One of the most talked about technologies on the mobile tech industry right now is the upcoming 5G rollout. Expected to launch in a few months, the hype surrounding the release is very much justified.
A technological advancement that promises to change the way we see data transfer and have our devices interact with that data is worth talking about. That’s not to mention the faster speed (up to 10x faster) and promise of less computational data usage. If the expert predictions are correct, we are looking forward to the realization of a seemingly science-fiction concept.
However, one valid question would be what the introduction of 5G will achieve. Here are some things 5G could do to better the local Australian economy.
Self-driving cars
Google, Uber, Tesla and a host of other companies have already done extensive research in the area of self-driving cars and related technology. These cars have been rigorously tested in closed and open situations, and some of them have done extremely well.
However, one thing manufactures are still wary of is that one situation when the car might not ‘think’ of the possible cause of action fast enough which could potentially result in an accident.
This time taken to think (called latency) is impacted by the car trying to access a wider internet space where relevant data is. This data would be used to inform its decision. Under the 4G network, the average latency is around 60 milliseconds (ms). Take that to a 5G scale and the latency is reduced to around 1ms.
This is a huge leap for technology and could be the missing piece of the puzzle that opens the way for driver-less cars.
Speed
With 4G, a consumer can reach internet speeds of around 15Mbps, which allows them to stream songs and movies at a reasonably good rate. However, the 5G network represents a huge leap and promises as much as 100Mbps meaning customers could potentially download ultra-high HD movies in mere seconds.
Of course, downloading movies might not be the focus of industries. Faster internet speeds could impact how many different sectors of the economy conducts business. Some examples could be faster bank transaction confirmations, seamless document and file transfer between firms (even if they are on the opposite sides of the world) and so much more.
Smart Connections
Intel – one of the leading chip makers in the world – conducted research on various aspects of the upcoming 5G network. The firm concluded that no less than 50 billion devices and systems will be connected to each other globally by the time 5G rolls out.
In keeping with the Internet of Things, 5G will not only connect big systems and computers – so this research encompasses units from watches and household items to sensor-enabled industrial units.
This can help create a better-connected world where you can use one device to access multiple others, provided you have set the right permissions. You will also be able to get data in real time from any of these systems from yet another system on the same network.
These features will lead to better decision making for industries, since there is a platform for data readiness and availability. On an individual level, people will be able to take a single device with them and still have access to all their other personal devices.
5G Rollout
Plans are still being put in place, regulations are still being decided upon and telcos are working hard to make sure there are plans for everyone when 5G rolls out. For a technology that plans to disrupt the existing model and revolutionize the economy to this degree, there is a great deal of work still to be done to ensure the safety and regulation of the new innovations. When the network does roll out, there is no telling what impossibilities will be brought to life.