5G and FTTH Convergence Claims

Operators can greatly benefit from the convergence of 5G and FTTH, Fibre-to-the-Home Council Europe claims.

17:10 25 March 2019

A recent study conducted by the Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council Europe has found that the convergence of 5G and FTTH would mean 65-96per cent cost savings for operators.

 

The cost of rolling out fibre can be very expensive, as it requires the deployment of smaller base stations connected to the core network rather than just using or upgrading existing mobile infrastructure. This move allows for targeted, higher capacity coverage compared to large macrocells that cover wider areas. While fibre makes the most sense in connecting 5G base stations, it remains the most expensive and difficult to deploy.

 

The study found that cost savings can be achieved when a converged FTTH-5G network is anticipated when planning for an FTTH network.

 

Erzsébet Fitori, Director General of the FTTH Council Europe said: “Planning ahead a 5G-ready FTTH network allows for considerable synergies and hence a more efficient use of investments as well as less civil works and disturbance. This also means that with a smart and future-proof FTTH deployment, the cost of fibre related to a 5G deployment can be virtually almost eliminated.”