Emerging India is gearing up for a revolutionary transition to 5G services. This crucial leap demands existing radio towers to connect via optical-fibre cables for creating the necessary infrastructure.
Understanding Optical Fibre
Serving as the backbone of today’s digital infrastructure, optical fibre is responsible for transmitting data via light pulses through long strands of thin fibre. The preference for metal wires in optical fibre communication stems from the fact that they enable signals to travel with minimal damage. These fibres operate on the principle of total internal reflection (TIR), bending light rays inward when a bend occurs.
Advantages of Optical Fibre
Several benefits accrue from fiberisation. It increases bandwidth and enhances performance up to 10 Gbps and beyond, previously impossible with copper. Along with providing more information with superior efficiency, it also assures minimal loss of signal during transmission due to the use of light for data movement. It stands out for its immunity to noise and electromagnetic interference and is unaffected by many environmental factors that affect copper cables.
The Concept of Fiberisation
Fiberisation refers to the process of connecting radio towers using optical fibre cables, resulting in better coverage for consumers and businesses. The backhaul, a critical component of the larger transport network, carries data across the network.
Challenges to Fiberisation
Achieving optimal fiberisation in India requires significant resources; an estimated Rs. 2.2 lakh crore is needed for 70% tower fiberisation. Government programs like BharatNet and Smart Cities add to the demand for fibre deployment, necessitating complete tower fiberisation. Speed of cable laying is another challenge, as it must meet the ambitious target of connecting every village with optic fibre cable in 1,000 days.
Status of Fiberisation in India
India’s transition to 5G requires a substantial increase in fibre, as estimated by STL. The current optic fibre cable connectivity covers only 30% of India’s telecom towers. Indian optic fibre cable consumption is predicted to increase substantially by 2026, but still lags behind other majors like Japan, the U.S., and China.
The Role of Satellite Communication in 5G Deployment
Satellite communication can aid 5G deployment by providing high-capacity backhaul connectivity to servers over large areas. It assures 5G broadband delivery in underserved regions where terrestrial infrastructure deployment is impractical. Additionally, it supports over-the-air software updates for connected cars worldwide.
Future Indicators – The Way Forward
Introduction of a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme could boost domestic manufacturing of optical fibre by rewarding companies for incremental sales from domestically manufactured optic fibre. GatiShakti Sanchar, an online portal, could facilitate Right to Way (RoW) approvals for telecom infrastructure projects, aiding the smooth rollout of 5G. The recently revised RoW rules aim at simplifying the installation of aerial optical fibre cables in the country, enabling faster and easier deployment of infrastructure for 5G services. In conclusion, while the future of fiberisation looks promising, it hinges on several factors, which if addressed, could bring about significant positive changes.
