A competitive landscape, where the sharing of resources is encouraged, needs to underpin a sustainable and efficient fifth-generation (5G) network, according to a panel at the Telkom-hosted Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference.

As 5G connectivity is considered a catalyst for innovation, it will facilitate an exponential increase in opportunities for new data, new designs and new technologies that will unlock economic growth and development.

By 2030, it is expected that 90% of the South African population will be covered by fourth-generation or 5G networks, with significant investment by telecommunications groups into the new generation network offering.

However, owing to current competition policies and regulations, operators each need to invest in their own 5G network infrastructure.

“In the race to deploy this next-generation solution, we have found that industry players have invested in new infrastructure in areas where it already existed, leading to overservicing,” explained Southern Africa Telecommunications Association executive secretary and CEO Jacob Munodawafa.

Telkom Group pricing and competition regulation executive Liza Zouabi added that 5G cannot be considered in the same way as other technological advancements.

“While diversification of services is important for the consumer, it makes sense to invest in greater consolidation between industry players on an operational level, so that we can improve efficiencies for the market as a whole.”

The opportunities offered by 5G services will likely be determined by its affordability and reliability.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we allowed operators to share the much-needed spectrum so they could deploy their 5G networks. With the right policies in place, we could again authorise passive and active infrastructure sharing for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Independent Communications Authority of South Africa acting chairperson Dr Charley Lewis says, noting the authority’s duty is to manage the sector in an inclusive and sustainable way.