More digital infrastructure investment, cross-industry collaboration and digital talent in the workforce are critically needed for Thailand to ensure successful adoption of 5G technology.
Thai telecom operators have to reuse existing site resources to set up future networks, leveraging their capabilities to pave the way for 5G.
Edward Zhou, vice-president of global public affairs for Huawei Technologies, said 156 countries have released national ICT development master plans, including Singapore, China, Argentina, Colombia and Nigeria.
The adoption of 5G is a critical national agenda for many developed countries. Britain is set to spend over £1 billion (42.7 billion baht) to develop next-generation digital infrastructure, including full-fibre and 5G networks, according to UK Digital Strategy 2017.
The German government wants broadband speed to reach 50Mbps for all households this year, with all industrial campuses to be covered by fibre broadband by 2019 and fully ready for 5G deployment by 2020.
5G technology could provide up to 100 times faster data rates than 4G and create opportunities for the Internet of Things, augmented reality and virtual reality applications, smart vehicles, remote healthcare, and robotics.
According to the GSA report "5G Update: Global Market Trials", 134 operators have been involved in 5G testing or trials in 62 countries, of which 40% of the trials were in the 1-6GHz range while 60% were above 6GHz.
For Thailand, Mr Zhou said preparation for digital usage, infrastructure and digital skills are critical categories for the government and cross-sector collaborations to extract benefits from 5G.
Digital system preparation means that all enterprises should have an open mindset to embrace digital adoption and usage, as no single company can realise digitalisation on an individual level.
More investment in key technologies is needed for 5G technology, including optical networks and the cloud. A favourable regulatory environment will encourage investment and foster innovation.
Progress elsewhere
Mr Zhou said several countries have already allocated spectrum ranges for 5G adoption, including Australia and South Korea. Several countries plan to auction spectrum for 5G this year.
The communication C-band, the first frequency band allocated for commercial telecommunications via satellites, is the main range for 5G adoption.
In addition, millimetre wave bands, also known as extremely high frequency or very high frequency by the International Telecommunications Union, have been set for 5G too.
Mr Zhou said allocation of spectrum for 5G in Thailand is not an urgent item, but the country should first prepare digital systems, infrastructure development and digital skills.