A few months ago, former Digicel owner Denis O’Brien issued a caution to Caribbean nations regarding the deployment of 5G technology. He argued that there is no compelling business case for introducing 5G in the region, alluding to concerns related to equity, fairness, and the regulatory framework of the telecommunications sector. From a regional development viewpoint, I concur that deploying 5G does not seem warranted. This stance is particularly valid given the significant financial burden it places on service providers to upgrade from the existing 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) to a more sophisticated 5G network. This challenge is further compounded by the unique geographic landscape of the Caribbean, characterised by its mix of flat and mountainous terrains, which complicates the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure.
Understanding the distinctions between 4G and 5G technologies is crucial for appreciating their respective impacts whether in business operations or everyday life.
4G technology has enabled a wide array of applications, enhancing our digital experiences across different regions. It has facilitated high-definition video streaming on mobile devices, allowing us to watch live TV or community activities with clarity and with minimal interruption. Additionally, 4G has made it possible to enjoy HD content and engage in reliable video conferencing, contributing significantly to the way we communicate and work remotely. Serving as the foundation of the mobile internet era, 4G has been instrumental in the growth of social media, the rise of mobile commerce, and the provision of crucial mobile services such as Google Maps. This technology has truly transformed our access to information and our ability to stay connected with the world around us.
While the benefits of 4G have been widely recognised, there is growing curiosity about why 5G has not yet been introduced to the region, with many people eager to know when it will become available. 5G technology is anticipated to revolutionise a broad spectrum of applications, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, remote surgery, and sophisticated augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, thanks to its remarkable speed and capacity. These features are essential for applications that demand real-time data processing and instantaneous responses.
I confidently assert that the absence of 5G in the Caribbean and most parts of the world is primarily due to the lack of compelling business cases, such as those mentioned earlier, to justify the substantial investment required for deploying this advanced mobile technology. This is particularly true considering that the performance and capacity of 4G have not yet been fully exploited in the Caribbean.
The 4G service currently available offers potential download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, although real-world speeds are often significantly lower and less reliable. However, when 4G is functioning optimally, its performance can rival that of most fibre-to-the-home connections, making it suitable for real-time video gaming on mobile devices.
Some time ago, the government’s telecoms department was hesitant to approve additional cell towers, citing concerns about the current number of deployments and, let’s face it, their aesthetic impact. Given that we are a tourist destination, I wouldn’t want visitors flying over Barbados and being greeted by a landscape dotted with unsightly cell towers either. The irony lies in the fact that 5G deployment is even more complex and infrastructure intensive. It requires not only the installation of traditional cell towers but also many small cells to ensure adequate coverage and capacity, particularly in urban areas. Moreover, deploying 5G faces challenges related to the higher frequency bands it utilises, which have shorter ranges and less effective obstacle penetration compared to the lower frequency bands used by 4G.
Looking ahead, the priorities for the average Barbadian and Caribbean individual remain focused on optimising the current infrastructure. This entails minimising dropped calls, ensuring consistent internet speeds, and improving overall reliability, even if it means not reaching the theoretical maximum of 100 Mbps. Rather than solely pursuing the latest technology, the emphasis should be on enhancing the usability and reliability of existing networks to meet the immediate and foreseeable needs of the local population.
In pursuit of these objectives, stakeholders must prioritise investments in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance to optimise the performance of current networks. This may involve deploying advanced network management systems, upgrading equipment, and expanding coverage in underserved areas. Additionally, initiatives to improve customer service and technical support would not hurt either.
Ultimately, the emphasis should be on pragmatism rather than blind pursuit of technological advancement. By prioritising the enhancement of usability and reliability in existing networks, we can ensure that telecommunications services continue to meet the immediate and foreseeable needs of the local population, fostering connectivity and prosperity across the Caribbean region.
Steven Williams is the executive director of Sunisle Technology Solutions and the principal consultant at Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services. He is a former IT advisor to the Government’s Law Review Commission, focusing on the draft Cybercrime bill. He holds an MBA from the University of Durham and is certified as a chief information security officer by the EC Council and as a data protection officer by the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB). Steven can be reached at: Mobile: 246-233-0090 Email: steven@dataprivacy.bb
