Spatial Patterns of Development of Mobile Technologies for 5G Networks

The paper deals with spatial (geographical) conditions for forthcoming 5G Mobile Technologies, especially their infrastructure at a global scale. The main assumption presents the idea that all networks, which evolved to converge together into one: internet and wireless computer networks, cellular mobile communication, radio and TV diffusion networks, constituting the infrastructure of information society are developing in the similar manner and depend on similar factors. Thus the spatial processes of these technologies should present alike spatial patterns of development, especially for expected IoT and wireless services, which are perceived as pillars of new networks usability. The main processes which let to interconnect them are related to convergence of the signal through the main gateways and interaction between users. The recognized spatial factors influencing on these processes are: the population potential, hierarchy of the cities (metropolitan urbanization) and geographical distance. These qualities are recognized and quantified in a set of models of spatial pattern development using the dedicated spatial (geographical) measures. The empirical approach involves the use of location quotients of infrastructure networks confronted with evaluated level of interaction between populated urban places applied to previous generation of mobile networks (estimated using geographical - population potential), verified by countries’ mobile penetration statistics.