The 5G remains mysterious for many. But the mystery is progressively disclosed through a set of technical and regulation initiatives across the world and from numerous network operators, vendors, and standards bodies.
ABI Research, for instance projects that mobile broadband
operators will reap 5G revenues of $247 billion in 2025 with North America,
Asia-Pacific, and Western Europe being the top markets.
The firm also expects that, network operators, vendors,
and standards bodies will finalize technical details concerning the millimeter
wave by 2020.
Overall, infrastructure vendors and mobile operators are
preparing for the future of 5G; alongside several key challenges and obstacles including spectrum fragmentation,
standards development, coverage range, availability of devices, and CAPEX/OPEX,
and the development of use cases that ensure profitable outcomes from the
unique competitive advantages of 5G.
5G migration over the next few years will mean the continued
decline of 2G, 3G and 4G, and 5G will generate new use cases and market
revenues.
Alongside this momentum, it is imperative for Government organizations
worldwide to work together to regulate the 5G spectrum and set the new
standard.
ABI Research forecasts 8.5 million small cells to be deployed by 2020,
setting in place the infrastructure for a rapid 5G millimeter wave rollout. And
in-band backhaul is a new tool to solve connectivity issues.
Leading mobile operators in North America and Asia-Pacific recently
announced projects and plans to roll out their own 5G initiatives. For example,
Verizon Wireless, NTT DoCoMo, KT, and SK Telecom formed the 5G Open Trial
Specification Alliance; according to ABI Research.