The ongoing pandemic has had some useful effects on the image of telecommunications, reminding even the most technophobic that properly functioning fixed and wireless networks can have an overwhelmingly positive effect during health emergencies. Germany and South Korea have demonstrated the success of well-managed track and trace systems that are augmented by the use ofContinue reading “Self-sufficient or self-defeating?”
Tag Archives: 5G and beyond
Showing 16 - 30 of 37 total posts
Rural and remote connectivity: the height of innovation
We’ve written a lot recently about asset sharing in networks. It is undoubtedly an important option for operators looking for ways to make 4G and 5G roll-out more cost-effective – especially in rural and remote areas. But it is far from the only option. To use a well-worn cliché, as far as network rollout inContinue reading “Rural and remote connectivity: the height of innovation”
Towercos: backing into the limelight and moving up the value chain
Passive infrastructure owners? Hardly. Tower companies have been seen as a driving force behind multiple operator infrastructure sharing for a long time. And, while pure-play towercos still exist, many have been branching out for years. Digital Bridge, for example, is focused on multiple classes of communications infrastructure: not just tower and rooftop antenna site ownership,Continue reading “Towercos: backing into the limelight and moving up the value chain”
MWC 2020 preview
Some of the headline topics for MWC 2020 appear pretty generic – connectivity in the 5G era and the commercial implications of the (fairly meaningless) industry X concept – reflecting the continuing desire to create the broad church of the mobile ecosystem. However, some aspects of the industry-X concept undoubtedly point to mission-critical themes suchContinue reading “MWC 2020 preview”
A problem shared…
Much has been made of a recent wobble in the progress of the UK’s shared rural network (SRN) initiative, with the Financial Times reporting that BT wants the rural network-sharing deal currently being negotiated with its rivals to reflect the larger investment made by its EE business unit. Telefonica’s UK CTO Derek MacManus says thatContinue reading “A problem shared…”
What sunsetting 2G means for consumers
While the rollout of 5G networks regularly hogs the headlines, indications that in the UK 2G networks will face switch off sooner rather than later have failed to achieve the same level of attention – at least in consumer media – despite the significant applications and user groups that still rely on them. While 2GContinue reading “What sunsetting 2G means for consumers”
Public or private connectivity for ports?
Regular readers of this blog will have heard about the Port of Hamburg’s 5G pilot, supported by Deutsche Telekom, Nokia and, of course, Real Wireless. It’s an early example of the opportunities ports are seeing to improve their operations, using wireless technologies to enhance the connectivity required to underpin smart systems. The focus on wirelessContinue reading “Public or private connectivity for ports?”
Quantifying the economic impact of 5G
5G is frequently qualitatively promoted as an enabler of smarter working, leading to significant operational benefits and hence productivity gains. Less recognised, but nevertheless as important, are the potential socio-economic benefits for industrial and public sector users of mobile services. These potential benefits could credibly inform elements of an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) drivenContinue reading “Quantifying the economic impact of 5G”
5G: behind the hype
It’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop isn’t it? We hit peak hype curve for a new access technology and then the doubters start to make their voices heard. In the last few weeks there has been a generous scattering of reports and commentary throwing dark and doubtful shadows over the business caseContinue reading “5G: behind the hype”
The Potential Impact of Switching off 2G in the UK
While the UK has started the deployment of 5G networks, the older 2G networks will inevitably face switch off (or sunset) at some point. This is despite being relied on by the elderly, users in rural locations and numerous machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, such as many smart meters. A report by Real Wireless, which was producedContinue reading “The Potential Impact of Switching off 2G in the UK”
Private networks: New players, new opportunities
The advantages of private mobile networks are well rehearsed – from data usage savings and enhanced traffic flow to better control and information security. However, if these private networks are to make a significant impact on delivering LTE and 5G value to verticals, new routes to market and business models are essential. In the contextContinue reading “Private networks: New players, new opportunities”
Efficient deployment of small cells
Recently at a Cambridge Wireless combined Small Cell and Smart and Intelligent Cities SIG meeting, the attendees heard about the impressive densification of networks in Japan, Korea and China. These markets have far fewer constraints on deployment; the US and EU markets seem unlikely to achieve such liberalisation of small cell deployment approach. A resourceContinue reading “Efficient deployment of small cells”
Real Wireless helps lay groundwork for Austrian 5G auction
Recent news of an Austrian 5G auction that won’t involve eye-watering sums has, not surprisingly, been greeted with a very positive response from commentators and analysts – not to mention operators. Austria’s Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR) has said it wants to establish an investment-friendly framework: that means more than 20-year licences, a reserve priceContinue reading “Real Wireless helps lay groundwork for Austrian 5G auction”
Exploring the future of connectivity and 5G in UK manufacturing
Digital Catapult has launched research into the impact of 5G on the UK’s manufacturing sector, uncovering the potential of 5G technology for industry and setting out recommendations for 5G to tackle connectivity challenges. Real Wireless is credited in the report, after playing a key role in the Leadership Group. Made in 5G draws on new researchContinue reading “Exploring the future of connectivity and 5G in UK manufacturing”
Reading the RAN roadmap
The architectures of radio access networks (RAN)s are continually evolving as a result of various technical and economic drivers. We regularly receive enquiries about RAN architecture from our readers and one topic that keeps coming up is the evolution from D-RAN to C-RAN and, inevitably, beyond. A fairly simplistic answer is that the distributed orContinue reading “Reading the RAN roadmap”