Supportive 5G Infrastructure Policies are Essential for Universal 6G: Assessment using an Open-source Techno-economic Simulation Model utilizing Remote Sensing

TL;DR

This paper assesses how current 5G infrastructure policies influence the goal of universal broadband coverage and the future development of 6G, using an open-source simulation model with remote sensing, focusing on India.

Contribution

It introduces a quantitative assessment method combining open-source techno-economic modeling, remote sensing, and network algorithms to analyze 5G policies' impact on universal broadband and 6G readiness.

Findings

Eliminating spectrum licensing costs enables 100% 5G coverage with fiber backhaul.

Supportive infrastructure policies are crucial for laying a foundation for 6G evolution.

The approach provides performance analytics for various 4G and 5G broadband strategies.

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 quantitative assessment demonstrating how current 5G policies affect universal broadband, as well as 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 eliminating 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.