Most people don’t realize the importance of the transition from 2G to 5G. Modern telecommunications networks enable numerous technologies that make our lives easier and more fun.
Back in the day, 2G was a major revolution, introducing services as GPRS, SMS, and digital voice. After that, we had 3G, which introduced multimedia experiences and mobile internet, changing how we use information. 4G networks represented another major leap, this time toward all-IP networking. The information flow became faster and more reliable than ever before.
While each of these networks brought something unique, nothing could prepare us for 5G core and its features. The network ushered in a new era of automation with its stable, low-latency connection. Thousands of devices can now access the internet in a small geographic area, and we can finally harness the full potential of IoT.
Going from 2G to 5G was an exhilarating journey for subscribers, who got increasingly more value without being charged exorbitant sums. Unfortunately, the transition was characterized by numerous challenges for operators. In addition to having to overhaul their infrastructure and workflows completely, carriers must invest enormous sums to gain access to the technology.
Biggest Challenges
Switching from 2G and 3G to 5G is a natural progression, filled with various challenges for operators. One of the biggest issues is device compatibility, as many companies still rely on legacy connectivity to use industrial sensors, PoS terminals, and IoT devices. A similar can be said for voice services, which require migration to VoNR and IP-based VoLTE.
We must also mention spectrum utilization for 5G networks. Operators have to worry about red tape, as installing new infrastructure in urban areas is an extremely sensitive topic that requires cooperation from all stakeholders. Lastly, transitioning from legacy systems to 5G requires that several infrastructures run concurrently, which quickly ramps up operators’ expenses.
6 Methods for Easier Transition
Despite all the challenges, most operators can introduce new technology and improve their standard offer. Nevertheless, to do so efficiently, they have to plan the entire process and remove potential issues before they can become major roadblocks.
1. Spectrum Reframing
To maximize their efficiency, operators must reallocate their available spectrum from legacy networks to modern 4G and 5G systems. Carriers rely on dynamic spectrum sharing to optimize traffic between LTE and 5G during this time.
Perhaps the biggest challenges come in urban areas. With a large population and an even larger number of devices, traffic requirements are very high. This is why operators prioritize cities as the first reframing targets. On the other hand, they will retain the same methodology in rural areas, especially given that the legacy infrastructure can cover a much wider area.
2. Phased Network Sunset
The best way to decommission old protocols is by using a phased approach. By slowly and meticulously migrating from an old network to a new one, telcos can minimize potential disruptions that affect user experience.
The main goal is to replace the old system by completing one region at a time. Slow phasing also gives companies time to adapt their workflows, allowing them to switch to new technologies better suited to 5G. Operators often rely on migration incentives and provide clear timelines to make the transition less painful for subscribers.
3. Voice Migration
Instead of providing users with old circuit-switched networks, operators must now offer IP-based services such as VoNR and VoLTE. Even as the data traffic becomes prevalent, telcos must take steps to ensure voice services remain a core part of their offer. Most importantly, they must align their 4G and 5G all-IP architecture.
Another important aspect of transition is ensuring interoperability between 5GC and LTE. The two systems are vital for consistent call quality and handovers. Telcos introduce EPS fallback to make the process more reliable, allowing calls to switch to LTE when 5G coverage isn’t available.
4. Customer Support
When transitioning from legacy systems to 5G, operators must also pay attention to clients and their reactions. Telcos must ensure the process is as smooth as possible to maximize retention and service quality. To do so, they should be transparent about the transition, providing users with information on migration options, timelines, and potential impacts.
Straightforward, clear communication is vital for preparing clients for upcoming upgrades. Operators must do their best to showcase the advantages of transitioning into 5G and how subscribers’ businesses can benefit. Furthermore, telcos can offer customized solutions that would further improve acceptance.
5. IoT Continuity Planning
One of the main characteristics of IoT technology is a long lifecycle. Some of these devices can remain relevant and function after a decade, which puts extra pressure on operators during transition cycles. The best way to solve this issue is by introducing modules that can work across different generations of networks.
Whatever the case, telcos need to make sure users’ devices work properly during the entire migration, no matter how long it lasts. Industries can future-proof network deployment by relying on NB-IoT and LTE-M. Simplifying migration pathways and introducing flexible connectivity options reduces disruptions and increases user satisfaction.
6. Network Virtualization
Cloud solutions have completely changed how telcos approach networking. The technology allows carriers to combine legacy and modern services with a unified, comprehensive framework. Instead of relying on traditional network infrastructure, telcos can now introduce a range of virtual services while maintaining backward compatibility.
Introducing cloud-based solutions improves efficiency and effectiveness for both operators and their clients. Providers can now dynamically manage their networks and deliver customized services to users. The end results are faster feature development, faster market adaptation, and application diversification.
Business Opportunities via Transition
The process of sunsetting legacy networks gives operators numerous new opportunities. Carriers can now significantly reduce their operational costs while improving service quality. Furthermore, operators don’t even have to retire their old infrastructure. Among other things, 5G creates new revenue streams, allowing operators to diversify.