Getting ready for 5G: what’s the best way to upgrade?
The future of communication is fast. 5G systems offer transmission speeds that leave technologies of the past in the dust. But to make this available, existing infrastructure needs to be upgraded and more cell sites must be installed across cities and rural areas. It’s not only communications-related infrastructure that needs upgrading. The systems that keep it running—cooling, power supply and data centres—must be efficient in order to maximise long-term gains.
It’s no small job. With telcos footing the bill for infrastructure upgrades and additions, many have begun to ask, ‘Is it worth it?’ Along with the initial cost of upgrades, the potential operating costs for all these new systems have wary service providers raising their eyebrows.
But is there a way to make the shift to 5G while keeping operating costs under control?
Efficient infrastructure is crucial
Cheap equipment might seem attractive at first, but it comes with hidden costs. For example, a cell site without a quality power supply costs more to operate, and in the long term, those costs can completely eclipse any savings made on the initial investment.
The only way to avoid high operating costs down the track is to maximise efficiency from day one. With the need to invest in equipment upgrades and power new cell sites, the amount of energy consumed by telco infrastructure is expected to increase double in the next five years. Choosing efficient systems now is vital to the long-term viability of running 5G systems.
A new perspective for a new era
For decades, telcos have prioritised cost over efficiency. Why? Past technology meant that efficient infrastructure and systems simply weren’t worth the hassle. They were far too complicated to install, riddled with sensitive components, and expensive to operate and maintain. Plus, they were notoriously unreliable, often failing at higher rates than traditional systems.
Today, however, electricity costs have risen and telcos can no longer ignore the ongoing expenses that result from low-cost infrastructure. The arrival of 5G brings a great opportunity to do things differently.
Modern technology is able to provide a system with 98% efficiency, which is a significant upgrade on the 90%+ efficiency of traditional systems.
New technologies cut costs in the MENA region
By focusing on long-term efficiency, telcos and towercos in the MENA region are leading the way when it comes to reliable and sustainable 5G infrastructure. A huge number of cell sites are being installed and the benefits of opting for efficiency are clear to see.
For example, in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, telcos are building hundreds of brand-new cell towers. By choosing efficient infrastructure, they’re saving megabucks in future expenses. How? By minimising operating costs. When multiplied across 100 cell sites, even a relatively small power saving of 100 watts accounts for an overall daily saving of nearly 240 kilowatts.
And that’s only one of the benefits. Increased efficiency also reduces the need for cooling—which is quite a challenge in the MENA region’s warm climate. Energy that escapes from inefficient equipment becomes even more heat. This means the cooling system has to work even harder, which uses more power and incurs greater costs. Installing more efficient equipment reduces how much heat is generated in the first place, resulting in a facility that’s cheaper to cool and more sustainable.
Modern-day technologies deliver the reliability of the old systems with the added value of cutting-edge efficiency. This means telcos are able to maximise the value of their 5G systems while providing customers with fast and reliable services.
Delta delivers energy-saving solutions
Keeping operating costs in check is critical for the ongoing success of 5G systems. As an established partner of many telcos in the MENA region and around the world, Delta Electronics provides the technology needed for highly efficient 5G infrastructure. We offer a range of solutions for powering the high-speed, connected world of the future. Delta systems that are maximising efficiency for MENA-based telcos include:
- OutD cost-effective and high-density outdoor systems, suitable for any climate.
- RenE hybrid system for harnessing solar power which increases the value and performance of other power systems.
- CellD rack power system with 98% efficiency.
- ORION, which monitors and reports on-site conditions and energy use.
- A specialised cabinet designed for housing and powering 5G systems equipped with thermal cooling.
- Additional items such as advanced lithium-ion batteries and automated testing systems.
Telcos in the MENA region are already reaping the benefits of choosing efficient infrastructure from the get-go. And considering the rising costs associated with relying on inefficient systems, the decision to invest in efficiency now and save on operating costs later is a no-brainer.
Interested in finding out how Delta can help maximise efficiency for your company? Get in touch with us! With over 20 years of experience and our finger on the pulse, we have the expertise and cutting-edge technology needed to offer you reliable, cost-effective and easily integrated solutions.
