The growing consumption of mobile data, which is expected to increase by 260% by 2028, makes it imperative to find solutions to increase bandwidth. It is estimated that in the near future average monthly consumption for a single smartphone will reach 46 gigs and 80% will be due to video contents. Implementing dedicated connectivity infrastructures and making them cheaper, as well as more accessible, is a primary necessity.

MILLIMETRE WAVES WILL COMPLETE 5G 

Fifth-generation mobile telephony, the 5G, has not expressed its full potential and is not ready to be overtaken by 6G. This is highlighted by the worldwide introduction, starting in 2023, of millimetre wave (mmWave), i.e. higher spectrum bands in the 24 gigahertz (GHz) range and above, which would make this solution powerful and comprehensive by expanding network capacity and providing broad speed support.

This type of wave covers smaller areas than the frequencies currently applied to 5G, but offers maximum performance with higher connection density and, combined with the other frequencies, can cost-effectively cover demand in crowded areas.

So, thanks to its ability to handle so many connections at once and its upload efficiency, millimetre waves are to all intents and purposes one of the most strategic options for extending and improving connections not only in urban environments, but in places that involve systematic crowding, such as stadiums, stations, airports or subways, shopping centres and concert areas.

In European countries, where the most widely used infrastructures are still 4G, the implementation of frequencies is taking place very gradually: the spectrum of the 26 GHz band (n258) has only been licensed in Italy and 14 other states, including Spain, Greece and Germany. During this year, it will be the turn of Austria, the United Kingdom (outdoor) and Norway. While from 2024 France, the Netherlands and the others will comply.

And while 5G devices with mmWave support such as smartphones, PCs, hotspots, sensors and telecommunication units are already available on the market, their highcost places them in narrow market segments, but they are expected to become broader as the infrastructure spreads and prices drop.

POLICIES FOR FREER AND CHEAPER CONNECTIONS 

The European Commission is implementing policies that aim to build more efficient, faster and available internet networks for all, while reducing bureaucracy and costs for users.

In this context, fibre is seen as an effective means of providing citizens with faster connections and at the same time allowing operators to deploy networks more quickly through simplified, digitised and less costly procedures.

In order to accelerate the deployment of next-generation networks, the European Commission has presented draft recommendations to guide national authorities about the access to telecommunications networks by operators with significant market power.

In order to explore the future of the connectivity sector and its infrastructures, the European Commission has launched a 12-week exploratory consultation. The purpose is to collect views about how future developments and requirements will be influenced by the increasing demand for connectivity, as well as technological advances.

In order to explore the future of the connectivity sector and its infrastructures, the European Commission has launched a 12-week exploratory consultation. The purpose is to collect views about how future developments and requirements will be influenced by the increasing demand for connectivity, as well as technological advances.

But one of the most relevant news for the growth of mobile technology sector is the Gigabit infrastructure act, unveiled on 23 February, whose main aim is to offer gigabit connectivity to all EU citizens and businesses by 2030. The regulation will simplify and digitise authorisation procedures, it will improve the coordination between the operators of civil works to install ducts, masts and any other planned physical infrastructure, guaranteeing access to any interested actor in all member countries. Above all it will give a major push to fibre deployment: it requires for all new or heavily refurbished buildings to be equipped with.

THE DIGITAL FUTURE OF EUROPE

In a world where connectivity is crucial, Europe is preparing for digital transformation based on fast and secure connectivity. The development of technologies and infrastructures puts the needs of the citizen, who will increasingly need innovative and efficient services in an economic system of smart, sustainable and digital companies, back at the centre.

But in order to achieve these changes, which are not simply technological but mainly social, it is possible that telecommunications operators will have to contribute, also economically. They are those who will be the first to benefit from the new generation of connectivity infrastructures, so they are therefore seen by the European Community as indispensable partners in the digital development they are imaging.