What is 5G: The future of connectivity at a glance

For a few years now, those in the industry have become used to hearing the phrase ‘5G’ when talking about the future of mobile networks. To the consumer and many businesses, however, 5G is a new phenomenon.

What is 5G?

Everyone will be aware of the colossal differences between 3G and 4G. If 4G is now an essential tool for using mobile devices when out and about, and is faster and more reliable than anything that went before it, then 5G is even more of an upgrade. Not only is it set to make web browsing and communication on mobile faster than before, but many believe that 5G will completely revolutionise the way we use our devices.

What are the benefits of 5G?

The future of technology means that more devices than ever will need to be connected, not just for communication purposes, but for everything from the Internet of Things to driverless cars. 5G is set to be an essential component in enabling this thanks to:

• Increased speed – 5G looks to be up to 100 times faster than 4G; which means that, for example, downloading large files can be done in a matter of milliseconds
• More capacity – the introduction of 5G will ensure that networks have the capacity to support a larger number of high-demand applications at a time
• Lower latency – the amount of delay between devices will be cut, which will be useful recreationally in terms of online gaming, but will also be vital for using autonomous cars or machinery
• Wider coverage – 5G will offer much wider coverage in more locations across the world. This is due to the locations of 5G access points, which many experts believe will be positioned in public areas such as lamp posts

Are there any downsides to 5G?

As our reliance upon technology increases, upgrades and changes like this are inevitable. As with any technological advancement, 5G isn’t without its detractors. Experts agree that backhaul infrastructure needs to significantly expand before this technology can become mainstream, which means businesses and network providers have their work cut out for them over the coming months to ensure they’re ready.

Many people feel that, due to the above positives, the introduction of 5G could herald the end of our need for Wi-Fi, though it’s important to remember that this is what some in the industry thought about 4G. Another downside is that billions have been spent worldwide by network operators on 4G networks, and until it’s developed there’s no telling how much 5G will cost. The best guess is: a lot.

When will we be using 5G?

The UK isn’t set to receive 5G until 2020, but with the amount of work that must be done before that, it’s sensible to start preparing as soon as possible. On a basic consumer level, all devices will need to be 5G-enabled before the technology can be enjoyed by the mainstream. While there is a lot that we don’t yet know about it, one thing’s for certain; 5G is the future.

How can Nexsis Comms help?

As it stands, we have at least a year before we start seeing the first wave of mainstream 5G users, and before that happens the infrastructure needs to be in place. That’s where we come in! We’re ensuring we stay ahead of the game by preparing for 5G when it arrives, and are planning to be the feet on the ground when it comes to installing 5G infrastructure.

For now, take a look at the range of services we offer, and keep an eye on our LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as our blog for the latest industry advancements on this subject and more.