5G deployment faces challenges in numerous cities worldwide, with issues ranging from infrastructure obstacles to public concerns and technical difficulties.
Cities with 5G trials
Many cities have been part of 5G trials to explore and validate the technology's potential. These include Amsterdam, Aveiro, Barcelona, Bari, Berlin, Bristol, Espoo, Ghent, LâAquila, London, Madrid, Malaga, Matera, Milan, Oulu, Patras, Prato, Stockholm, Tallinn, and Turin[5]. In France, 5G trials have occurred in Bordeaux, Nantes, Grenoble, Douai, Le Havre, Saint-Etienne, Lille, Montpellier, and Lyon[5]. These cities often serve as testing grounds for various 5G applications, especially those related to smart city concepts, and focus on eHealth, energy, transport, smart buildings, and digital service portals[5].
Smart city initiatives
Several cities have launched initiatives to integrate 5G technology into their infrastructure[7].
* Singapore Unified IoT designs and sensor standards as early as 2015 to support the interoperability and interworking of data across various facilities[7].
* New York City Launched the Connected City initiative to expand broadband and digital service coverage[7].
* London Enabled 5G services in 2019 and drafted a city-wide network security strategy to improve the security of telecommunication networks[7].
Challenges and concerns
Despite the potential benefits, the rollout of 5G technology faces several challenges and concerns[4].
* Infrastructure and deployment Deploying 5G requires significant infrastructure investment, including the installation of small cells and fiber-optic cables[1][4]. The process can be time-consuming and costly, involving issues such as finding rights-of-way and streamlining zoning and permitting procedures[1].
* Aesthetic concerns In many cities, residents have pushed back against new 5G equipment, citing concerns about aesthetics and the cluttering of urban landscapes[4]. Municipal disputes often arise over the visual impact of 5G small cell deployment, especially in residential neighborhoods and historic districts[4].
* Health concerns Some studies have suggested a correlation between 5G implementation and health issues, such as the spread of COVID-19[2]. For example, COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in Wuhan, China, and other areas shortly after 5G implementation[2].
* Security risks The virtualized nature of 5G networks exposes them to security threats such as hacking and malware[3]. Network slicing, a popular feature of 5G, can also create vulnerabilities if not properly secured[3].
* Digital divide The high cost of 5G infrastructure could exacerbate the digital divide, potentially leaving rural and low-income communities behind[6]. Ensuring that the benefits of 5G are accessible to all requires collaboration between policymakers and telecom operators[6].
* Technical challenges The high-frequency radio waves used by 5G can be easily blocked by buildings and trees, requiring careful planning and redesign of facilities to ensure seamless coverage[3].
Other considerations
* Workforce and materials shortages Insufficient workforce and supply chain disruptions have hindered the optimal speed of 5G small cell deployment[4]. Shortages of fiber-optic cable, semiconductor chips, and skilled labor pose additional challenges[4].
* Coordination 5G deployment requires increased coordination among various stakeholders, including service providers, utilities, and municipal governments[4].
* Data processing Smart city applications require data-processing capabilities that can ingest large amounts of data, with AI capabilities for action based on data analysis[1].
* Network security Minimizing the potential for hacking is crucial for device and network security[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.te.com/en/industries/5g-wireless-equipment/5g-role-in-smart-cities.html
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8580522/
[3] https://www.ibm.com/think/insights/5g-advantages-disadvantages
[4] https://www.aldensys.com/a-guide-to-navigating-the-challenges-of-5g-deployment
[5] https://5gobservatory.eu/info-deployments/5g-cities/
[6] https://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/management/top-issues-facing-5g-networks/
[7] https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/cn/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/deloitte-cn-tmt-empowering-smart-cities-with-5g-white-paper-en-200702.pdf
[8] https://moitt.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/World%20Bank-%20TA%20Advisory-%205G%20Readiness%20Plan%20for%20Pakistan.pdf