Policy challenges in deploying 5G infrastructure.

5G technology is the enhanced version of its predecessor technology 4G LTE. Promised to deliver high speed, bandwidth with low latency, 5G has more to offer that could bring revolutionary changes and every sector is eager to implement this unparalleled technology to reap significant benefits with a competitive advantage. Mobile operators are taking initiatives to rollout 5G faster and make it live to more users. However, as they proceed with the 5G deployment, several barriers cause a delay in the overall process.

5G network deployment challenges.

1. Frequency band and availability of spectrum challenges.

New use cases will the transition from 4G to 5G technology demanding for high frequency bands. However, spectrum is being considered as a critical resource due to its availability and cost depending on which operators will have to develop a robust business use case. The type and amount of spectrum network operators have been able to purchase in future spectrum auction will decide the feasibility of 5G network and new 5G features and challenges that comes along with the selected spectrum bands.

2. Use of multiple small antennas and base stations.

5G involves high frequency radio waves and they can be targeted. The biggest 5G implementation challenge with 5G antennas is its limited range irrespective of the fact that it can handle more users and data and can be beamed out over shorter distances.

Though antennas and base stations used in such situations are smaller, it is likely that these would have to be installed on homes or buildings. Extra repeaters will be required to install in cities for proliferation of waves to a wider distance while also maintaining uniform speeds in densely populated areas. Monitoring of base stations becomes critical to proactively monitor their cell tower signals, call setup success rates, 5G speed test, mobile network latency and other QoE KPIs for prime/ high ARPU customer’s cell tower network locations dedicated to provide 5G services. Our cell tower monitoring solution also supports real-time active alerts as soon as it experiences degradation of QoE on the base station of the customer. It is expected that modems and Wi-Fi routers may be altered with 5G small cells and base station or other hardware to facilitate 5G connections for personal and professional purpose. Moreover, expansion of 5G network access to rural areas will be as much of a challenge as it is with 4G LTE network.

3. convoluted architecture makes it more critical.

5G promises to meet diversified services requirements with a single network infrastructure to support Radio Area Network (RAN) and core networks. Network Functions Visualization (NFV) concept is being widely used in 5G networks for network slicing, creating intelligence networks at the edge, multiple radio networks/ connections and many more. Nevertheless, such new techniques require a new operating model which is different and complex from its previous versions and need proper knowledge to develop the architecture that can serve network requirements.

4. Approach for 5G network deployment

Operators need to have a strategy for 5G network deployment. Secondly, after deciding on the strategy, their approach towards implementing this strategy decides the future of deployment process. Based on the spectrum networks they have and the densification and coverage they need, operators develop their deployment model and approach that is ultimately required for targeting specific 5G use cases. Further, 5G network deployment challenges include use of mmWave frequencies and 5Gsmall cells in a huge amount and will require a new approach to 5G network deployment and its regulatory standards.

5. Need for skilled professionals

In order to execute deployment task, firms are required to make sure that their power distribution networks and fiber solutions with cell towers are in place that can easily accommodate 100-400 Gbps devices made feasible by the new telecoms policy. As telecom companies are planning to rollout 5G as quickly as possible, they are in need for skilled engineers to implement the new-age technology. However, current workforce at most enterprises is not enough capable to perform and adding to it is the scarcity of such skilled talent in the market which is like searching a pearl in the ocean of talent pool. 

All this makes it a critical 5G network deployment challenge for operators in their execution of 5G but can overcome this by preparing their 5G workforce with reskilling programs like online/offline courses, certifications involving around 5G technologies courses to upgrade their skills with the required skillset and become efficient in handling network deployment workloads.

6. 5G network testing is forever in demand

Network demand for better connections and high data throughput, low latency and better video streaming requires of 5G has increased the demand for testing 5G networks with several 5G technical KPIs. Thus, it becomes really important to test 5G network parameters to meet 5G technical requirements. This is a 5G challenges and possible solutions include deploying RantCell app on mass scale to field engineers to perform 5G drive test based on various testing cases. It is compatible with most of the Android smartphones (supported on latest 5G devices only) available in the market and reduces your manual efforts and testing time by 30%. Additionally, data is uploaded on RantCell in real-time thus saving time in post-processing.

7. Less market of 5G-enabled devices

There are still not much of 5G devices available in the market when benchmarked with non-5G phones. This may be because of complex 5G architecture and shortage of engineers equipped in this cutting-edge technology to crack down the codes and set up 5G-enabled devices. This attribute of 5G challenges and opportunities for the chip makers to design chip that can support 5G devices with advanced technologies.

8. Managing expenses in 5G network deployment

5G deployment is not easy as it seems. From spectrum bands to cell sites, equipment like cell tower, fiber cables to skilled labor, moreover, commercializing charges demanded by the regulators before making it available to the users. Cost is involved in each process of 5G installation and is a challenge for most of operators. It needs to be strategized and planned before investing. Step-by step cost investment can save them from spilling out unwanted money reserving it for satisfying critical needs.

9. Regulations cause a hinderance in 5G network deployment

5G will be developed at a different pace with few common and varied features across countries. This means some technical parameters are common, but it cannot be said for rules and regulations as every country has its own set of norms and is one of critical 5G network deployment challenges. Mobile network operators have to work in accordance with the standards developed for 5G network technology in the area where they are about to deliver 5G mobile network services to the users. Hence, it is essential to recognize and understand 5G regulations in the country where they are planning to deploy the 5G wireless network and develop their roadmap to 5G deployment accordingly. For instance, in 2018 the Canadian government had remarked on ‘Revisions to 3500 MHz spectrum band in order to accommodate flexible use and initial consultation and changes done on3800 MHz spectrum band’ for making these available for 5Gservices in every region of Canada.

10. 5G network deployment challenges with security and privacy concerns Though 5G seems to be the frontrunner and bring new innovations in the ecosystem, there are security and privacy issues that are attached with the new-age technology. In terms of customers point of view, privacy concerns encapsulated around identity, location tracking and personal data. Previous technology, 4G network is surmounted on a region with wide coverage and signals are broadcasted from single cell tower. But this is not the case in 5G network and has a smaller coverage area with signals unable to penetrate as good as 4G technology.

As a result,5G wireless network works well in presence of smaller antennas and base stations located indoors and outdoors. The information on this 5G cell tower/antenna can reveal a mobile user’s location and even what building the user is present as the user communicates with the antenna each time. This data can lead to threats like semantic information attacks to cause harm. Access point algorithms in 5G mobile networks can also leak location data. Thus, more 5G antennas permits for precise location tracking of user inside and outside. Further, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is prone to reveal the identity of mobile users. In this regard, mobile network carriers and network consortium should take responsibility to provide users with digital safety and protect their confidential data with the implementation of cutting-edge security solutions.

Conclusion

Telecom operators are enabling digital transformation to build better-connected world. While on the road to transition to a new generation of wireless network, they have to face challenges exposed to many factors causing a delay in 5G rollout. Aiming at 5Gnetwork deployment with identification of 5G network deployment challenges to strike out these barriers can help operators be prepared beforehand, deal with difficult situation and accelerate large-scale deployment of 5G network that will potentially impact and consumers’ daily lives and businesses’ productivity and service revenues.