Sponsored: how telecom organisations are modernising operations with a geographic approach to problem-solving, planning and prediction
In today’s world, there is an increasing expectation among consumers for effortless access to location-based information that enriches their everyday experiences. This rising demand for networks with high bandwidth and low latency is driven by technological advancements such as self-driving cars, edge computing, and IoT. Consequently, there is a heightened reliance on precise location data, especially with the advent of 5G technology.
However, the extensive development of a nationwide Base Transceiver Station (BTS) network poses challenges due to the inherent limitations of the planned station placement and coverage. Unlike lower-frequency bands, the higher frequencies used for BTS stations have shorter travel distances and can be easily obstructed by various physical barriers, including buildings, trees and even rainfall.
To achieve the same coverage as the lower band frequencies used by 3G/4G networks, telecom providers must strategically deploy multiple small cells, necessitating the planning and construction of hybrid wireless networks that utilise frequencies across the entire wireless spectrum.
Telecom providers can enhance their services, improve customer satisfaction, and foster customer loyalty by identifying and mapping crucial locations for establishing a new mobile network. Achieving this goal requires a comprehensive understanding of the geospatial requirements specific to 5G technology and a deep knowledge of the complex demands involved in accurate infrastructure planning across diverse locations, rural or urban.
Leveraging Geographic Information Systems enables telecom companies to collect and analyse data, identify user behaviour patterns, and predict future usage. It empowers them to remain at the forefront of innovation and revolutionises how they deliver services to their customers.
What do telco executives need to consider today?
Telecom decision-makers face the critical task of considering various factors such as deployment objectives, long-term network planning, marketing strategy, and capability building. These considerations necessitate a profound understanding of geospatial expertise and utilising specialised software solutions.
Even though telecom networks are experiencing continuous growth of data collected, putting the geospatial data to good use to improve network planning further is arguably the most prominent and beneficial approach in the short- and mid-term perspective. Network and QoS improvements, higher customer satisfaction, stable network – investing in your primary service offering always pays off.
Predicting the performance of 5G networks poses a challenge for traditional network planning tools. These tools often struggle to account for the increased network density and complexity of 5G.
The introduction of new frequency bands and antenna technologies in 5G networks may surpass the capabilities of existing network planning tools. Consequently, accurately modelling the propagation characteristics of 5G signals, which differ from previous wireless technology generations, becomes daunting.
Additionally, the immense volume of data generated by 5G networks necessitates developing and integrating new tools and technologies for practical data analysis and management. Existing network planning tools may not be fully equipped to handle this data-intensive environment.
Moreover, with the advent of 5G, the emergence of private networks focusing on superior indoor coverage has become prominent. This shift underscores the need for specialized software that caters to indoor planning requirements, delivering enhanced service as a dedicated offering.
From data to insights
The telecommunications industry gains significant advantages by leveraging GIS, especially when designing and implementing efficient infrastructure for 5G networks. Using GIS, each stage of the development process becomes more manageable, resulting in a streamlined and optimised journey from start to finish.
GIS offers many opportunities for telecom companies to leverage their vast geospatial data stores. These use cases are not only supported by extensive research in the field. Still, they are also widely practiced in the industry, with many companies having already integrated GIS solutions into their day-to-day operations.
By embracing GIS technology, telecom companies can tap into a rich vein of data-driven insights to help them stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.
Read the dedicated white paper to gain deeper insights into practical applications of location intelligence and the utilisation of GIS data in real-world scenarios. Discover how GIS empowers telecom operators to effectively navigate intricate geospatial connections, recognise potential risks, and develop effective strategies to mitigate them.
About Roman Makarchuk
Roman is a senior delivery director at Intellias overseeing location-based services and telecom domains. He has vast expertise in service delivery, project management, B2B customers communication, budgeting, staffing, defining processes for development, and creating operational teams.
Having more than 15 years of commercial experience in software development for several IT industries, Roman is exclusively qualified to help organisations shape their digital strategy and efficiently capitalise on emerging technologies including location-based services, Big Data analytics, IoT, cloud computing, and beyond.
About Intellias
Intellias is a global technology partner to Fortune 500 enterprises and top-tier organizations, helping them accelerate their pace of sustainable digitalization. Intellias empowers businesses operating in Europe and the US, as well as the MENA and APAC regions, to embrace innovation at scale. The company has been featured in the Global Outsourcing 100 list by IAOP, recognized by Inc. 5000, and acknowledged in Forbes and the GSA UK Awards. With two decades of experience, Intellias is geared towards ensuring the sustained success of clients on their value journey. For more information visit www.intellias.com.