Supportive 5G Infrastructure Policies are Essential for Universal 6G: Assessment Using an Open-Source Techno-Economic Simulation Model Utilizing Remote Sensing

Edward J. Oughton,Ashutosh Jha

doi:10.1109/access.2021.3097627

Edward J. Oughton, Ashutosh Jha

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2021.3097627

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Abstract

Work has now begun on the sixth generation of cellular technologies (‘6G‘) and cost-efficient global broadband coverage is already becoming a key pillar. Indeed, we are still far from providing universal and affordable broadband connectivity, despite this being a key part of the Sustainable Development Goals (Target 9.c). Currently, both Mobile Network Operators and governments still lack independent analysis of the strategies that can help achieve this target with the cellular technologies available (4G and 5G). Therefore, this paper undertakes a quantitative assessment demonstrating how current 5G policies affect universal broadband, drawing conclusions over how decisions made now affect future evolution to 6G. Using a method based on an open-source techno-economic codebase, combining remote sensing with least-cost network algorithms, performance analytics are provided for different 4G and 5G universal broadband strategies. As an example, the assessment approach is applied to India, the world‘s second-largest mobile market and a country with very high spectrum prices. The results demonstrate the trade-offs between technological decisions. This includes demonstrating how important current infrastructure policy is, particularly given fiber backhaul will be essential for delivering 6G quality of service. We find that by <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">eliminating</i> the spectrum licensing costs, 100% 5G population coverage can viably be achieved using fiber backhaul. Therefore, supportive infrastructure policies are essential in providing a superior foundation for evolution to future cellular generation, such as 6G.

Highlights

A flurry of engineering research on 6G is underway [1]–[7]
When will 5G reach unconnected users? How will decisions we make prevent further transition to 6G when terabit per second (Tbps) capacity and micro-second latency are expected? With these issues in mind, the following research contributions for this paper are identified: 1) Assessing how different 4G and 5G strategies quantitatively perform in viably delivering universal broadband coverage
The viability of 4G and 5G technologies in delivering universal broadband over the study period are visualized in Figure 6 for the different scenarios and strategies tested

Summary

Introduction

A flurry of engineering research on 6G is underway [1]–[7]. Already the provision of global broadband coverage to both unconnected and poorly connected users has been a central development theme [8]–[12]. This topic received less attention than preferred in the previous 5G R&D standardization process. Broadband connectivity is becoming increasingly important to ensure sustainable economic development. There is a particular focus on reducing the digital divide in low- and middle-income countries to support the delivery of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

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