So that the cell phone networks can cope with the rapidly increasing data demand in the long term, O2 boss Markus Haas has spoken out in favor of releasing additional frequency bands.
“High-performance networks are needed that make growing use of the cloud and the use of artificial intelligence possible,” said Haas to the German Press Agency in Munich.
Cloud refers to external servers on which Internet users store their data. Currently only 10 percent of the data is in the cloud; this proportion will increase significantly in the future given the changing demand. Therefore, higher network capacities in additional radio bands are necessary, says the manager. From his point of view, the 6 gigahertz band is suitable for real-time transport of huge amounts of data. So far, this band has been reserved for WLAN and satellite operators.
At the World Radio Conference in Dubai, authorities from all over the world are currently discussing how the radio frequencies should be used in the long term. The global community has agreed to ensure that the standards are the same everywhere and that cell phone users not only have reception in their own region, but also when traveling in other regions. Uniform requirements are also important for air traffic. The conference runs until December 15th. It will then most likely make recommendations to the individual states and organizations, which can then implement them.
Haas is hoping for a signal from Dubai that the current frequency usage should be redesigned. For example, the 6 gigahertz band could be released from 2030, says the company boss. In tests, O2 Telefónica achieved very good results in this radio band. “A 2 gigabit transmission is feasible.” So far, most antennas in Germany that transmit in lower radio bands only reach 0.1 gigabit per second.
The radio bands have different strengths. Basically, the higher the value, the lower the range and the higher the data throughput. A real-time connection is possible at high frequencies, i.e. without delays. However, these antennas do not transmit far, so many more masts are required for complete coverage than at low frequencies. With regard to the need to use higher frequencies, Haas says that the network of masts and roof locations will become more dense – meaning there will have to be significantly more antenna locations in the future than before.
Despite the short radio range of less than one kilometer, Haas considers the 6 gigahertz band to be suitable. “It is very powerful and it is hardly used: It has very high bandwidths, which enable a mobile leased line.”
The demand for data in mobile communications will increase sharply in the coming years. “For connected driving of cars, trucks or trains, we need to be able to move incredible amounts of data, if possible in real time.” In all likelihood, 6G will then be used as the wireless standard – this technology is currently still being developed; it is expected to come onto the mass market at the end of the decade and gradually replace 5G.
/wdw/DP/mis
MUNICH (dpa-AFX)
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