GSMA forecasts that by 2025, there will be over 400 million 5G connections in Asia-Pacific, equivalent to just over 14% of total mobile connections. In developed markets, including Japan, that figure is forecast to be even higher at 67% (average).
In Japan, neutral host service provider JTOWER has chosen CommScope as a partner in providing network operators with greater access to shared broadband infrastructure. The partnership will enable JTOWER to provide outdoor infrastructure sharing for network operators using CommScope’s RF technologies and solutions such as antennas, filters (duplexers) and coaxial cables.
“In Japan, 5G networks are currently being rolled out by various network operators, and JTOWER's solutions will enable telcos to develop its base station infrastructure more efficiently,” stated Yusuke Kiriya, senior managing director & general manager of Infrastructure Sharing, JTOWER. “We have high confidence in CommScope’s long years of global experience, high level of expertise and flexible support that is tailored to our requirements.”
Maximising the potential and cost-efficiency of 5G
The promise of autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, 8K video quality and enhanced cybersecurity that will run on 5G networks is fuelling expansion across Japan. As operators focus on pragmatic implementations of 5G networks, they will need to determine which type of technology will maximise its potential.
For example, massive MIMO substantially increases spectral efficiency to deliver more network capacity and wider coverage. However, operators will have to determine if the extra costs and real-world power requirements associated with active MIMO deployments are justified, or if an antennae configuration will suffice.
Farid Firouzbakht, senior vice president and segment president for outdoor wireless networks at CommScope, noted that countries like Japan focus on the next decade of communications infrastructure, and they will collaborate with partners who are committed to rapid connectivity and data delivery.
“At the same time, it’s crucial they drive innovations that boost efficiency, deliver energy savings, and optimise processes, to support the wider economy’s net-zero transition." He opined that antenna technology that enables a shared model is a win-win for JTOWER and mobile operators in Japan.
Choosing optimal technology to speed 5G rollouts
JTOWER’s tower-sharing business will provide shared access to CommScope’s Mosaic and HELIAX products to network operators. The trusted HELIAX solution portfolio has expanded from coaxial offerings to include fibre-to-the-antenna (FTTA) and cluster connector solutions like the ones being integrated into JTOWER’s infrastructure.
