As telcos launch 5G in mmWave, know what is mmWave in 5G

The term "mmWave" typically refers to the frequency range of 24-100 GHz, which can transport thousands of times more data than a low band or a mid-band signal.

Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, two of the largest telecom providers in India, have launched their respective 5G services in millimetre wave (or mmWave) across the country in order to comply with the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) minimum rollout obligations, let's look at what is mmWave and where does it mean to 5G technology;

5G technology makes use of several different frequency bands, one of which being millimeter-wave, or "mmWave." The term "mmWave" typically refers to the frequency range of 24-100 GHz, which can transport thousands of times more data than a low band or a mid-band signal.

Three levels make up a fully synchronised, multi-layer 5G network: low-band, mid-band, and high-band.

The biggest chance for service providers to offer previously unheard-of peak rates, minimal latency, and huge capacity is in the 5G high-band or millimetre wave (mmWave), over 24 gigahertz (GHz). When focusing on highly populated cities with plenty of mobile devices, and mission-critical services, the 5G high-band or millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum is an invaluable resource.

Leading Indian telecom provider Reliance Jio had earlier this month tested 5G in the mmWave (millimetre wavelength) band with great success in Gujarat. The Gujarat Licenced Service Area (LSA) was the location of the exam. The Gujarat DoT (Department of Telecommunications) wing announced the development. This test was conducted to meet the minimum roll-out requirements. The minimum roll-out requirements state that carriers must implement mmWave 5G by the end of the first year following the day they acquired the spectrum.

Following which, Jio announced that it has completed its minimum roll-out obligations in each of the 22 Licensed Service Areas (“LSA”), across each of the spectrum bands, ahead of time under the terms of the spectrum allocated to it on 17th August 2022. On 19th July 2023, RJIL had completed submission of the prescribed details towards completion of the Phase 1 minimum roll-out obligation with the Department of Telecommunications (“DoT”) Units and by 11th August 2023, necessary DoT testing was completed in all circles.

One of the most common 5G use cases that mmWave can support as noted by many telecom gear makers including Ericsson and Nokia among others is the 5G Fixed Wireless Access(5G FWA).

Improved fixed wireless is soon becoming a viable new source of income. Ericsson says that 5G mmWave is a desirable option for offering the necessary capacity with 400MHz to 800MHz of spectrum because FWA can be quite demanding of capacity resources.

More than 300 million FWA connections are anticipated by 2028, up from 100 million at the end of 2022, according to the most recent Mobility Report from Ericsson. Almost 17% of all fixed broadband connections are represented by this. Nearly 80% of the 300 million connections anticipated are expected to be over 5G, according to the equipment manufacturer.

There is a fantastic possibility for FWA in India. India is a sizable country, and Indians are open to using technology. We witnessed significant adoption of 4G, and we anticipate significant adoption of 5G. Less than 10% of homes have internet access, leaving a sizable market for unconnected homes. Since digitalisation is significant in India, consumers also want broadband that is quick and dependable. FWA will therefore be a crucial tool for bridging the digital divide, and we anticipate that communication service providers will take advantage of that opportunity.

Mukesh Ambani at RIL's 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held yesterday announced that Jio AirFiber ( Reliance Jio's 5G FWA) will debut on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, 19th of September, 2023.

Earlier this month, Jio’s biggest competition, telecommunications service provider Bharti Airtel, announced the launch of Airtel Xstream AirFiber, its fixed wireless access (FWA) offering, on 5G for consumers in Delhi and Mumbai. Airtel Xstream AirFiber service is available at an affordable Rs 799 plan, which offers up to 100Mbps speed. The plan can be availed for a duration of six months with a one-time refundable security deposit of Rs.2500.