From self-driving cars to smart farming as well as smart homes and beyond, 5G or the fifth generation of mobile network is expected to change the way people live, work and play. And Bhutanese can now look forward to reaping the benefits of the 5G technology with the service available from both telecom operators in the country. Bhutan Telecom launched the 5G commercial network today for its users in the core town areas of Thimphu, Paro and Phuentshogling.
For now, only a few models of Vivo phones support the Bhutan Telecom’s 5G network. The Company’s 5G Project Unit said negotiations are ongoing with the Apple and Samsung companies to make BT’s 5G service accessible through their mobile phones.
Following that, Apple’s iPhone 12 series and latest versions, and Samsung’s Galaxy Series and other android users will be able to access the 5G network.
“We have extensively discussed with Apple. Apple has confirmed that the company will release 5G supporting software by fall next year, which is September 2022,” said Jichen Thinley, Bhutan Telecom’s 5G Project Manager.
“Similarly, with Samsung, we are in advanced stage of discussions and we are waiting for the software. We are expecting to have the software released in the next two to three months.”
5G is reportedly the fastest wireless network ever created. It is expected to be 10 times faster than the 4G network.
“Theoretically, 5G stations can give about 1.5 Gbps. But the actual guaranteed throughput for each station would be 1.4 to 1.3 Gbps. When we say that, each station will serve the customers connected in that area and so the speed will be shared,” added Jichen Thinley.
“For LTE, today is just 200 Mbps per station. So, during peak hours, they have seen that each customer gets three to four Mbps. If we compare that, 5G is 10 times faster than 4G.”
Bhutan Telecom plans to deploy 5G networks in other parts of the country in a phased manner. The introduction of 5G network is expected to drive innovation opportunities for the businesses, industries and public sectors in the country.
Phub Gyem
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
