5G technology has been available for several years now, and the rollout is finally set to ramp up. While the adoption of 5G began in 2019, the pandemic significantly delayed the rollout both domestically and internationally. Nevertheless, the benefits of 5G are immense, offering faster data transmission speeds and little or no latency, according to cell phone manufacturer Huawei.
Fast Data Transmission Speeds
5G is set to revolutionize the way data is transmitted, offering significantly faster data transmission speeds than its predecessor, 4G. In fact, 5G networks have the potential to offer data speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G networks, according to experts. This increased speed will enable businesses to improve efficiency, speed up decision-making, and enhance customer experiences.
Little to No Latency
Another significant benefit of 5G is that it promises little or no latency in data transfer. This will be a game-changer in developing the Internet of Things (IoT) since 5G networks can better support the influx of interconnected smart devices than 4G or Wi-Fi. As a result, more IoT career opportunities will open up for IT professionals.
IoT Opportunities
With the ramp-up of IoT devices, there will be a significant increase in IoT career opportunities. Ericsson Mobile estimates that the number of IoT devices deployed using cellular 5G connections will almost double from the end of 2022 to 2028. This growth in IoT devices will drive demand for professionals skilled in IoT architecture, security, data analytics, and more.
Business Implications
The rollout of 5G will have significant impacts on businesses of all sizes and industries. The faster data transmission speeds and little to no latency will improve supply chain management, remote work, and customer experiences. It will also enable the development of new technologies and services that were previously impossible.
The Slow Rollout
The speed of 5G is faster than 4G, yet big companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are slow to support 5G services in US cities due to various challenges. One of the challenges is the limited reach of 5G cell towers, which are often limited to less than one square mile of coverage, and signals can be easily blocked by common objects like trees and buildings. This requires many small antennae to serve more customers, which is expensive and can run into issues with local community regulations.
Municipality regulations are one of the biggest barriers to a speedy 5G rollout, as some cities have policies and procedures that are proving to be roadblocks, such as zoning policies, lengthy permitting processes, high fees, and even aesthetic concerns due to 5G hardware being installed on streetlamps and utility poles.
Testing is crucial before a 5G rollout can take place, and companies must ensure that the product or service works as advertised and provides the best experience for the customer. Most major mobile phone operators around the world have been testing 5G indoors and outdoors for a while now.
The portions of the radio spectrum that 5G networks operate on have to be licensed to network operators from regulators such as the FCC in the United States. However, before a provider can pay for a section of the spectrum, international authorities have to agree on which parts of the spectrum can be used for mobile communications.
The deployment of a brand new mobile network is expensive, and telecom companies are expected to invest as much as $275 billion into 5G infrastructure before 2025. A mobile network operator has to pay for spectrum licensing, the physical hardware used in the deployment, hiring technicians to install the necessary hardware, testing and retesting of the network, and deployment fees demanded by regulators.
Beyond 5G
6G, or sixth-generation wireless, is the successor to 5G cellular technology and is expected to offer even faster speeds and lower latency.
One of the key differences between 6G and 5G is the use of higher frequencies. 6G networks will be able to use higher frequencies than 5G networks, which will enable substantially higher capacity and much lower latency. This means that 6G networks will be capable of supporting more devices and applications than 5G networks, and will offer faster speeds and improved performance.
In addition, 6G is expected to enable new technologies and services that were previously impossible with 5G or earlier generations of cellular technology. For example, 6G networks could support holographic communication, which would enable people to communicate in real-time using 3D holographic images. This technology could have a significant impact on remote work, telemedicine, and other industries where in-person communication is important.
Despite the potential benefits of 6G, the technology is still in the early stages of development, and it will likely be several years before it is widely available. Nevertheless, companies and researchers around the world are already working on developing 6G technology, and we can expect to see significant advancements in the coming years.
6G is the next generation of cellular technology that is expected to offer even faster speeds, lower latency, and enable new technologies and services. With the ability to use higher frequencies than 5G networks, 6G networks will be capable of supporting more devices and applications, and will have a significant impact on various industries. While the technology is still in the early stages of development, it’s exciting to think about the potential benefits that 6G could offer in the near future.
