Using Spatial Analysis for 5G Rollout

Summary

Spatial analysis plays a key role in the successful deployment of 5G networks. Learn about its importance & explore how Location Intelligence is used.

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Using Spatial Analysis for 5G Rollout

5G has been the talk of the town (okay  world) for years. Afterall  from a bird's eye view  who wouldn’t be excited to regularly experience faster downloads and less latency? Looking at 5G through binoculars  however  enhanced mobile broadband (including improved connectivity in rural areas or where there may be internet  equity gaps) isn’t the only benefit users are looking forward to once the rollout is complete - this improved form of technology is also going to support IoT improvements as well as be a game changer for mission-critical communications across numerous industries.

Basically  in a nutshell: 5G networks foster a host of innovative use cases; it’s going to serve as a bridge between virtually everything from smartphones to wearables to utility management to self-driving vehicles.


5G graphic map

Graph by European Commission.

The conversation around 5G has only accelerated as more telecommunications companies invest in expanding their reach and improving their infrastructure. For example  T-Mobile combined two channels of 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum to increase its 5G network’s speed and network  and AT&T plans to reach 200 million people with its C-band service by the end of 2023.

As telco companies continue to strategize and launch phases of their 5G services  Location Intelligence is going to be a key driver for proper planning  rollout and ongoing optimization. Why? Well  because location data is key.

The Importance of Spatial Data for 5G Deployment

When building 5G networks  there are many factors to consider including different use cases  equipment involved  radio propagation  site selection for base stations  and where to begin rollout  to name a few. All of the moving parts involved across each phase of the planning  deployment  optimization and expansion processes make this service offering a challenging endeavor.

Not to mention  5G is a much more fickle technology than its predecessors. In order to carry larger amounts of data faster  5G operates using higher frequencies with a surprisingly short range and obstructions - as small as a raindrop or as tedious as a sloping roof - can interfere with its signal. Since these radio waves are so sensitive  the use of precise spatial data  analysis and mapping is crucial to the successful launch and expansion of 5G networks by telecommunications providers. If both the infrastructure involved and connection in general aren’t equally as reliable  secure and interoperable  the network will not be successful.

So  access to rich spatial datasets (like demographics data and even weather data) and spatial analytics plays a key role in helping telecom companies make informed decisions as they create and implement their networks. Also  working with a precise cloud-native mapping solution that enables them to easily visualize data and make these informed decisions in an efficient  interactive way.

3 Location Intelligence Uses for 5G Rollout

Let’s examine three different approaches for using Location Intelligence for 5G network planning  deployment and optimization.

1. 5G Network Planning and Deployment

The primary goal of network planning and deployment is to effectively and efficiently address the needs of the operator and customer. Using GIS in network planning and deployment allows telecom companies to meet these needs as well as…

     
  • Solve challenges around qualification of service
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  • Determine the site selection of network components
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  • Decide the best ways to connect the network components
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  • Identify opportunities for new markets
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  • Improve service delivery

But  what’s an example of how a telecom company can incorporate GIS into its 5G network planning and deployment? Well  let’s briefly explore T-Mobile’s use case. When planning and deploying its 5G network  T-Mobile used spatial indexing to make its complex  large datasets more manageable so they could work through crucial challenges  like service qualification  at scale. To do so  they worked with CARTO to build a dashboard that allowed them to easily convert radio frequency propagations into hexbins; this then enabled their geospatial team to visualize and analyze each cell site’s coverage in relation to households to be served.

2. 5G Network Management  Optimization and Expansion

Spatial data science is a necessity in order to gain real-time situational awareness so telecom network resources and operations can be managed and optimized effectively. Having the ability to map spatial data can help telecom companies get a pulse-check on the status of their infrastructure  visualize the current proximity network towers and cables to customers  analyze network suitability for expansion and more.

For example  TELUS turned to spatial data science so they could use geographic insights to make sure their rollout investment was as efficient as possible and that they were providing the best possible coverage to customers. With our Location Intelligence platform  TELUS was able to quickly create and share internal coverage maps that could be used as a reference against their network infrastructure. Also  the visualizations they’re able to make by integrating their spatial data into their dashboard help their front line and network support agents troubleshoot network incidents  as well as assist technicians in identifying where the strongest signal is located at a location so they can properly install customer equipment.


Telus Map


Additionally  TELUS performs analysis using population data  road data and area covered so they can easily track the growth of their network by technology  market and frequency band.

3. Smart Cities & IoT Planning

According to the Global Commission on Economy & Climate  Smart Cities could end up saving the world as much as $22 trillion USD by 2050; and  in regards to those in telecommunications  the “smartification” of cities is estimated to become a $7.6 billion dollar opportunity by 2023. But how? Well  the expansion of 5G networks is the driving force behind smart city development  and accurate spatial data and mapping is crucial to effective future-forward digitalization and urbanization.  

So  how can spatial data and analysis be combined with 5G in smart cities?

Well  for one  smart cities can utilize 5G technology and road traffic data to communicate road conditions to sensors and devices that power transportation and traffic systems. If commuter traffic congestion is detected  these devices are able to quickly and automatically redirect traffic and give autonomous vehicle systems a heads up about real-time issues on the road.


Norway Traffic map


Spatial data can also be used in other areas prime for optimization. For example  Telefónica uses GIS to turn data from thousands of IoT sensors into actionable insights that allow their public sector customers to make decisions to help their cities run not only more efficiently  but sustainably as well. With machine learning algorithms and faster processing with 5G speeds  these clients are able to optimize resources  including waste collection and energy costs  and reduce their carbon footprint.

Spatial Analysis and 5G Go Hand-in-Hand

From network planning and deployment to maintenance and optimization  spatial analysis is key for the successful rollout of 5G networks. If you’re interested in incorporating spatial analysis into your telecommunication company’s 5G network rollout  get in touch to schedule a demo of the CARTO platform today.