After years of speculation and a considerable amount of hype, the fifth generation of networks is finally here. The 5G network allows us to realize the potential of a fully connected world, and it could transform our lives more dramatically than any other technological shift.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how this next generation of networks will transform the world.
Smart cities
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, approximately 55% of the world’s population lives in cities today, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050.
By the same year, the continued migration of people from rural to urban areas will see an increase in around another 2.5 billion residents to the world’s big cities. Managing the resources and operations of so many large-cities can only be cost-effective and efficient if only the processes are automated.
5G is an enabling technology for IoT, and as smart cities essentially rely on IoT to function, 5G and smart cities are linked. Upgrading to 5G will allow cities to handle data from millions of IoT devices and install low-power sensors that can last years without needing replacement.
Mobile gaming
5G will provide people with improved internet speeds and reduced latency. What this means for gamers is that they will experience connectivity 100 times faster than the current 4G network. So, the lags will be no existent when playing online and mobile casino games.
The increased internet speed also provides the opportunity for mobile casinos to offer more live-dealer games. Casino games which were usually left for more powerful desktop and computer in the past can now easily be played in a mobile casino anywhere, anytime.
Driverless cars
Over 95 percent of traffic accidents are caused by human error, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. Replacing human drivers with autonomous technology could save up to 1.25 million lives every year.
And for driverless cars to become fully autonomous, they’ll need to communicate with the other cars to avoid accidents. They’ll need to communicate with sensors embedded in traffic lights and road signs to navigate more safely. Also, they’ll need to get responses instantly – which is where the fifth generation of networks come in.
Healthcare
Healthcare will benefit from 5G from countless aspects; it’s basically the field that will experience the most changes. Adding a high-speed network to existing architecture in healthcare can help in quick and reliable transport of medical imagery, which can improve both access to care and the quality of care.
Also, wearables, which are a common type of remote monitoring, help in increasing patient engagement with their own health. Plus, wearables are predicted to reduce hospital costs by 16 per cent in the coming years.
Virtual spaces
Thanks to the high-bandwidth and low latency offered by the 5G network, augmented and virtual reality could finally become a reality. VR telepresence apps will allow colleagues in different cities to work side by side, or sports fans can experience the thrills of the game from the comfort of their home.
