Planning for 5G for International Business Expansion

Although 5G wireless networks are available more widely around the globe to fuel business expansion, the patchwork of availability presents challenges for companies seeking a simple approach.

In the U.S., 5G is offered by the top service providers, and their 2G and 3G predecessors have been shut down. However, this scenario is largely limited to areas in Canada, China, Japan, the U.K., Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

The reality for U.S. and foreign firms looking to expand internationally is that much of the rest of the world is playing catchup with 5G and are advancing at different speeds. Some regions in Africa, South America and eastern Europe are hamstrung by having to divert money, spectrum, and other resources to keep old but crucial 2G and 3G networks running to support IoT devices, and more.

GSMA Intelligence has this month released a downloadable chart that looks at the 5G process and “look at the relationship between 5G network launches and the shutting down of 2G/3G networks.,” according to author Radhika Gupta of the wireless association.

Where 2G and 3G wireless networks are the best options, organizations will need to consider the following challenges and possible steps, according to Susie Siouti, Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser, a maker of test automation offerings for Mobile Network Operators, regulators, device manufacturers, and enterprises.

Waiting for 5G, the top 7 recommendations

Here are seven ideas on how to get by until 5G becomes available.

1. Limit or halt videoconferencing as it requires significant bandwidth to function properly and provide an acceptable QoS.

2. Optimize products for lower bandwidth if possible. “Optimize apps and websites to function smoothly on lower bandwidth networks,” says Siouti. “This involves minimizing large images and implementing data compression.”

3. Consider OTT apps, such as WhatsApp, Viber, etc., for voice communications.

4. Remember, 2G and 3G lack sufficient wireless security features and functionality found with higher speeds networks. Older network technologies like 2G and 3G have more vulnerabilities, increasing data security risks.

5. Look for help beyond wireless. Consider hybrid connectivity solutions such as satellite or private networks to supplement the available infrastructure. 

6. Local Partnerships: Partner with local businesses to leverage their existing networks and resources. “Some businesses may find it beneficial to partner with a local telecom company to help upgrade the infrastructure or even invest in some private network setups," added Siouti.

7. For larger-scale projects, these partners can help them financially, and they can get preferential service.

Prepping for 5G: 7 steps

Finding talent

For companies without staff (or consultants) skilled in the challenges of handling wireless communications outside the 50 states, it may help to have an expert in logistics, supply chains, and disaster recovery, which are developed in the armed forces. You might seek individuals (local and in the U.S.) with experience in the regions you plan to enter to understand the evolving nature of the available wireless networks, satellite options, and support for voice.

Timelines

What do they have now, and what's their timeline for transitioning to higher-speed wireless networks? If a telco still operates older wireless networks (2G and 3G), be wary that this is costly and requires precious spectrum needed to advance 4G and 5G. Sizable regions of continents, such as Africa, still rely on 2G networks. Here, older networks support IoT devices and far-flung sensors on pipelines, utilities locations, alarm systems, and agriculture devices.

Funding

Check operators' capex spending plans. And is there competition among operators in markets? It can drive investment in 5G and other technologies as opposed to a monopoly or duopoly scenario.

And then in some cases, such as the U.S., funding is available from certain government agencies. With the top three operators offering 5G and having already shut down 2G and 3G to help enable the transition, the FCC recently announced a $9 billion fund specifically targeted at extending 5G to rural and other underserved areas.

Regulatory

You must determine how involved regulators are in the advancement of 5G. Claiming a handful of large US tech companies are accounting for a disproportional amount of their network bandwidth, a large group of European operators pushed a plan called Fair Share, to drive broadband expansion on the continent. The plan was discussed and debated at length before regulators put it on ice. It’s unclear if the EU will meet its decade end broadband availability goal.

Hit the maps

As history has shown with new wireless network services, the first areas to get turned up are typically urban areas, business hubs, and along the transportation routes that connect them. Rural areas often come much later. Check operator maps to gain insight into whether they are a match with your business expansion plans.

Geopolitical issues, discord

Where aren't there geopolitical issues today? There's Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the South China Sea between China and Taiwan. Many countries in Africa are embroiled in ongoing conflict as groups fight for control.

At their best, expect supply chains to be disrupted and difficult to rework due to armed conflict.

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