Swedish telecom equipment maker on Friday showcased a live demonstration of 5G technology and some potential applications using the higher speeds that 5G speeds will allow. At the demonstration, current 5G prototype technology allows for gigabit download speeds, in this case speeds were 5.75 gigabits per second, over a hundred times faster than existing 4G-lTE systems deployed by Indian telecom operators.
It is believed by the time commercial deployments start speeds will increase even further. Ericsson highlighted that they are developing technologies that will allow Telcos to easily upgrade their mobile tower equipment to support 5G with minimal capital investment, essential for India where many telecom operators are highly stressed financially.
At the same time, the company showcased technology that will allow 4G/5G systems to co-exist even while using wide range of spectrum, and for congested areas, the equipment maker showed off a technology that allows the usage of unlicensed spectrum (2.4 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) to enhance data speeds for customers. The higher speeds promised by the emerging technology will help in the deployment of more internet enabled devices, the so-called 'Internet of Things' (IoT). These will include sensors that will be able to send back voluminous data in real-time.
Ericsson for example has been working with carmakers and truck manufacturers to develop internet-linked crash avoidance systems as well as ‘platoon’ systems that allow for a fleet of trucks to be controlled by just one driver. In order to develop systems and technologies specific to India, the company has also associated with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi establishing a new laboratory.
However, while spectrum is longer linked with particular access technology, Indian telecom operators have seen their finances squeezed as the entrance of Reliance Jio has slashed margins.
But with Indians consuming more data, Ericsson which has a dominant presence in the equipment space in India is confident that the move to 5G will happen, and future spectrum auctions and the availability of 5G-compatible devices along with consumer demand for faster speeds will drive the technology.