5G FWA: Ministry of Communications will test new technology in schools in RN to bring internet to the classroom

O Ministry of Communications This month, tests began in three schools in Rio Grande do Norte with the aim of bringing high-speed internet to classrooms using new technology. The proposal is to evaluate whether 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) can be a viable alternative for providing broadband in schools in Brazil.

Objective: Assess feasibility and accessibility of 5G FWA

“Our objective is to evaluate whether this technology can make school connection projects more viable and accessible, in addition to reducing implementation time. In this way, it will be another option among the various alternatives we have, such as fiber optics and satellite connection, according to the location of the school,” explained Juscelino Filho, Minister of Communications.

Initial tests in the Federal District showed good results

Preliminary tests were carried out in six schools in the Federal District, between March and April this year, and showed positive results, with speeds capable of complying with the Connected Schools program. This suggests that 5G FWA can enable school connection projects and reduce implementation time compared to other technologies.

Tests with external equipment

In the first tests, 5G FWA connection equipment was installed inside schools. Now, the performance of devices installed on the outside of school buildings will be checked. The initiative is a collaboration with CPQD, Brisanet, Qualcomm, Intelbras and Beenoculos.

Partnership with CPQD and Beenoculos for better coverage

The CPQD team is responsible for implementing the network and installing the equipment in the three schools selected for testing 5G FWA technology. Beenoculos, a company specializing in virtual reality, will provide a different experience for students. A specific methodology was developed to identify the best coverage points and the distribution of Wi-Fi repeaters within each school.

1 Mbps speed per student

According to the Connected Schools program, the connection in schools must offer a minimum speed of 1 Mbps per student. Average speeds recorded in initial tests indicate that 5G FWA can meet Enec’s criteria for school connectivity. The pilot involved a total of 2,456 students across the six schools tested.