The Asia-Pacific region has become a centre of 5G innovations, with China and South Korea leading as global pioneers in 5G technology. Thailand’s 5G progress has greatly benefited from the well-established 5G ecosystem in the region.
Chula Unisearch and a technology company in Thailand have partnered to launch a research project called “Exploring 5G Technology on the 6 GHz Band.” Led by the Department of Electrical Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, the study aims to investigate the real-world applications of 5G technology in the 6 GHz frequency range.
By investigating the use of 5G technology on the 6 GHz band, the research aims to shed light on its feasibility and potential in enhancing wireless communication systems. The study involves an examination of the technical aspects, performance metrics, and data transmission capabilities of the 6 GHz band. This endeavour provides valuable insights into the practical implications and benefits of deploying 5G technology within this frequency range.
Moreover, through this research initiative, Chula Unisearch and its partners aim to contribute to the broader scientific community by generating new knowledge and empirical data on utilising the 6 GHz band for 5G applications. The study’s outcomes can inform policy decisions, shape future technology standards, and pave the way for a more efficient and seamless 5G network infrastructure.
The research team conducted a comprehensive field test encompassing Outdoor to Outdoor (O2O) and Outdoor to Indoor (O2I) scenarios. The trial’s primary focus was to analyse and understand the behaviour and characteristics of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 6 GHz band and evaluate the quality of IMT data transmission. These tests were conducted in collaboration with various agencies in the Chula Sandbox area.
The study outcomes were highly satisfactory, particularly regarding outdoor usage (O2O), where a download speed exceeding 1Gbps was achieved, covering approximately 72% of the test area. It is important to note that the bandwidth used for testing was set at 80Mbps.
Additionally, even for indoor scenarios (O2I), the average download speed reached 550Mbps. These findings indicate that the 6 GHz band has the potential to support mobile services utilising 5G technology and upcoming advancements such as 5.5G.
Overall, the project is a significant milestone in exploring 5G technology and its practical implementation in Thailand. By leveraging the expertise of academic institutions, research organisations, and industry leaders, this collaborative effort strives to unlock the full potential of 5G technology and its transformative impact on various sectors, ranging from telecommunications to smart cities and beyond. The 5G networks are expected to drive the transformation towards Thailand 4.0 and provide additional advantages for the country’s economic and social progress.
The collaboration signifies a concerted effort to advance the understanding and implementation of 5G technology in Thailand. The project aligns with the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and exploring innovative solutions for enhanced connectivity and communication.
Thailand aspires to become a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia, with Prime Minister Prayut emphasising the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving the commercial development of 5G technology across all industries in the country.
The government has taken proactive steps towards promoting the adoption of 5G technology through the development of an Action Plan. Phase 1 in this plan focuses on driving economic and social development by prioritising key sectors such as industry, transportation and logistics, agriculture, tourism, finance, wholesale and retail, public health, education, and smart cities. These strategic policies aim to foster a favourable environment that encourages the growth of 5G businesses in Thailand.