4G LTE network is still not fully cover the entire territory of Indonesia, but the new generation of 5G service has started to sound. Currently, technology companies in the world such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, ZTE are working together on the development, standardization, and piloting of the fifth generation mobile technology.
Why are they so eager to adopt the 5G service soon? Theoretically, 5G technology is a necessity to meet the demands of fast-paced, stable and secure data communications. In addition, of course, let the “sales” of these technology companies continue smoothly.
Based on the study of “The 5G Economy” initiated by Qualcomm and implemented by various research companies, IHS Markit, Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) and Berkeley Research Group (BRG), 5G worldwide value chain will generate revenue Up to $ 3.5 trillion and open 22 million jobs by 2035. In addition, 5G service also enables the creation of global-scale distributions of goods and services worth up to $ 12.3 trillion in the same year.
Meanwhile, from the government side has started to give “green light” for the development of 5G. “Implementation of 5G technology is an unavoidable necessity.The most important thing we have to do now is to prepare the consolidation of operators so that limited frequency resources can be used as much as possible for the public interest,” said Basuki Yusuf Iskandar, Head of Research and Development of Human Resources, Kemkominfo, during a seminar titled “5G: Policy, Technology, and Regulatory Perspective” at Mercantile Athletic Club, WTC Building, Jakarta (15/8).
Kristiono, Chairman of MASTEL, said it sees the enormous potential that can be offered by the implementation of 5G services, both for consumers and the global economy. It is important for Indonesia to as early as possible prepare for the 5G era as it will open more opportunities to do business, including producing their own devices.
“Indonesia should not only market and users of this technology but the government together with all relevant stakeholders together see what opportunities Indonesia can take in this era of 5G. Indonesian equipment industry and talent must also reap the benefits of this technology, “He explained.
For information, 3GPP, the global standards-forming organization in the technology sector, has accelerated the release of 5G New Radio (NR) specifications as a 5G global standard. Some technology companies such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, ZTE, and others are instrumental in accelerating the NR 5G standardization schedule for large-scale trials by 2019, faster than the initial forecast scheduled for 2020.
In theory, the 5G service not only offers a very low level of latency (less than 1 millisecond) and high and consistent data access speeds (around 100+ Mbps) across the range of areas but also creates opportunities for new business models and industries. New opportunities in virtual reality, the Internet of Things (IoT), and mission-critical services are expected to make a significant contribution to global economic growth.
From vendors, Qualcomm calls on the Indonesian government to begin the formulation of 5G regulations and to identify potential allocations and allocations for 5G services. This is confirmed by Julie G. Welch, Senior Director and Head of Government Affairs, SEA, Taiwan and Pacific, Qualcomm International, Inc. who appreciates the government’s efforts that have begun to identify potential candidates for the 5G spectrum.
“It is important for the Indonesian government to consider the formulation of regulations that can accommodate the interests of all parties in adopting the 5G technology, including the determination of the use of the 28GHz frequency spectrum and for the consolidation of all operators.The operator must also begin to take into account the technological changes into the 5G era, Said Julie.
That’s according to Julie because when the technical specifications are almost done, the next challenge lies in ensuring the adequate and sufficient use of frequency resources for 5G services.
Basically, 5G is a network that can use all spectrum bands, ranging from low bands like 1GHz, bands being around 1GHz to 6GHz, up to high bands above 24GHz, also known as Wave millimeters. In addition, this technology is also capable of working across the spectrum, either paid (unlicensed), shared (shared), or unpaid (unlicensed). Currently, several countries have announced to conduct 5G trials including Japan, Korea, China, Europe, and America. While the results of the first large-scale 5G trial will be held at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.