Cran opens up on 5G
Before any attempts are made to roll out 5G internet technology in Namibia, Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) CEO Festus Mbandeka believes there is scope for better internet access, particularly in rural and other underserved areas.
Mbandeka made the comment when asked what his view is on the new technology, which is currently on trial around the world.
“While Cran is in support of any new developments like 5G, it must be noted that there is still a huge unserved part of Namibia that does not have access to simple 2G services,” he said.
The success of 5G in Namibia is dependent on the collaboration and innovation of all telecommunications industry players. Investment in 5G will, in the long-term, enable mobile application and telecommunications service providers to connect simultaneously at any time.
According to Mbandeka, 5G achieves more efficient spectrum use, higher data rates, lower latency and ubiquitous connectivity.
It is extremely reliable, will achieve near universal coverage and its high-speed mobile broadband can cost-effectively support growing data traffic demand (such as video downloads) and low-power internet of things (IoT) solutions.
“However, the 5G site in the high spectrum bands will cover very small areas only. The solutions of 3G and 4G will still play a key role for some time into the future, to provide cohesive delivery of voice and data services. 5G will only be effective in areas where there is a high demand for data usage.
“For now the high cost of backhauling, even for 3G and 4G site in rural areas, is one of the biggest cost factors that hamper the rollout of new telecommunication and quality high-speed broadband services into rural areas,” Mbandeka added.
It is thus foreseen that 5G will be effective in central business districts, industrial and mining areas and island-based industrial areas. The biggest challenge is that such 5G sites will require high-capacity bandwidth for transmission links back to the core systems, he explained.
MTC executive Tim Ekandjo said during a telecommunications conference held in Zurich, Switzerland that the company was warming to the idea of 5G technology, but it would take a collaborative effort to bring the technology to Namibia.
“The reality is that 5G is here, and MTC will embrace this new amazing technology, but it would mean collaboration from all stakeholders to bring 5G to Namibia,” said Ekandjo.
He added the technology is expected to cross-cut the world by 2020 and will offer unlimited potential to vastly improve lives.
“This combination of cutting-edge network technology and the very latest research will provide faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and mobile devices than ever before,” Ekandjo added.
OGONE TLHAGE
Mbandeka made the comment when asked what his view is on the new technology, which is currently on trial around the world.
“While Cran is in support of any new developments like 5G, it must be noted that there is still a huge unserved part of Namibia that does not have access to simple 2G services,” he said.
The success of 5G in Namibia is dependent on the collaboration and innovation of all telecommunications industry players. Investment in 5G will, in the long-term, enable mobile application and telecommunications service providers to connect simultaneously at any time.
According to Mbandeka, 5G achieves more efficient spectrum use, higher data rates, lower latency and ubiquitous connectivity.
It is extremely reliable, will achieve near universal coverage and its high-speed mobile broadband can cost-effectively support growing data traffic demand (such as video downloads) and low-power internet of things (IoT) solutions.
“However, the 5G site in the high spectrum bands will cover very small areas only. The solutions of 3G and 4G will still play a key role for some time into the future, to provide cohesive delivery of voice and data services. 5G will only be effective in areas where there is a high demand for data usage.
“For now the high cost of backhauling, even for 3G and 4G site in rural areas, is one of the biggest cost factors that hamper the rollout of new telecommunication and quality high-speed broadband services into rural areas,” Mbandeka added.
It is thus foreseen that 5G will be effective in central business districts, industrial and mining areas and island-based industrial areas. The biggest challenge is that such 5G sites will require high-capacity bandwidth for transmission links back to the core systems, he explained.
MTC executive Tim Ekandjo said during a telecommunications conference held in Zurich, Switzerland that the company was warming to the idea of 5G technology, but it would take a collaborative effort to bring the technology to Namibia.
“The reality is that 5G is here, and MTC will embrace this new amazing technology, but it would mean collaboration from all stakeholders to bring 5G to Namibia,” said Ekandjo.
He added the technology is expected to cross-cut the world by 2020 and will offer unlimited potential to vastly improve lives.
“This combination of cutting-edge network technology and the very latest research will provide faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and mobile devices than ever before,” Ekandjo added.
OGONE TLHAGE
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article