Top 5 Benefits and Obstacles of 5G

Posted on: March 18, 2019

Get ready for the fifth-generation cellular networks – 5G for short – in 2019. This new era is expected to be a game-changer in the home and mobile connectivity for consumers and businesses. Carriers and mobile providers have already started deploying 5G networks in different cities and are expected to expand the locations throughout the year with it being commercially available globally by 2020.

For a quick refresher, 5G is the fifth generation of cellular networking based on the set of standards laid out by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AND THE 3GPP. In a nutshell, 5G will involve higher frequency bands to support higher speeds, less latency, and more devices and is expected to be superior to its predecessor, 4G and 3G.

Cellular carriers Verizon and AT&T are leading the 5G implementation in the United States and have widely publicized the benefits.

5 Key Benefits of 5G

1. More bandwidth means faster speeds – Faster speeds is the most widely publicized benefit of 5G integration. 5G is expected to have a data rate of 100 megabits per second and in the tens of megabits when there are tens of thousands of people using it. 5G will have greater efficiency, signaling efficiency and coverage compared to its predecessor – 4G. This means, when you download a video, it will take seconds compared to minutes.
2. No lag. – Low latency, is also a major benefit. Currently, issuing a command on a smartphone doesn’t have an immediate response. The industry expectation for 5G latency is less than five milliseconds. 5G is also designed to deliver signals more reliably than earlier cellular networks.
3. New tech options may become available on 5G Network – Industries such as retail, healthcare, financial services, transportation, manufacturing etc., will be impacted with the implementation of 5G. It will also affect new technologies such as virtual reality, self-driving cars and the Internet of Thing (IoT). When you can do more faster and more reliable, new offerings can be developed.
4. Massive device connectivity and bandwidth – Another major benefit of 5G networks is the capability to handle and manage multiple device connectivity. AT&T predicts more than 30 billion devices will be connected to networks globally by 2020.
5. Better capacity and coverage – More connection points in smaller areas will improve capacity, which could mean a better customer experience for business.  Verizon estimates 78% of businesses plan to use 5G to help improve efficiency.

Sounds great, right? Not so fast. There are a few hurdles both the carriers and consumers will need to overcome before 2020.

5 Obstacles Facing 5G

1. Slow rollouts – Currently, 5G is only available in certain cities within the United States. The list is growing, but it could be a while before it comes to your city.
2. Short-range technology – The estimated range of a 5G tower is a third of a mile compared to that of a 4G tower. What that means is 5G will require more towers. The good news is, these aren’t going to be as big as the older ones used for 3G and 4G.
3. Susceptible to interruptions – With the shorter range of a tower, there may be issues with signals getting through walls, signs, bad weather and other interfering objects.
4. Expensive – Setting up 5G will be expensive. If you want 5G, you will most likely have to pay more for the service from your network provider.
5. Limited devices – On top of paying more for 5G signal, you will most likely have to pay for a new device that enables 5G. In 2019, most phones don’t have the capability to support 5G. New devices are currently being developed, but they are expected to be more expensive than a device that supports 4G only.

Ultimately, the mobile network landscape is rapidly changing, and it’s difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest in mobile technology. Our technology experts and advisors at Converged Communication Systems can guide you and provide you a better understanding of what a 5G networking solution could do for your business. Learn more by calling our experts at 877-598-3999 or emailing sales@convergedsystems.com.

References: Transforming the Future with 5G, AT&T

5G It’s history in the making, Verizon

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a 5G Network, What’s a G?

What is 5G here’s What you Need to Know About the New Network, The New York Times

Could 5G Have Trouble Penetrating Buildings? Forbes

Filed under: Technology News by ccsmarketing
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