22. April 2021

4 Min read

    Contents

      Written by Thomas Ritz

      Market Manager Public Networks

      Building infrastructures

      New perspectives with 5G for tower companies and power grid operators

      All over the world, telecoms are currently investing massive amounts of money in 5G, the radio network of the future. Important to know: It’s about more than 5G antennas. Many new and additional infrastructures need to be created in the background. Only with these infrastructures will it become possible to network 5G cell sites and operate them efficiently.

      For example, antenna sites need a connection to FO networks. Most of these connections still have to be built or expanded. Alternatively, corresponding additional capacities must be created in existing networks.

      Added to this is the full FTTH rollout parallel to the 5G rollout. Edge data centers are emerging all over. They also need connections to FO networks.

      The whole thing has great momentum. There is certainly a growing demand for infrastructure solutions, particularly at a local level. The question is: Who could meet this demand?

      Perhaps the major mobile and telecom operators will be happy if others take over some of the work and investments on site. They could rent the capacities of existing FO networks instead of building their own and separate networks.

      Generating value creation

      Smart city: 5G/IoT services require very dense small-cell network structures

      This presents an opportunity for the operators of local and regional FTTH and CATV networks. They can benefit from the 5G market. Industrial companies, property owners, data centers, the media, public utilities, and railways could also offer buildings, areas, and their own fiber optic resources. They would generate additional value creation that was previously unimaginable.

      New and alternative market players will certainly discover their 5G opportunities. We are talking about neutral hosts, system integrators, and tower companies. They can offer even more than physical infrastructures. They could develop specialized IT, WiFi, and 5G services.

      You can read more about these business models in our specialist magazine CONNECTIONS No. 60.

      Making use of expertise

      So much for the opportunities. But don’t forget: 5G networks are a complex matter.

      There may be new challenges at every antenna site. Different network designs, high-frequency technology, and fiber optics as well as outdoor and indoor cabling meet. Those involved repeatedly have to weigh up between customized and standardized installation solutions. Location, safety, legal and financing issues need to be clarified. Planners and players who previously had nothing to do with cellular phone networks need to work together.

      That is why we recommend: Don’t tread the patch to 5G alone! Competent advice and moderation pay off. Choose partners who can demonstrate their expertise.

      R&M sees development partnerships as a major advantage. For example, they can concentrate on specific connectivity solutions, applications, or products. Other services R&M can contribute to 5G infrastructure projects:

      • Know-how sharing, training, technical support
      • Consulting services from the very first stage of planning
      • Moderation, e.g. in public-private partnerships
      • Technology, engineering, system integration
      • Pre-termination, quality assurance

       

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