Five applications for 5G in smart cities

The utility of 5G+ in smart cities

Digital technologies such as AI, Big Data, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming how cities operate. For smart cities to thrive, reliable and fast internet is crucial. Key areas like transportation are shifting toward service-based models, like "Cars as a Service" (CaaS), enabling autonomous driving and better traffic management.

The term "5G+" refers to the evolution of 5G technology. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless mobile telecommunications, designed to significantly enhance data speeds and introduce new technologies like beamforming and full duplex communication. Unlike previous generations, 5G aims to revolutionise industries with targeted data flows and increased capacity.

5G uses high-frequency spectrum (mmWave) for faster data processing, but this comes with challenges like reduced signal range and sensitivity to obstructions. To address this, dense networks of “small cells” need to be deployed, which is a shift from traditional large cell towers.

5G+ enhances services like industrial automation, virtual reality (VR), healthcare, and energy-efficient network management. Cloud VR, for instance, is becoming more accessible, offering immersive experiences without the need for expensive hardware.

Industry 4.0 focuses on automating production using cyber-physical systems. There are now initiatives to explore the potential of 5G to enhance industrial operations such as robotics, predictive maintenance, and logistics. Despite challenges, 5G could revolutionise motion control in industrial settings, and paving the way for advanced 6G applications.

What are five applications for 5G in smart cities ?

1. Vehicle connectivity

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication is crucial for the future of transportation. With advancements in 5G, cars can now communicate with each other (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), and pedestrians (V2P). This technology enables safer and more efficient travel, with the goal of reducing latency and improving data transmission.

2. The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT)

IoRT combines IoT and robotics, allowing robots to access real-time data for better decision-making. This integration enables more efficient automation, with applications in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. IoRT also leverages AI and machine learning for enhanced processing and control.

3. Healthcare and IoT

The demand for remote healthcare is growing with ageing populations. IoT devices enable continuous monitoring and real-time data analysis. As networks evolve, edge computing and cloud technology play a vital role in delivering timely and secure healthcare services.

4. Device-to-Device communication

5G networks rely heavily on device-to-device (D2D) communication. This allows direct interaction between devices, improving efficiency and reducing latency. The use of intelligent agents and machine learning is critical for managing interference, power regulation, and other communication challenges.

5. Internet of Vehicles (IoV)

The IoV concept connects vehicles with each other and surrounding infrastructure. Initially, unlicensed communication methods like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi were used, but newer technologies like DSRC and LTE-V have emerged. These advancements allow vehicles to exchange safety information and enhance road safety through low-latency communication.

What are barriers to deployment of 5G infrastructure?

Small cells vs. traditional towers. While 4G networks relied on large cell towers covering wide areas (up to 25 km²), 5G requires small cells that cover only about 3 km², demanding a much denser network. This change impacts urban planning, as seen in cities like Sydney and Melbourne in Australia where small cells are being integrated.

Urban planning and aesthetics. The deployment of small cells raises concerns about urban aesthetics and the management of public spaces. Municipalities are increasingly involved in discussions with telecom carriers to balance deployment needs with urban planning objectives.

Countries like Japan, South Korea, and China have taken aggressive approaches to 5G deployment. For instance, Japan streamlined regulatory requirements, while South Korea offered tax incentives to promote rapid installation. In the U.S., the the 5G FAST Plan was introduced, reducing barriers for small cell deployment, though this faced legal challenges from local governments. In Australia, the Telecommunications Act and related policies allow for the installation of low-impact infrastructure, such as small cells, without requiring local planning approval. However, municipalities still engage in consultations to manage the deployment process and address local concerns.

Local government strategies

Concerns from municipalities about the rapid deployment of small cells frequently references past experiences where telecom companies neglected urban planning needs. Issues like abandoned 2G, 3G, and 4G infrastructure contribute to these worries. In response, some local governments are exploring new approaches such as 'smart pole' installations and network-sharing partnerships. These strategies aim to enhance collaboration between telecom providers and municipalities while maintaining urban aesthetics.

Conclusion

5G technology is a game changer for smart cities, connecting various sectors and enhancing urban life. In transportation, 5G’s vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication enables cars to interact with each other, infrastructure, and pedestrians, leading to safer and more efficient travel. The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) brings smarter automation to industries like healthcare and manufacturing by integrating real-time data and AI-powered decision-making.

Healthcare services also benefit from 5G, as IoT devices allow continuous monitoring and timely care through secure, low-latency networks. Direct device-to-device (D2D) communication boosts efficiency and reliability across smart city systems, leveraging intelligent agents for quick data exchange. Lastly, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) connects vehicles with surrounding infrastructure to improve road safety and traffic management through real-time communication.

All of these advancements illustrate how 5G can enable smarter urban environments, however the shift to small cells for 5G represents a significant change in telecommunications infrastructure. This has sparked debates on urban planning, regulatory frameworks, and the balance between rapid deployment and maintaining urban amenity. A number of local governments around the world are currently working through the challenges of managing 5G infrastructure in urban environments. It would be worthwhile undertaking further investigation of these examples to find the lessons learnt.

References

Meese, J., Hegarty, K., Wilken, R., Yang, F., & Middleton, C. (2024). 5G and urban amenity: regulatory trends and local government responses around small cell deployment. Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance.

Singh, P. R., Singh, V. K., Yadav, R., & Chaurasia, S. N. (2023). 6G networks for artificial intelligence-enabled smart cities applications: A scoping review. Telematics and Informatics Reports, 9, 100044.