Wireless by the Numbers: Six Exciting Changes that 5G Technology Will Bring to Consumers

5G is the new global wireless 5th generation mobile network. The world has certainly come a long way from the days of 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G. Now, the latest of these networks, 5G, is so powerful that it can connect virtually everyone and everything – including objects, machines and devices – together. 

5G wireless technology delivers high peak data speeds, increased reliability, low latency, more availability, unrivaled uniform user experience, and an amazing network capacity. Essentially, 5G connects industries in a new way and enhances user experience like never before. 

5G Will Transform Live Events

5G will improve the audience experience at live events, including everything from music festivals to sports matches. Because of 5G’s low latency, immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and 360-degree video can be used to increase audience engagement.

On-site 5G networks, such as the EE (a UK-based mobile network operator) trial at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in England, will provide dramatically increased capacity. With hundreds of thousands of smartphone users congregated in a compact area, the network capacity required is more akin to that of a large city, which is where 5G can help. The increased data rates and capabilities of 5G will enable fans to get more out of smart stadium apps – such as live-streamed replays – at music and sports events. 

More and Better Smart Devices

The IoT and smart devices market continues to grow exponentially, of course, and 5G will only help to accelerate that growth. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), which represents mobile network operators throughout the world, the number of IoT connections will grow to more than 25 billion by 2025.

5G IoT expansion could also help with at-home troubleshooting in customer service. For example, a connected device could identify a fault or the need for maintenance and notify a user before a gadget malfunctions. A sensor in a smart refrigerator, for instance, may detect low freon levels, allowing the manufacturer to dispatch a technician before a customer loses a freezer full of frozen items.

5G Will Revolutionize Shopping

Thanks to a mix of 5G and edge computing, the way people shop could change dramatically. Data processing at edge sites, which are closer to the source of the data, results in higher performance and more dependable connectivity. Retailers may leverage immersive technologies such as augmented reality to integrate the physical and digital worlds thanks to 5G’s ultra-low latency. This allows customers to digitally sample goods without having to visit a bricks and mortar store.

Meanwhile, customers who visit traditional stores will enjoy enhanced, hyper-personalized digital purchasing experiences. The emergence of low latency 5G networks will enable a wide range of digital advances, totally transforming the way people purchase goods and services.

5G Will Enhance Capacity

Lightning fast data speeds are wonderful, of course, but experts and industry executives are concerned about how 5G will help firms grow their IT investments.

5G boasts 1,000 times the capacity of 4G, laying the groundwork for IoT development. The combination of 5G and IoT is expected to revolutionize how wireless networks — and the Internet as a whole — are used. New applications and use cases for cities, factories, farms, schools and households will emerge, along with the ability to connect hundreds or thousands of devices in a seamless manner.

Consider 5G use cases involving thousands of sensors on hundreds of different machines automating supply chain management operations, assuring just-in-time delivery of commodities, and minimizing work stoppages through predictive maintenance.

Similarly, smart homes and cities will take a tremendous leap forward, thanks to 5G. Edge computing will carry Artificial intelligence (AI) to places it has never been, thanks to more connected gadgets than ever before. Essentially, 5G applications relying on increased network capacity will affect practically everyone, from companies that make tailored energy-saving tips as well as traffic lights that modify their patterns based on traffic flow.

5G Will Impact Defense and Healthcare

The benefits of 5G in terms of safety also apply to the defense industry, which requires reliable wireless connectivity between devices to keep workers safe in dangerous environments.

In healthcare, 5G can enable remote care, such as physician visits and even remote surgery. This would be especially advantageous in areas where doctors are in short supply.

Overall, 5G improves technical performance and allows industries to create new use cases and business models. As 5G becomes more prevalent and widely utilized in both corporate and consumer domains, many are looking forward to seeing even more advancements.

Increase in Speeds

With the rollout of 5G, there will be an unprecedented increase in network connectivity speeds. This basically means that the 5G internet works faster than any network before it. In fact, this network is so powerful that it is being touted as an ideal replacement for a fiber network. With a 5G network, even rural areas will have access to super broadband that is essentially similar to fiber in terms of speed and reliability.

And then there is the ability for users to enjoy lightning fast download speeds with a 5G network, since it can transfer very large files to the fixed network. This will allow for huge downloads on mobile devices.

The Move From 4G to 5G

5G’s improved bandwidth, latency, stability, connection density, and security are all essential elements when it comes to the growing migration to remote working and greater reliance on online services. Although consumers are aware of 5G, their desire to upgrade is limited. While telecom providers should emphasize how they can support new business service offerings, they should also emphasize 5G’s benefits, use cases, business models and income prospects.


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