Why Now is The Time for 5G
10 minutes. That’s the amount of time it takes to download a high definition movie with 4G/LTE. With 5G it should take less than a second. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology that promises peak speeds which are 100x faster than 4G/LTE networks, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. The advent of 5G is supposed to usher us to true device connectivity, and perhaps never have we seen a true need for connectivity as we do now.
In around three months, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. As more and more people stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus, everything from school to doctors’ appointments are being moved online. Just imagine the benefits 5G technology could bring in the present scenario. Due to its low latency, consistent, high-quality video streaming, 5G will improve telemedicine and allow medical personnel to accurately assess patients remotely, greatly improving regional access to medical advice, a necessity during these challenging times. It could transform online education, providing blazing fast internet speed and helping technology like VR and AR reach their full potential which would help in stimulating the hands on learning students would have received in schools. The possibilities are endless. In fact, in China 5G is helping underpin apps that can help monitor individuals temperatures. Similar initiatives may help global efforts to curb the pandemic.
Of course, like anything else in life, 5G technology has its drawbacks. Some of these drawbacks include the fact that millimetre waves that 5G uses has a short range, which means network providers will need to develop a whole new, costly infrastructure. Also, there are very few devices on the market which support 5G.
5G technology may not be perfect but, if instead of focusing on what the problems are, we focus on how to solve these problems, we could gain a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19.
