GIS-Based Site Suitability for 5G Telecommunication Towers Enhancing Mobile Network Coverage

Abstract

Wireless communications require infrastructure for network access and coverage, which is provided by telecommunication towers. These towers are essential for 4G and 5G networks, necessary for wireless communications, mobile networking, and radio broadcasting. Considering the limited adoption of 5G technologies in Malaysia, this research focuses on a spatial and suitability analysis that will evaluate existing networks based on the existing towers in Kulai, Johor, while assessing site suitability based on several criteria. This study aims to propose new potential areas for 5G towers that will accelerate the expansion of the 5G coverage in Kulai, Johor. The objectives of this study include (1) to identify the parameters for site suitability analysis for proposing a new location for 5G telecommunication towers, (2) to evaluate the current 4G and 5G mobile towers based on the location of existing telecommunication towers, and (3) to propose a new area of 5G telecommunication towers in Kulai, Johor. The scope of this study focuses on 5G telecommunication towers in the Kulai District, Johor. The methodology of this study consists of 3 phases: research formulation, data collection and processing, and analysis. The analysis employed Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (SMCA), which comprises four parameters: the locations of existing towers, the signal radius coverage of the towers, terrain, and population density. The analysis reveals that 4G infrastructure currently provides coverage to 76.7% of the study area, whereas 5G coverage is limited to only 7.9%, primarily due to its shorter signal range necessitating a denser tower network. Population density assessment indicates that urban areas generally receive partial 5G access, while rural and low-density zones remain underserved, underscoring the need for prioritised deployment in these locations. Furthermore, elevation and site suitability analyses demonstrate that flat, low-lying areas offer the most favourable conditions for future 5G tower placement, thereby supporting efficient network expansion and enhanced performance. Furthermore, the results of this study will be crucial for the deployment of 5G infrastructure and strategic planning, ensuring enhanced network availability and connectivity.