5G Network Rollout and Its Implications for Equity and Access

5G network technology promises game-changing results: faster download speeds, reduced latencies and other tangible advantages compared with earlier networks generations. However, like all new network generations before it, 5G raises issues about equity and access for everyone involved.

Telecommunications players are taking steps to overcome these challenges, for instance by sharing infrastructure through MOCN or MORAN agreements.

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High-band spectrum

Mobile operators’s 5G networks are being launched with high-band spectrum that provides higher data rates than lower frequency bands, as well as the integration of mid and low band networks through carrier aggregation to enhance performance.

CBRS (band n77 in 5G) spectrum has been implemented across AT&T and Verizon networks in the US, while many countries have started auctioning this frequency band. CBRS technology offers increased data capacity and better reach than low-band solutions.

T-Mobile leveraged mid-band spectrum from its merger with Sprint to deliver the first nationwide 5G service in the US. Combining it with low-band frequencies provides greater speed and range within buildings – particularly valuable as wireless networks continue to handle increased data loads.

Low-band spectrum

Spectrum availability and download speeds have an intimate relationship. In rural areas, increasing low-band capacity is integral to providing 5G coverage – especially since placing many towers may not be cost effective.

However, some low-band frequencies (such as those within the 450MHz range) can provide high-speed 5G network deployments; several operators have begun using them successfully to deploy networks. T-Mobile built its nationwide network using midband frequencies from this spectrum band; it plans on covering 300 million people by the end of 2023 with its midband network.

Unfortunately, these frequencies do not travel very far – which is fine in cities but less so outside them. Therefore, governments should ensure low-band spectrum is available before rolling out 5G technology.

Massive MIMO antennas

Massive MIMO is an essential technology for 5G networks as it can substantially increase uplink data rates and spectral efficiency while at the same time decreasing power consumption by two orders of magnitude – this allows base stations to run off renewable energies such as solar or wind.

Massive MIMO technology is particularly advantageous in mmWave bands, where it can provide significant capacity gains for wireless communications. However, it is essential to be aware of its limitations – principal among which being accurate channel state information (CSI). However, this can be challenging in downlink scenarios when sending pilot waveforms between users; therefore requiring costly bandwidth and CPU resources for feedback loops with too much CSI feedback needed from each UE sending back pilot waves back and forth between themselves requiring too much feedback loop.

Smaller antennas

The 5G network will do more than reduce buffering and resolution for video-streaming mobile apps; it should also support IoT applications, autonomous vehicles and telemedicine services.

However, this technology won’t function without antennas that are smaller than current generation antennas.

Northeastern University engineers in Boston have designed smaller antennas that are more effective at relaying electromagnetic signals.

Networks can utilize this capability by increasing antenna count for increased data rates. Beamforming also assists by targeting transmissions toward specific devices to minimize interference and boost signal strength – ultimately decreasing latency significantly; however delays caused by retransmissions and handovers must also be factored into any comparison as these factors could add a considerable amount of delay to air latency measurements.

Software-defined radio

Software-defined radio enables MNOs to customize network performance to suit specific use cases and customer segments by rapidly switching hardware components on and off when required, giving them greater freedom to create virtual networks based on data transmission type within their networks.

5G should deliver more than simply technical performance improvements, like its current counterparts do. With its faster speeds and reduced latency capabilities, 5G could open the doors for new use cases such as driverless cars and telemedicine services.

5G will not only increase network reliability but will also accelerate device speeds and decrease power usage – this makes devices more affordable while prolonging their working lifespan between recharges. Furthermore, 5G can improve the performance of IoT devices such as door locks and security cameras.