In recent times, fast-paced innovations in global network connectivity have driven businesses to continuously adapt their tech. From the explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT) dominating our communication and surveillance, to a rise in AI and automation, it’s difficult to count our amassed technologies. But there is always a platform which instigates this next level of connectivity. So, as we’ve rapidly transitioned through the tech of the 2020s, a new generation of mobile network has emerged: 5G.
Although it may sound cliché, 5G stands at the forefront of everything which is to come. And despite its introduction just over five years ago, it is still being rolled out across the UK for maximum access. The speed of delivery, connectivity, efficiency, amongst many other factors is greater than has ever been experienced in UK mobile networks. Its potential has so far been limited to the convenience of personal use, but we believe its benefits should be harnessed by businesses too.
Oftentimes, you may feel as though there isn’t enough time for a proper introduction to the newest technology before the next one arrives. However, this is simply not the case with 5G. This platform sets the tone for the next decade of wireless connectivity and marks a pivotal moment of tech innovation.
So, in this article we explore the fundamentals of 5G and compare its heightened capabilities with 4G. Here you will discover the potential of 5G in revolutionising your business IT.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular network, offering faster and improved services. With the newest wireless technology, large cell towers transmit radio wave signals to devices at a much higher frequency. So, compared to previous generations (1G to 4G), this new network has the lowest latency. This means the time taken for data to travel has massively reduced, allowing seamless connection, faster downloads, and reliable internet access on your devices.
How is 5G different to 4G and earlier generation networks?
Expected to go where 4G cannot, 5G is spawning the next generation of smart devices and newer applications. Faster, bigger and better are just some of the words that defined 4G, while ultra-high capacity, ultra-fast and ultra-reliability defines 5G.
Below we delve deeper into the unique capabilities of 5G wireless technology:
Record breaking speeds
Trials carried out in Florida by Ericsson, Verizon and Qualcomm have already yielded a breath-taking speed of 953 megabits per second (mbps). 4G LTE Advanced delivers anywhere between 30 to 50 mbps and goes up to a maximum of 150 mbps. Therefore, in theory 5G can be 10 to 100 times faster than 4G, averaging a speed of 450 mbps. According to OfCom, the real world 5G would deliver between 10 and 50 gigabits per second (Gbps).
These lightning-fast speeds delivers seamlessness and convenience to daily business tasks. Uploading high-definition video, downloading large files, and using complex applications is easier and quicker than ever before. Plus, you can access resources with virtually no delay, helping businesses consume and share vast amounts of data efficiently.
5G is not only limited to mobile data transmission. Its powerful communication can also feed bandwidth-hungry devices and applications. 5G can support several devices simultaneously, providing constant strong internet access with zero network congestion. This proves particularly advantageous if your business has multiple devices in use at one time in the office. Furthermore, this new generation’s improved technology means you won’t be compromising on bandwidth quality.
Ericsson’s end of 2023 report claimed that 20% of global mobile subscriptions were 5G. Currently, this amounts to a staggering 1.6 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide, with SellCell estimating 4.6 billion 5G subscriptions in the year 2028.
More networked devices
5G will also result in phenomenal rise in usage of internet data. As of 2023, the average mobile data usage was 21GB per device, per month. Ericsson expect this figure to rise to 56GB per month by 2029. This projected higher consumption is linked to a rise in VR and AR related games and applications.
In 2022, approximately 93% of the population used mobile data for internet access. Since, these figures have only continued climbing with the influx in IoT devices. As a result, the number of networked devices is estimated to double between 2022 and 2028. These devices span anything from wearable tech, to connected car systems, and office surveillance monitors.
5G is contributing to the rise in VR and AR
As Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are now seen as the future of the digital era, mobile phones are expected to transform into AR or VR devices as well. In fact, growth of AR and VR spending in the UK is set to reach £62.5 billion in 2030.
This is where 5G enters. The newest 5G speeds meet the increased bandwidth and reduced latency for these devices. A speed between 300 mbps and 600 mbps is required to provide a consistently high-quality VR and AR experience. And as we’ve discussed, this can only be achieved by 5G.
Having a single network that can effectively support IoT devices and provide data to mobiles is a great benefit to businesses. Leveraging one single network enables more control and management, especially in larger organisations.
The data transfer capabilities of 5G also means that larger corporations can employ AI, machine learning and other advanced technologies. This can improve various areas of business services, for example, by enhancing consumer experiences. In online retail, virtual dressing rooms can bring aspects of the in-store browsing experience. 5G can support and deploy these systems more widely, by providing rapid and responsive connectivity.
Connecting IoT is a major application of 5G. Recent demonstrations exemplify how 5G can help doctors carry out skilled surgical procedures or monitor pregnancy remotely. This can be a gamechanger for not only the health sector, but in many industries to help stay connected.
Economic benefits of 5G
According to Qualcomm, the real economic benefits of 5G will be realised by 2035, with an estimated $13.1 trillion worth of goods and services produced. The study further foresees a revenue of $3.5 trillion and 22 million employment opportunities. This could significantly transform the global economy, helping countless businesses develop and thrive.
Additionally, SMEs will hugely benefit from the implementation of 5G. By utilising 5G, smaller businesses will soon be able to expand to fresh markets and adopt technologies that were once inaccessible. This allows small businesses the opportunity to compete and grow, ensuring economic diversity.
Want to boost your network security and connectivity?
Entrusting professional London IT support services to support such uses will give the best experience of 5G.So, if you would like to learn more about our IT security and support services, please get in touch with the totality services team today.