Solihull currently has 50% 5G network coverage. With the 5G rollout making more progress as time goes on, it’s important to take a look at the challenges that telecom providers face when trying to implement 5G in rural areas.
The Benefits of 5G to Residents of Solihull
One of the biggest benefits of 5G is the fact that latency is reduced. Latency measures how long it takes for a signal to get from its source to the receiver and then back. One of the goals is for each generation to have reduced latency. 5G has lower latency when compared to 4G LTE, with a round-trip transmission taking under five milliseconds. Some of the sectors that are set to benefit here include online gaming.
People who play online casino games, including Spin Till You Win roulette will find that games load up much faster when connected to 5G, and that speeds are increased by up to 100x. With games such as roulette using intuitive graphics, 3D roulette wheels and HD cameras, upgrades like this make a major difference. With increased speed when loading games, 5G is set to make waves in the online entertainment industry. Other sectors that are set to benefit include VR and AR applications, along with agricultural, manufacturing and logistical businesses.
Source: Pexels
Challenges Faced with Implementing 5G
With 5G offering so many benefits to residents of Solihull, why is it that the area only has 50% coverage? A lot of it comes down to the fact that strong business cases have to be created to validate the cost of implementing the network. Telecom providers have to make decisions as to the frequency bands that are available and they also have to adjust the 5G network, along with its features. With a new generation of mobile devices needed to support 5G bands, 4G handsets have to be replaced for them to gain access. Certain areas of the UK have a high elderly population, making them less likely to be the target of 5G upgrades, as a lot of them either have old handsets or no internet connectivity at all.
Lastly, 5G implementation is not an easy feat. From placing cell tower sites to rolling out fibre optic cables at a large scale, high costs are involved and this can make for a very challenging process. In 2022, a 5G mast was rejected after 300 people signed a petition to object to it. The proposals would have seen the mast built on Charterhouse Drive, which would have been an eyesore for residents.
Source: Pexels
With 5G networks having much smaller coverage than 4G, as the signal cannot penetrate walls as well, 5G requires much smaller antennas placed around the area. Base stations also need to be placed both indoors and outdoors, to ensure good connectivity. Challenges like this are some of the many reasons why residents of Solihull only have 50% 5G coverage. Still, over time, issues are being addressed to ensure that people get the connection they need to power their homes, businesses and industries.
Article written by Emily Harrington
