5th generation (5G) wireless technologies will deliver a potent combination of network capabilities and flexible options for network deployments, service delivery, and network management. 5G deployments are envisioned as a complex amalgamation of various next-generation technological enhancements to the wireless access, transport, cloud, network applications, and management layers. It will incrementally build on various 4G technologies currently deployed, thus enabling mobile operators to preserve existing investments in network infrastructure. A significant share of 5G will be deployed at very high frequencies, which has important ramifications for coverage. In order to overcome the coverage limitations at higher frequencies, 5G networks will be overlaid with “ultra-dense” access networks such as small and metro cells. The core features and functionality of 5G will eventually make their way into lower band spectrum given the need to make them ubiquitous across the United States.

Over-investing in 5G building blocks, including wide area and small-cell networks, spectrum, backhaul and front haul, and distributed cloud solutions can restrict the ability of operators to deliver economical 5G services. It is essential for mobile operators to establish the right strategic vendor agreements in order to ensure that they receive the best return on their investments in 5G infrastructure. Mobile operators must also invest in appropriate network security and service assurance products to ensure that they can provide improved service experiences to their customers in a reliable manner. 5G standards are still under development, which presents challenges in determining how best to implement a network migration strategy for 5G and which elements to focus on in the short, mid and the long term for 5G implementations. Preserving existing network virtualization investments and adopting 5G service based architecture gradually will be important for mobile operators.

This Frost & Sullivan analysis presents an overview of Sprint’s 5G strategy and roadmap. It describes the various networking, spectrum and software-related enhancements that Sprint is pursuing in order to deliver next-generation 5G-based communication services. The details presented in the insight focus on Sprint’s efforts to: 1) leverage unique spectrum assets for differentiated 5G deployments, 2) Accelerate Small Cell Deployments to Optimize Coverage, 3) Deploy Advanced Wireless Technologies as the Bridge to 5G, 4) Use HPUE and ENDC for Improved Communication Performance, 5) Implement New Business Processes for Enhanced Value Delivery, 6) Introduce 5G-Ready Next Generation IoT Solutions, 7) Transform the Network through NFV, SDN and Virtualization, and 8) Expand Fixed, Microwave and Satellite Backhaul to Support 5G Data Demands.

Author: Vikrant Gandhi