Accelerating 5G success in India

Scaling the fibre network is essential to accommodate the growing number of 5G sites and establish a robust backbone for widespread 5G implementation.

Faster speeds, higher performance, reduced latency, and much more dependable service are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to 5G. However, amidst all the excitement, one crucial aspect often remains in the shadows: the network infrastructure that serves as the backbone for 5G’s boundless possibilities. While the striking features of 5G may steal the limelight, it is imperative to acknowledge the unsung hero that must shoulder the burden of supporting millions of devices concurrently.

Enter the “extremely critical” backhaul component of 5G networks, where the optical fibre reigns supreme.

But why is an optical fibre considered the critical element for a 5G backhaul? Well, picture a busy freeway during rush hours, packed with countless vehicles moving in unison. Similarly, 5G networks will witness an unprecedented surge in data traffic, with many devices vying for bandwidth. With its immense capacity and swift data transfer, optical fiber will act as the wide, spacious highway that effortlessly accommodates this bustling swarm of information. It will enable 5G to transcend boundaries, unlock a world of innovation, and reshape industries like healthcare, transportation, education, and smart cities.

India’s slow tower fibreisation is hindering the ambitious deployment of 5G, with the country lagging behind the target of 70% by 2024.

Neglecting this vital component would be akin to building a magnificent castle on a foundation of sand. As India embraces 5G, the expansion and reinforcement of optical fibre infrastructure must be prioritised, and it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and regulatory bodies.

The need for fibre rollout services

The roll-out of more fibre is crucial for 5G due to its higher wireless bandwidth capabilities compared to previous generations. However, 5G has lower wireless coverage, requiring more 5G sites to achieve the same coverage area as 4G. This necessitates increasing fibre density in areas transitioning to 5G, ensuring seamless connectivity and high-speed data transmission. Scaling the fibre network is essential to accommodate the growing number of 5G sites and establish a robust backbone for widespread 5G implementation.

India’s slow tower fibreisation is hindering the ambitious deployment of 5G, lagging behind the target of 70% by 2024. This puts the country at a disadvantage compared to countries like Thailand (90%) and Malaysia (80%). According to a telecom infrastructure industry body, India, which currently has a fibreisation rate of 35.11%, must expand its fibre coverage by more than 3.5 million kilometres nationwide from the fiscal year 2023 to 2025.

With its immense capacity and swift data transfer, optical fibre will act as the wide, spacious highway that can accommodate the bustling swarm of information.

The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) highlights that only 30% of sites in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat have fibre connections. In Himachal Pradesh and other remote districts in the Northeast, only 40% of tower locations have been fibreised. No wonder then, India needs to do a lot on this front, particularly since fibre rollout services play are critical for enabling 5G networks to provide several compelling offerings.

Optical fibre will enable 5G to unlock a world of innovation, and reshape industries like healthcare, transportation, education, and smart cities.

Speed and capacity: Optical fibre provides high data transfer rates and large capacity, making them perfect for handling the vast amounts of data generated by 5G networks. With optical fibre as the backbone, 5G delivers faster speeds and meets the increasing demand for data, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Low latency: 5G offers ultra-low latency, which is vital for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and augmented reality. Optical fibre transmits data at the speed of light, minimising latency and enabling near-instantaneous communication. This low latency feature of 5G unleashes the potential of emerging technologies and applications.

Reliability and stability: Optical fibre is reliable and resistant to interference, electromagnetic radiation, and inclement weather. Unlike wireless connections, signal degradation or physical obstacles do not affect them. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications and services in 5G, including emergency services, IoT devices, and intelligent infrastructure.

Future-proof infrastructure: Optical fibre creates a future-proof foundation for 5G and beyond. It supports evolving requirements as technology advances and data demands grow. Upgrading wireless backhaul networks to optical fiber allows for seamless scalability and adaptability for future wireless communication generations.

Backhaul support: Optical fibre is essential for 5G network backhaul. It efficiently handles increased data traffic and higher capacity demands, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity between base stations and the core network. This seamless data flow reduces congestion and bottlenecks, optimising network performance.

Enhanced coverage and rural connectivity: Fibre rollout services are vital for extending high-speed connectivity to underserved rural areas. By expanding optical fiber infrastructure, remote communities can access the transformative potential of 5G, thereby bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.

India’s 5G ecosystem is projected to capture 40% of mobile subscriptions by 2027, bringing in an estimated USD 17 billion in incremental revenue from enterprises by 2030. This progress opens doors to exciting possibilities like 5G FWA (home broadband), enhanced video streaming, multiplayer mobile gaming, and services like augmented and virtual reality.

It is imperative for the telecom ecosystem to step up and shoulder the responsibility of finding innovative new applications for optical fibre. When faced with challenges, there is always an opportunity for growth and positive change. This could be a significant stride towards a transformative technological revolution.

By Praveen Cherian

The author is the CEO of STL Global Services.

feedbackvnd@cybermedia.co.in