Radio access technologies for sustainable deployment of 5G networks in emerging markets

The fifth generation (5G) mobile-enabled digital transformation, which promises unprecedented high data rates and mobility, improved broadband access, and low latency in cloud services, has huge potential for alleviating poverty, ensuring universal broadband access, and making the transition to a low-carbon economy more feasible in emerging telecommunication markets. However, the operating environment of emerging economies is characterized with majority low-ARPU (Average Revenue per User) multi-SIM subscriber base, diverse settlement patterns ranging from low density rural areas to rapidly expanding ultra-dense urban informal settlements, highly unreliable power grid networks, pure mobile networks built without existing wired infrastructures and rigid regulatory frameworks that stifle business and innovations. In this paper, current research activities on key radio access technologies of 5G are reviewed to evaluate their considerations for the unique attributes and ecosystem of emerging economies. The survey includes ultra-densification of multi-tier heterogeneous networks, millimeter wave (mmWave) communications, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), spectrum sharing networks, and dynamic backhaul sharing. The contribution of this paper will ensure an inclusive implementation of the on-going 5G standardization towards achieving the envisioned 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).