LIVE FROM LTE ASIA 2014, SINGAPORE: 5G won’t come until after 2018, carrier aggregation is more important than hetnets, and 3G networks will still be around long after 5G networks are rolled out. These were just some of the key insights shared during a panel on ‘Moving to LTE, LTE-A and 5G’ at LTE Asia in Singapore on Wednesday.
The moderator Alan Quayle, independent consultant, kicked off the session with a fresh format, asking the panelists to respond to a series of questions with a ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’.
Here’s a summary of the snap poll of the panel, which comprised Indosat CTO Herfini Haryono (pictured, right), M1 COO Patrick Scodeller, SingTel Consumer CEO Kuan Moon Yuen and the Deputy CEO of Indonesian operator Smartfren, Richard Tan (pictured, left).
- Will 5G launch before 2018? SingTel and M1 said unlikely. Definitely not in Indonesia.
- Will operators shut down their 3G networks when 5G is launched? Smartfren was the only panellist that said yes, noting it’s important for improved efficiency.
- Which is more important – carrier aggregation or hetnets? Two of four said CA. The other two said both.
- What do operators need more access to – spectrum or new technology? The majority said spectrum, the consensus being that there is never enough spectrum.
- Will LTE-Advanced be a real competitor to fixed-line broadband? Not in Singapore but yes in Indonesia.
- Will 5G be a real competitor to fixed-line broadband? A maybe and a no from Singapore’s operators – fibre is too pervasive and fast.
- Will NFV deliver real cost savings? SingTel’s Yuen said it depends on whom you ask: a CFO says yes, CEO says no.
- Will NFV offer greater agility? M1’s Scodeller said on paper, yes, but the reality will be different.
- Will SMS be a chargeable service in 2020? Yes – total agreement. No surprise there from four telcos.
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