ETTelecom Sweden-based Ericsson is in talks with Indian telcos to pilot its 5G-ready solutions for their existing 4G networks, said Joakim Sorelius, the company’s head of product line 5G RAN, and head of RAN Architecture. Speaking to ET, Sorelius said Ericsson is planning to start lab trials for 5G this year in India. He said by year-end, the company will see 5G products contributing to its revenue from India. Edited excerpts…
How keen are Indian telecom operators on 5G?
Generally, operators are extremely interested in 5G. In most of the world, the revenues for telcos are slowing or sometimes decreasing. They are looking at new ways to rejuvenate business. They see characteristics of 5G as bringing a lot of new opportunities. That is especially because of 5G use cases that 5G will allow operators to address in other spaces like industries use cases.
What are the steps required to transform networks to 5G in India?
While there is huge opportunity in digitisation of industries, operators are not so used to working in those industries. There’s some uncertainty on which operator can or won't address those new opportunities. Fact is traffic is increasing, and there is a need to enhance the current networks, both by densifying – increasing spectrum — and adding capacity. To ensure that those networks are prepared for the future, telcos need to prepare networks to be capable of 5G while addressing current needs on 4G with the help of 5G plug-ins in 4G networks.
Which are the specific bands for 5G in India?
For spectrum, global harmonisation is extremely important for India to benefit from global ecosystem of smartphones, IoT devices, network equipment and so on. One trend is spectrum in mid-range — 3.5 Ghz — is becoming globally adopted in many markets. If a market has lower band available like India, then it is in a good position, and can add higher bands with its wide bandwidth later on. In India, 700 Mhz hasn't been allocated yet. So it's a candidate for 5G. There are some movements in the US around this band for 5G, and it is being considered in Europe.
Indian telcos want to delay the auction of 5G in India — would that impact the development of 5G ecosystem?
The main task for the regulator is to ensure that spectrum is available. There are various ways that a policy maker can stimulate the investment in new technology such as investing in smart cities, smart energy productions, thereby motivating telcos to invest much earlier. India could do similar things.
When can we expect lab and field trials in India?
We are planning to start lab trials this year. Then standard trials will happen in mid-2018, and from that time we will see a lot of activity in this field.
How keen are Indian telecom operators on 5G?
Generally, operators are extremely interested in 5G. In most of the world, the revenues for telcos are slowing or sometimes decreasing. They are looking at new ways to rejuvenate business. They see characteristics of 5G as bringing a lot of new opportunities. That is especially because of 5G use cases that 5G will allow operators to address in other spaces like industries use cases.
What are the steps required to transform networks to 5G in India?
While there is huge opportunity in digitisation of industries, operators are not so used to working in those industries. There’s some uncertainty on which operator can or won't address those new opportunities. Fact is traffic is increasing, and there is a need to enhance the current networks, both by densifying – increasing spectrum — and adding capacity. To ensure that those networks are prepared for the future, telcos need to prepare networks to be capable of 5G while addressing current needs on 4G with the help of 5G plug-ins in 4G networks.
Which are the specific bands for 5G in India?
For spectrum, global harmonisation is extremely important for India to benefit from global ecosystem of smartphones, IoT devices, network equipment and so on. One trend is spectrum in mid-range — 3.5 Ghz — is becoming globally adopted in many markets. If a market has lower band available like India, then it is in a good position, and can add higher bands with its wide bandwidth later on. In India, 700 Mhz hasn't been allocated yet. So it's a candidate for 5G. There are some movements in the US around this band for 5G, and it is being considered in Europe.
Indian telcos want to delay the auction of 5G in India — would that impact the development of 5G ecosystem?
The main task for the regulator is to ensure that spectrum is available. There are various ways that a policy maker can stimulate the investment in new technology such as investing in smart cities, smart energy productions, thereby motivating telcos to invest much earlier. India could do similar things.
When can we expect lab and field trials in India?
We are planning to start lab trials this year. Then standard trials will happen in mid-2018, and from that time we will see a lot of activity in this field.
