Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to build possible future scenarios for indoor connectivity in a venue such as a university campus and build alternative value network configurations (VNCs) defining different local network deployment options, focused on the Finnish telecom market. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, Schoemaker’s scenario planning method (Schoemaker, 1995) is used to construct future scenarios and the VNC method of Casey et al. (2010) is used to build alternative VNCs. The paper studies the Aalto University campus network for current end-user data usage demand and the existing technology used in meeting the end-user needs and forecasts the demand for the next five years to understand the need for 5G. Findings This research concludes that with the provision of local spectrum licenses, there is an opportunity for venue owners to take the role of 5G local operator on the venue premises. Furthermore, it enables venue owners to collaborate with the incumbent mobile network operators (MNOs) in a neutral host model and provide venue-specific connectivity services. Research limitations/implications A detailed economic assessment for the network deployment in the campus is considered for future study. Originality/value Considering the provision for local spectrum licenses, this paper has taken a unique attempt in identifying the future scenarios for local 5G network operations. It provides a strategic direction for the venue owners in adopting 5G technology and whether to make 5G or buy 5G from MNOs.
Highlights
In mobile networks, 5G is considered a leap forward compared to the existing technologies
The new generation of cellular technology called 5G is expected to bridge the gap between legacy technologies (Prasad et al, 2017). 5G technology promises to deliver end-to-end latency of 1 ms for ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), peak data rates of 1 Gbps downlink and 500 Mbps uplink for indoor hotspot environments and 1 million connected devices per sq. km for massive machine-type communications (3GPP, 2016a)
This paper aims to provide a strategic direction for the venue owners in adopting 5G technology, through possible future scenarios and value network configurations (VNCs) for indoor wireless connectivity
Summary
5G is considered a leap forward compared to the existing technologies. In addition to the high data rates, emerging use cases such as self-driving vehicles, virtual reality/augmented reality applications and industrial automation require low latency and reliable connectivity. All these service requirements cannot be addressed by using current 4G/long-term evolution (LTE) technology. Km for massive machine-type communications (mMTCs) (3GPP, 2016a). 5G technology promises to deliver end-to-end latency of 1 ms for ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), peak data rates of 1 Gbps downlink and 500 Mbps uplink for indoor hotspot environments and 1 million connected devices per sq. Until now, it has only been possible for mobile network operators (MNOs) to operate mobile communication networks. Venue owners and other stakeholders have been using wireless local area network (WLAN) technology on unlicensed spectrum to provide connectivity services to end-users inside the (Information about the authors can be found at the end of this article.)
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