Introduction
The rollout of 5G Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) has been touted as a revolution in mobile connectivity, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability. However, like any new technology, the implementation of 5G eMBB has not been without its challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the failure lessons learned from the rollout of 5G eMBB, and what they can teach us about the future of mobile broadband.
According to a report by Ericsson, by 2025, 5G eMBB is expected to cover over 65% of the world’s population, with the number of 5G subscriptions projected to reach 2.6 billion. However, despite these impressive numbers, the rollout of 5G eMBB has been plagued by issues such as network congestion, poor coverage, and high costs.
Section 1: The Challenge of Network Congestion
One of the biggest challenges facing 5G eMBB is network congestion. As more and more users switch to 5G, networks are becoming increasingly congested, leading to slower speeds and a poorer user experience. According to a report by Opensignal, in the US, 5G network congestion is already a major issue, with average download speeds over 5G networks decreasing by 15% in the past year.
So, what can be done to mitigate network congestion? One solution is to increase the capacity of 5G networks through the use of advanced technologies such as Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) and beamforming. Another solution is to optimize network traffic management, using techniques such as traffic shaping and policing to prioritize critical traffic.
Section 2: The Problem of Poor Coverage
Another challenge facing 5G eMBB is poor coverage. Despite the promises of widespread 5G coverage, many areas remain without reliable access to 5G networks. According to a report by RootMetrics, in the US, 5G coverage is still limited, with only 25% of the country having access to 5G networks.
The problem of poor coverage is not just limited to rural areas. Many urban areas also lack reliable 5G coverage, particularly indoors and in areas with high levels of interference. To improve coverage, operators are using advanced technologies such as Small Cells and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
Section 3: The High Cost of 5G eMBB
The rollout of 5G eMBB has also been hampered by high costs. The cost of deploying 5G networks is significantly higher than previous generations, with estimates suggesting that the total cost of deploying 5G networks worldwide will reach $2.7 trillion by 2025.
So, what can be done to reduce the costs of 5G eMBB? One solution is to share network infrastructure between operators, reducing the need for duplicate infrastructure. Another solution is to use open-source technologies, such as OpenRAN (Radio Access Network), to reduce the cost of network hardware.
Section 4: The Importance of Standardization
Finally, the failure of 5G eMBB to meet expectations highlights the importance of standardization. The lack of standardization between different operators and vendors has created confusion and fragmentation in the market, making it difficult for users to access 5G services.
According to a report by the GSM Association (GSMA), standardization is critical for the success of 5G eMBB, enabling operators to offer seamless and interoperable services across different networks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rollout of 5G eMBB has not been without its challenges. Network congestion, poor coverage, high costs, and the lack of standardization have all contributed to a slower-than-expected uptake of 5G services. However, by learning from these failure lessons, we can build a better future for mobile broadband.
As 5G eMBB continues to roll out around the world, we invite you to share your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing this technology. What do you think are the most pressing issues facing 5G eMBB, and how can we work together to overcome them? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
With 5G eMBB, the possibilities are endless, but only if we learn from our mistakes.