5G: An Internet like Greased Lightning
We are a species built around speed. In fact, the need for speed is built into our DNA. Millions of years ago, faster runners escaped predators and lived to pass those genes on to future generations.
Today that appetite for speed is seen in automobiles, airplanes, trains, and motorcycles, In our daily lives, from faster meals, cleaning products, sports, even speed dating. And then there’s electronics. From primitive dial-up to today’s 4G, businesses and private users are constantly demanding ever quicker response times – and the industry is responding.
A much-hyped network upgrade called "5G" is on the horizon.
What Is 5G?
5G networks will ideally be better able to handle more users, more sensors and more traffic.
5G is a new technical standard for wireless networks – the fifth, naturally – that promises faster speeds; less lag when connecting to the network; plus, the ability to connect many devices to the internet without bogging it down. 5G networks will ideally be better able to handle more users, more sensors and more traffic.
Wireless providers will invest $275 billion in 5G-related networks in the U.S., according to CTIA, an industry trade group.
Wireless companies have been getting ready. They've been revamping their network equipment, buying up chunks of radio spectrum for carrying 5G signals, and installing new 5G antennas on cellphone towers, utility poles and streetlights. Wireless providers will invest $275 billion in 5G-related networks in the U.S., according to CTIA, an industry trade group.
Ultra-High Frequency and Intensity
5G uses what are called millimeter waves (MMW), radio signals having frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. These higher-frequency bands have a much greater capacity than 4G, and are up to 15 times more intense.
What Will Those Faster Times Accomplish?
Industry groups say it will promote smart cities by connecting sensor networks that could manage traffic and quickly identify streetlight outages. 5G could connect self-driving cars and fuel new applications in virtual and augmented reality. Its high-speed connections could enable better remote surgery and other telemedicine, help companies automate their factories and offer businesses dedicated high-speed internet lanes.
To industry proponents, it's the next huge innovation in wireless internet.
A network upgrade called "5G" means different things to different people. To industry proponents, it's the next huge innovation in wireless internet. Worker efficiency will increase and reliable communication tools will be readily available for companies that depend on remote workers. To the U.S. government, it's the technology backbone of a future that America will wrestle with China to control.
To most of us, though, it’ll mean life in the fast lane. Streaming 4K movies without buffering. Virtually zero lag in HD video chat. Multi-player gaming on the go. Downloads in seconds. More than enough bandwidth for every connected device in your home. And that’s just the start
When Will It Be Available?
A true U.S. mobile rollout was started this year. It will take several years to go national, and even then, many rural areas of the country will not be covered by the technology that promises the highest data speeds and capacities.
Don't worry, because even when 5G turns on, you can keep using 4G phones, just not at 5G speeds.
Once the network is ready, you'll need a 5G-enabled phone to connect to it. 5G phones will most likely be more expensive than current 4G phones. Don't worry, because even when 5G turns on, you can keep using 4G phones, just not at 5G speeds.
The U.S. Federal Government's Position
They have deployed a small army of lobbyists working state legislatures to pass laws that restrict local oversight of 5G. Wireless companies are also lobbying the U.S. Congress, which is considering several bills on the issue.
The telecommunications companies are pushing to build the 5G systems as quickly as possible. They have deployed a small army of lobbyists working state legislatures to pass laws that restrict local oversight of 5G. Wireless companies are also lobbying the U.S. Congress, which is considering several bills on the issue.
In 2018, F.C.C. commissioner Brendan Carr announced a plan to streamline the environmental review process for 5G infrastructure, claiming it could cut costs for the telecommunications companies by as much as 80%. 5G just might change the world as much as the internet we now use did several decades ago!
Tools:
Creator of the popular Speedtest tool for mobile and home internet connections, Ookla has launched their new interactive 5G Map. The Ookla 5G Map tracks 5G rollouts in cities across the globe. Updates weekly.