5G: Revolution or Evolution?

Prior to the unveiling of the first iPhone back in 2007, mobile phones were solely designed for communications. Soon after smartphones were introduced, the application of mobile phones expanded to include global connectivity through the internet. For the majority of carriers, 4G transmits data at around 1.5 Megabytes (MB) per second which is a significant improvement over 3G which transmitted data at speeds of around 0.20 Megabytes (MB) per second. It is good to note that these values are the actual values observed when using your phone on a normal day as opposed to the peak values cited when discussing about wireless broadband networks. The shift from 3G to 4G is the main reason people now prefer to use mobile gadgets to access the web as opposed to other conventional devices like desktop computers. Integration of key sensors in smartphones and tablets has led to these gadgets begin used for more than just talking, texting and simple browsing.

The norm for many years was to switch off cellular data when using data intensive application and instead use Wi-Fi. This has changed in recent times as cellular data download speeds are significantly boosted - especially in public places - when you turn your Wi-Fi off. Desktop computers are already being gradually faced out and replaced by laptop computers that are connected to the internet by modems issued by internet service providers. (ISP’s). Currently, due to the tremendous proliferation of mobile gadgets, there is a significant division on how the internet is accessed. In general, when you are at home, at work, in a store or in a public place, you access the internet via a wireless network that is linked to a wire-line which can either be an internet or fiber cable.

5G speeds are expected to hit 1 Gigabyte (GB) per second. Just like 4G was implemented over the past decade, 5G is expected to be rolled over or implemented over the next one. The transition is expected to have a huge impact because most wireless carrier speeds have stagnated in recent years. Most wireless carriers offer data speeds of around 2 to 5 MB/s which is relatively good but are nothing in comparison to the speeds that 5G will offer. Faster speeds are not the only benefit of 5G as this new technology also has improved coverage inside buildings through enhanced penetration, consumes less power and greatly reduces latency. To sum it up, It is clear that 5G was not invented to just be faster than 4G; it was invented partly to replace use of ISP’s and Wi-Fi networks in as many application areas as possible. There is a high likelihood that a decade from now, mobile gadgets like smartphones and tablets as well as laptops, smart TV’s and other internet-enabled gadgets will connect to the internet through wireless carriers most of the time.

The soon to be attained supremacy of 5G is no surprise and the main justification for this is the existence of the internet of things (IoT). Over the past few years, the IOT has expanded tremendously, first with the domestic security sector and then later into the home heating, home lighting and home entertainment sectors. Products such as smart power outlets and smart security locks have been gradually integrated into a majority of construction projects even as smart appliances like ovens, coffee makers and refrigerators etc., have begun to make their way into modern homes. After years of speculation, the IoT is finally beginning to take shape and 5G will be there when it fully does. As highlighted above, earlier wireless networks were designed simple communication and connectivity in mind. 3G and 4G have allowed us to connect to the internet while 5G is expected to add connecting to the IoT.

You should not forget that it was 3G and 4G that led to the smartphone explosion that we see today. 5G ability to connect with the IoT is bound to lead to the invention of mobile gadgets with improved functionality. Think of cars that have smart displays integrated into their windshields that show all kinds of information from nearby restaurants to empty parking spaces to traffic conditions on roads within a 4 block radius. information your car acquired from numerous sensors located throughout the city connected via 5G. Think of smart glasses that provide with you will exclusive information on different properties listed for sale. 

Today, we are connected to the internet but tomorrow, we will be immersed in it.