Why 5G Coverage Matters for North East India
As India moves towards 5G deployment, understanding the challenges and successes in other regions can provide valuable insights. A recent road trip test of 5G coverage by three major US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T) reveals crucial factors affecting network performance, which could be relevant for Indian operators as well.
Rigorous Testing and Comprehensive Data
To test 5G coverage, Adam Doud, a contributing writer for ZDNET, conducted a 13-hour road trip across central Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee using three Google Pixel 10 Pros with eSIMs from each carrier. The phones were attached to a 2x4 pine board, powered by an Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station. An app called nPerf, designed to measure connectivity, was used to collect over 120,000 data points during the journey.
Coverage and Speed: Key Performance Indicators
Speeds were generally excellent for all carriers, with only a few instances where they reached single-digit speeds. However, signal reliability was found to be a crucial factor. T-Mobile emerged as the surprise winner, boasting the most extensive 5G coverage, both in Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) modes, with a coverage rate of 96.2%. AT&T and Verizon's 5G coverage was decent but not particularly impressive.
Network Architecture: A Factor in Deployment
One surprising finding was that only T-Mobile managed any connectivity with a non-standalone (NSA) configuration. NSA networks are faster and cheaper to set up, relying on existing 4G architecture. However, SA 5G is considered the long-term solution, offering lower latency, especially in gaming and remote control applications.
Implications for North East India and Broader India
As India moves towards 5G deployment, understanding the trade-offs between cost, speed, and coverage will be crucial. The findings from this US road trip test suggest that a balanced approach, focusing on both NSA and SA 5G networks, could lead to more extensive coverage and better overall performance. Additionally, prioritizing areas with high traffic, such as interstates and major cities, could help improve network reliability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of 5G in India
The rollout of 5G in India is still in its early stages. The insights gained from this US road trip test can provide valuable guidance for Indian operators as they continue to build out their 5G networks. By focusing on comprehensive testing, prioritizing coverage and reliability, and adopting a balanced approach to network architecture, India can ensure a successful and sustainable 5G deployment.