.
- Ultra-low complexity (10s of bits per second) as well as Deep coverage
Conclusion
The future of 5G is bright! 5G is clearly progressing despite the complexity of technology, and the complexity of economics. Unlike other technology, 5G is bringing greater opportunities to mobile operators – the 5G world will enable companies to find themselves customers, suppliers, and partners all at the same time.
But 5G requires greater infrastructure investment, and operators should emphasize network infrastructure and their associated cost base, which will empower a strong position to design an infrastructure investment strategy. So, in order to do this, you need to work on network connectivity – a stable network, good 5G/4G coverage, high speed, and greater capacity are the utmost areas to focus on. These things will be achieved through the network (5G) monitoring and testing – RantCell crowdsourcing solution is one of the cost-effective solutions to consider for. This will help provide Quality of Experience (QoE) of mobile networks for providing better network solutions to the end-users.
