If you own a smartphone or tablet, there’s a good chance you’re already acquainted with the 5G network! Standing for the ‘5th generation’ in network connectivity, 5G has already broken records worldwide in terms of speed and capability.
While it may not be available everywhere just yet, 5G is already making a huge difference to lives and businesses across the globe. Here are some fun facts about the 5G network you’ll want to keep a note of.
1. What’s the big deal with 5G?
5G is the latest step in communication connectivity and network capability. Its emergence means more people can access faster internet speeds and more reliable data connections in public than ever before. Faster connections mean faster communication between people all over the world.
2. 5G is a big step forward from 4G.
The most prominent difference between 4G and 5G is speed or network latency. 4G’s latency ranges from between 60 to 200 milliseconds to transfer data. With 5G, this exchange can take as little as under five milliseconds! This simply means downloading information via 5G takes a fraction of that undertaken by 4G.
3. Two US cities gained access to 5G first.
On April 3rd, 2019, the first customers to use 5G took advantage across Minneapolis and Chicago, US. It’s since rolled out further across the country and into Europe and Asia.
4. China, however, is the biggest adopter.
China has more 5G cities than any other, with the US, Philippines, South Korea, Canada, Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia close behind.
5. 5G could connect the whole planet to the web.
5G could effectively cover 100% of the planet, making all territories able to access the internet for the first time. 4G can only cover a fraction of the planet – meaning there are still corners of the globe that are without internet access, as hard as that is to believe!
6. More than a billion are heading to 5G.
By the end of 2023, it’s thought that more than 1.3 billion people will be subscribed to plans connecting to the 5G network. This is a huge leap considering it only debuted in 2019!
7. Might this be the end for WiFi?
5G could rival WiFi in terms of latency and capability for data transfer. Research suggests that 5G may even be able to deliver download speeds of up to 10GB per second! That means you could download whole seasons of TV shows to your devices in a matter of minutes. It’s amazing how far we’ve come.
8. What about conspiracy theories?
Theories surrounding 5G masts and transferal of COVID-19 have been widely debunked – don’t buy into the hype!
9. It’s all about making life smarter and more convenient!
It’s thought that 5G will work hand in hand with artificial intelligence and the internet of things (IoT) in the years to come. This means that devices such as your Amazon Echo may no longer need to rely on static home WiFi to function. It could also mean huge strides ahead for smarter robotics and devices communicating with each other.
10. Let’s think big.
The potential applications for 5G and automation are almost limitless. In time, we may be able to use a 5G device to signal a driverless car for pickup, or ask a 5G alarm to sound when your coffee’s ready on a morning. The robotic revolution is well in sight!
FAQs about The 5G Network
Is 6G being planned to replace 5G?
Yes - believe it or not, current information suggests 6G will be launched by 2030. China has already begun tests using satellites and is at the forefront of developments. Scientists have revealed they have already achieved record-breaking speed tests which will revolutionize the system and far exceed those of 5G!
Does 5G have any disadvantages?
The major disadvantage of 5G right now is that it’s only available on a limited basis, restricted to specific cities. However, in the years to come, this is likely to expand massively.
Will all iPhones support 5G?
Apple iPhones from the ’12’ series onwards will support 5G connectivity, however, it’s not backwards-compatible, meaning ’11’ series devices and older won’t be able to connect to 5G. However, 4G remains widely available!
Do you know any fun facts about 5G? Share them in the comments below!
