Is 5G Real? Here’s Everything you need to know..

Dayal Singh
Nov 4 · 3 min read
5g image, 5g logo, 5g network
5g image, 5g logo, 5g network

What is 5G?

5G stands for the fifth generation of cellular technology. It not only improves speed, enhances coverage to a great extent and also provides better responsiveness of wireless network technology.

How fast it is?

Some network carriers showed speeds at a peak of 1gb/s or even more.

That’s a way speedier (10 to 100 times) than your typical cellular connection or even faster than a physical fibre optic cable present in your house.

How does it work?

5G technology is using a super-high frequency spectrum, which has a shorter range but higher capacity. Due to which it delivers massive pipe access to online media. There may be some range and interference issue, some carriers are also using lower-frequency spectrum, to help travel 5G across greater distances and through walls and obstructions.

From where these carriers will get the spectrum?

Many of these carriers already have a small portion of high-frequency radio airwaves, but many will have to purchase more from the government. Carriers around the world are working with their respective governments to free up the necessary spectrum.

5g Spectrum , wavelength
5g Spectrum , wavelength

Other benefits of 5G:

The 5G network is designed to connect a far greater number of devices than a traditional cellular network. The new in the market internet of things trend you keep hearing about? 5G can power multiple devices around you, whether it’ a home lighting system or your E-car.

The 5G network was also specifically built to handle equipment used by businesses, such as machines in industry or ATMs. Beyond speed, it’s also designed to work differently on connected products that don’t need a constant connection, like a sensor. Those kinds of low-power scanners are intended to work on the same battery for 10 years and still be able to periodically send data.

Are there any 5G phones? Can we just pick up 5G call with our existing smartphone?

I am afraid to say Sorry, no. 5G technology requires a specific set of antennas that aren’t available yet. For instance, in America Sprint’s LG V50 is specifically tuned for its 5G network. Likewise, the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is tuned for Verizon’s network, although it will also work on the other carriers once the exclusivity agreement ends.

Many of the phones will use the latest chipsets and modems, which is designed specifically to tap into 5G spectrum. Later phones will use a second-generation chip that picks up more spectrum bands. One can expect more 5G phones to launch later this year.

Anything to worry about?

5G like high-frequency spectrum is the key to that massive pickup in data handling capacity and speed, but there are drawbacks too. The range isn’t great, especially when you have obstructions such as trees or buildings. As a result, carriers will have to deploy a lot smaller cellular radios, creatively named small cells, around any areas that can get a 5G signal.

What are the health risks to be considered?

This topic opens the door to concerns about 5G. While some of those networks will run at super-high frequencies, researchers note that it still falls under the category of radiation that isn’t supposed to be harmful to our cells.

Still, there have long been lingering concerns that cellular signals may cause cancer. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a lot of studies to conclusively prove or disprove that there is a health risk.

Still, critics say there isn’t enough research into this issue, and the studies that have been conducted weren’t adequate.

Still, it’s something people are still worried about.

How much will it cost?

“5G brings capabilities that are going to cause us to think differently about pricing”. One can expect pricing to be at a premium to what normal cellular companies are charging today.”

There’s a precedent for holding the line: LTE didn’t cost any more when it first came out; you just needed to buy a new phone. But pricing models do change over time. Since 4G launched, carriers both took away unlimited plans and brought them back.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade