タグ: cellular networks

What is 5G Technology, and What Does it Mean to You?

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology and it promises a host of benefits and opens up a whole new world. The two big benefits of 5G for consumers will be:

  • Speeds of up to 20Gbps 
  • Low latency, or almost no lag

Consumers (i.e. mobile phone users) will get much better broadband and a much better experience. Network capacity will also be increased and the reliability of mobile communications will be enhanced.

The real benefits of 5G may be its use in the Internet of Things  (IoT) in connecting all of our devices both personally and professionally.Startling new developments in various fields are expected to occur in such areas as:

  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture
  • Transportation
  • Supply Chains

Several countries around the world are rolling out 5G networks, and these are led by China and the United States. Analysts suggest that the 5G rollout will reach its first stage of completion by 2025.

Finally, there have been issues raised concerning the safety of 5G networks, and during the COVID-19 pandemic conspiracy theorists have tried to line 5G to the virus and in some cases committed acts of vandalism against cellphone towers. Manufacturers and providers have tried to assure the public of the safety of this latest advance in technology.

5G is not here yet, but it will be soon, and the changes to commerce and society will be significant. But don’t count on the advance stopping there. Some day we will start hearing about 6G and beyond. It is only a matter of time.

Photo: Karlis Dambrans via flickr