Each new generation of wireless technology has brought faster, more reliable cellular and internet connections. 5G is no different and before you know it we shall be talking about 6G.
In the 1980s, first-generation technology made communication via cellphone possible. The next generation, 2G, allowed for more efficient and secure phone calls and introduced mobile text messaging. 3G ushered in the smartphone era, and 4G/LTE gave us the high-speed connections that make it possible to stream high-definition videos on our phones. Now that 5G is upon us we expect things like remote surgeries and robotics.
Key benefits of 5G
• Faster speed – Data transfer speeds are projected to be about 10 times higher with 5G than is possible with 4G. That means significantly faster transmission of images and videos. With 4G/LTE, downloading a high-definition movie might take about 10 minutes. With 5G, it should take less than a second.
• Shorter delays – Though it’s not always noticeable, there is often a brief lag in time from when data is sent to when it’s received. 5G should reduce this so-called latency, making it possible, for example, to watch high-speed virtual reality video with no delays or glitches.
• Increased connectivity – Cell towers equipped with 5G technology would have greatly increased capacity over 4G/LTE. That means more people and more devices should be able to communicate at the same time.
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Just as 2G phones couldn’t connect to 3G or 4G networks, today’s 3G and 4G/LTE phones will be unable to connect to a fifth-generation network. So experts predict you’ll need a new phone. The cost of a 5G phone is unclear, but monthly 5G service is likely to cost more than 4G/LTE service.
The availability of 5G is dependent on regions and countries. When it comes to devices Samsung and Intel debuted this technology at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where it was used to stream live VR coverage of sporting events. Now most flagship smartphones being released have the latest generation wireless technology built in by default. Here in Uganda, MTN did a 5G demo to showcase the benefits of this technology and is set to be the first telecommunication company in Uganda to lunch the new mobile wireless standard when it comes available.
