Fixing the middle mile in mobile networks: a multi-technology assessment for the 5G era
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The rapid expansion of 5G networks is driving an unprecedented surge in mobile data consumption, with traffic projected to triple by 2030. However, this growth places immense pressure on the 'middle mile', the critical transport layer connecting base stations to the core network. Mobile operators must diversify their product/solution mix for middle-mile transport, beyond the traditional mix of fibre and microwave backhaul. Emerging technologies such as free-space optics (FSO), mmWave and satellite all provide options. FSO solutions occupy a unique space between fibre and microwave, offering relative advantages in terms of capacity, range, cost and time to deploy.
To aid operators that are evaluating middle-mile transport solutions, GSMA Intelligence has developed the TCO Calculator, based on research and analysis of existing and emerging middle-mile transport solutions across a number of deployment scenarios around the world.
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Fixing the middle mile in mobile networks: a multi-technology assessment for the 5G era
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Fixing the middle mile in mobile networks: a multi-technology assessment for the 5G era
More info
This report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
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