Sizeable increase in global small cell deployment predicted

The cells, according to the organisation’s RAN Research service, will be “increasingly diverse in form, ranging from compact versions of macro base stations to almost invisible systems embedded in electronic equipment.”

Sixty-eight per cent of these will be deployed in the enterprise and industrial space, enabled by emerging shared spectrum in the mid- and millimetre wave bands. Government, transport, healthcare, and hospitality will “lead the way” in terms of early adoption.

The report - which is titled ‘Private networks and shared spectrum: making 5G enterprise a reality’ – includes input from 68 traditional MNOs, 28 private, enterprise, or neutral host operators, as well as over 70 global enterprises.

Speaking of the findings, a spokesperson said: “Most enterprises and industries confirmed their aspirations to apply cellular connectivity for greater efficiency. However, too few can [currently] access networks that are sufficiently reliable, let alone optimised for emerging capabilities promised under 5G, such as low latency.