Industry Insiders Bet on Millimeter Wave

source: GSMA

The coming 5G networks are going to use "all of the above" approaches to spectrum: millimeter wave, low band, mid band, high band, unlicensed and shared assets. 

But industry insider expectations clearly suggest that networks will be recast to support millimeter wave spectrum. As millimeter wave signals will not travel as far as low-band spectrum, small cells are required. 

That, in turn, leads to urban coverage, rather than rural and suburban coverage, for outdoor applications. The other implication is that key indoor coverage will be a focus for 5G radio sites. 

Also, at least in principle, it is possible new roles could develop for suppliers of "indoor" coverage. Though mobile operators will not stop investing in "indoor" coverage solutions, it is possible that specialists could arise for indoor coverage infrastructure.

Think Wi-Fi as the model, with enterprises and property owners installing infrastructure improving indoor coverage. Business models will be the big development, in that regard.