5G Rollout Status

5G mobile networks are the latest generation of mobile network technology, which promise faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and better connectivity compared to previous generations of mobile networks.

5G networks use new technology such as massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antennas, millimeter wave spectrum, and network slicing to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity. These new technologies allow for more data to be transmitted at faster speeds, which is essential for applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles.

In addition to faster speeds, 5G networks also offer lower latency, which is the time it takes for data to travel between a device and a server. This is especially important for applications that require real-time responses, such as gaming or remote surgeries and eventually driveless cars.

Overall, 5G networks have the potential to revolutionize the way we use mobile devices, enabling new and innovative applications and services that were not possible with previous generations of mobile networks. However, it is important to note that the deployment of 5G networks is still ongoing, and it may take some time before the full potential of this technology is realized.

5G Band Differences

5G Networks operate in different frequencies and these frequencies have different characteristics.

Low-band 5G operates at frequencies below 1 GHz, which are similar to those used by previous generations of mobile networks. This type of 5G offers the widest coverage area and can penetrate walls and other obstacles more easily, but it has a limited capacity for data transmission and can only offer moderate speed improvements over 4G.

Mid-band 5G operates at frequencies between 1 GHz and 6 GHz, which offers a good balance of coverage and capacity. This type of 5G can deliver faster speeds than low-band 5G, but its coverage area is smaller, and it can be affected by obstacles such as buildings and trees.

High Bands and mmWave 5G operate at frequencies above 24 GHz, which offer the highest capacity for data transmission and the fastest speeds, potentially reaching up to 10 Gbps. However, mmWave signals have a short range and can be easily blocked by obstacles, which means that they require more infrastructure to provide coverage in a given area.

Overall, the different types of 5G networks offer different trade-offs between coverage area, capacity, and speed. Low-band 5G is best suited for providing broad coverage, while mid-band 5G can offer a good balance of coverage and capacity, and mmWave 5G is best suited for providing extremely high-speed connections in densely populated areas.

5G Rollout Status:

According to a GSA report, around 70 countries had 5G networks as of June 2022, up from just 38 in mid-2020. Approximately 15 more have had 5G mobile technology deployed in part. It is expected that 5G will reach 1 billion users this year after just 3.5 years in use, compared with 4 years for 4G and 12 years for 3G.

Source: Statista

The rollout of 5G networks is ongoing, with different countries and regions at different stages of deployment. A top-level general overview of the status of the 5G rollout:

• In the United States, 5G networks have been deployed in many major cities, and all major carriers offer 5G services. However, coverage can be limited in some areas, and there is an ongoing debate about the use of certain frequency bands for 5G.

• In Europe, 5G networks have been deployed in many countries, with varying levels of coverage and adoption. The European Union has set a target for 5G to be available in all urban areas and major transport routes by 2025.

• In China, 5G networks have been rapidly deployed, with the country claiming to have the world's largest 5G network. The three major carriers have built over 1 million 5G base stations, covering over 98% of cities and urban areas.

• In other parts of the world, such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, 5G networks are at various stages of deployment, with some countries still in the early stages of planning and testing.

Overall, the rollout of 5G networks is expected to continue over the coming years, with increasing coverage and adoption as more devices become 5G-compatible and more applications and services are developed to take advantage of the new technology.

Source: Statista

5G New Radio Testing. How can SmartViser help?

The deployment of 5G NR (New Radio) networks is ongoing around the world, with many countries and mobile network operators (MNOs) actively working on deploying 5G NR infrastructure and offering 5G NR services to their customers.

The deployment of 5G NR networks involves several steps, including spectrum allocation, network planning and design, equipment procurement and installation, and testing and optimization.

5G testing is a critical part of the development and deployment of 5G networks and services and SmartViser has been supporting several Mobile Network operators across the world in their challenge to successfully deploy 5G Networks. Some of the areas SmartViser's Test Automation solution can support are:

1. Network performance testing: This involves testing the performance of the 5G network, including throughput, latency, and reliability.

2. User experience testing: This involves testing the user experience of 5G services, such as streaming video or playing games, to ensure that they meet user expectations and provide a superior quality of experience.

3. Network coverage testing: This involves testing the coverage of the 5G network in different locations and environments to ensure that it provides reliable service to users.

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Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding an MBA from Henley Business School brings a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation.

Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee, responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging a customer-centric culture. The main mission is to help organizations to create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.