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5G technology is already becoming a reality around the world. Continue reading and learn about its particularities and how it will affect communications.
Twenty years ago, having a cell phone with a colour screen was state of the art for users. However, today we have come a long way: from browsing the internet on our cell phones to accessing hundreds of apps, streaming, and even real mobile work platforms. Now we are close to crossing another barrier and finding connectivity never seen before: 5G technology.
The Fifth Generation of mobile internet is not only an evolution that we have all been waiting for, but it is also a new paradigm that promises to enable trends that we have heard about for years, such as IoT, smart cities, autonomous cars, unprecedented connection speeds, etc. But how much do people know about 5G technology, and how much will it impact communications and your business? That is the question to answer!
What is 5G technology?
5G is the latest generation mobile internet network, and its main differentials are its high speed, low latency and the greater possibility of connecting devices to the same antenna.
This means that we can expect a connection up to 100 times faster than that offered by 4G (going from 33 Mbps to 10 Gbps, with peaks of up to 20 Gbps), a much lower delay (that little delay between when your action is performed in Internet point A and reaches point B) and the possibility of offering thousands of simultaneous connections on the same network.
That is why it is said that 5G is not just a simple “improvement” over the previous generation of mobile connectivity. Its Appearance will not only focus on increasing the speed and capacity of data transmission but will also open up possibilities for the creation of innovative and unprecedented applications (e.g. autonomous cars, much more precise remote surgery, IoT and the management of industries outside of the standards we know).
By the way, do you remember the metaverse? The 5G network could be essential to go from saying to doing, integrating the metaverse into people’s daily lives in a meaningful way.
This technology is already a reality in South Korea, some regions of the United States, China, India and more than 56 countries. It is predicted that by 2025, one billion users will be connected to the 5G network.
What are the main benefits of 5G?
Faster connections are possibly the most well-known benefit of this new technology. The speed of up to 10 Gbps will allow for much faster and better quality interactions, games, downloads and streaming.
- Less energy consumption: according to the criteria established by the GSMA – an international organization that brings together radio, internet and mobile phone operators – 5G networks will have to consume less energy than 4G. The forecast is that they consume up to 90% less.
- Lower latency: which, in other words, means more “real-time” communications. This reduction in response time, from device to device, will allow for more efficient communications and remote work. Additionally, significant advances in telehealth are predicted because of this critical benefit.
- More stability: the premise of 5G is based on being more stable than previous generations of mobile connections. Thus, with a more stable Internet, there is also more excellent reliability in data transmission and even stronger interaction possibilities, such as 3D activations and augmented reality.
- More significant data processing: with 5G, companies will be able to deal with massive volumes of data and, with this, use cloud computing to segment and process them in a much more efficient way. This will bring drastic changes in communication strategies and commercial knowledge.
- More devices connected to a network: the expectation is that it will be possible to have up to 100 times more devices connected to the same antenna concerning 4G, allowing much more connectivity in cities and a more homogeneous experience for all. That is, autonomous cars, wearables, and mobile phones will not have to compete for the connection.
What changes can 5G bring to communication?
While we can imagine some of how the rapid deployment of 5G will improve communication and data sharing, we have yet to discover its true potential.” Nina Knezevic, Director of Telecom Solutions
One of the great promises of 5G is its ability to transmit much larger volumes of data through mobile devices at a much higher speed than we know. With this, we can expect the collection and use of data by companies to be even higher than it is today. This could be used to further personalize communications, given increased geolocation and real-time activities as communications triggers.
This high network availability can also allow A2P messages to be sent and received with very low latency and higher deliverability, increasing reliability in communications between businesses and users.
The trend is towards more interactive communication
Furthermore, this low latency data transmission will enable new possibilities for Augmented Reality, 3D and Virtual Realities, whether in the real world or the metaverse. Just close your eyes and visualize holograms, virtual assistants in the store, and even more realistic and interactive brand activations…
Additionally, the forms of communication we already know can benefit greatly, improving their capabilities. For example, RCS messages that use interactive media like videos, photos, and locations can become even more ubiquitous and faster. It will allow for more exciting and attractive communications and offers for users.
The implications that the 5G network will have on the implementation and scope of the Internet of Things (IoT) could also mean a change in communication between companies and their users. With more connectivity, voice applications and usage-based recommendations can become even more common and create more unified and assertive experiences.
An example would be concerning intelligent home appliances: more connectivity and data exchange would allow greater integration between different home appliances and with shopping sites. Have you ever thought about coming home and having your fridge separate your evening meal along with all the preparation guidelines while the oven is already preheating and the order with the missing ingredients is already on its way to your address? The possibilities are endless!
How to prepare for 5G?
The first step is to think about the digital transformation process of companies. The more digitized brands are, the greater their capacity and speed of adaptation to 5G technology once it is present in all cities and countries worldwide.
With the implementation in cities and the popularization of networks, it will be necessary to change some equipment, such as routers, cell phones, and notebooks. Therefore, it is vital to reserve a part of the budget for these changes from 2022-2023. In addition, with the great potential for data processing that the new generation of mobile technology will bring, it is essential to have data management and processing solutions. Another critical step is to closely monitor the actions of companies positioned in countries where this technology is more advanced. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
