Mobile usage is a part of everyday life, and to most of us, it’s something without which we get the jitters. If you think we’re lying, we challenge you to just put that device away for a day or two! Chances are you’ll feel like you’re missing out on something important within the hour.

With billions of dedicated mobile phone users worldwide and a flood of popular mobile apps that require network connections to run, better coverage is a priority. Apart from this, many mobile apps today have heavier requirements by way of data as well as by way of ping speeds or delay times. This is why the world’s top mobile and telecommunication companies have been working consistently to improve network specs globally.

What is 5G and What Does it Mean?

Before we begin elaborating on what 5G is, here are some important pointers on 5G that you need to know:

• 5G is the term used to represent a 5th generation network
• 5G speeds are much higher than its predecessors
• 5G networks promise lower latency5G will likely be the standard network option by 2020
• 5G networks offer an increased bandwidth
• 5G cell towers will be smaller and more densely dispersed

Now that we’re clear on some basics regarding this new generation of mobile network, let’s answer some more questions that people have been asking.

What’s the Difference between 4G and 5G?

The G in 3, 4, and 5G represents the word ‘generation’ and similar to the differences between 4G and 3G, the differences between 4G and 5G are related to overall efficiency. To be more specific, when compared to 4G networks, 5G networks are meant to be capable of speeds of up to 20GBPS and could offer latency as low as one millisecond. Furthermore, 5G networks promise higher network capacities which means more devices can be connected without the risk of network overload. 5G will also use frequencies that are higher than those used by previous generations of networks and on three different bandwidths, unlike its predecessors which were restricted mainly the low band spectrum.

Unlike 4G to 3G however, 5G is not a backward-compatible update.

What Will 5G Do?

The first thing 5G is meant to do is make all your network data and app-related processes, both professional and personal more efficient. Though it will take a little time for 5G to reach its true potential, and widespread deployment is still something that has to happen according to sources, there is a lot to look forward to.

Some interesting 5G specs include:

• 1000X bandwidth/area
• Capable of supporting advanced functions
• 100% Coverage
• 999% availability
• 90% drop in required power consumption

Will 5G replace Wi-Fi?

Though 5G connections are, in a sense, revolutionary when it comes to mobile networks, it doesn’t seem like they will be replacing Wi-Fi or LAN networks. Chances are, as with 3G and 4G, Wi-Fi and 5G connections will likely co-exist.

Why is 5G Important?

When it comes to phone networks, what you would expect as a bare minimum in a new generation is improved speed and network efficiency. 5G promises this, but it also opens the doors for the use and implementation in numerous industries, particularly those using IoT devices. According to an article published by the Tech Republic online, industries that 5G will impact the most in order include:

• Manufacturing
• Energy and utilities
• Agriculture
• Retail
• Financial services
• Media and entertainment
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• AR/VR
• Insurance

Whether it is self-driving cars and rescue drones or advanced gameplay and on the spot augmented reality features, the presence of a 5G connection is essential.

Where is 5G available?

Though 5G has already been launched in various parts of the world, the estimated deadline for when the technology will be the widely used standard is set at 2020. That said, companies have made estimates that as service infrastructure improves, subscriptions for 5G connections could hit the 1.5billion mark by 2024 if not earlier.

For the moment, some of the places where 5G is available include:

• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United States
• Australia
• China

Within the US, cities such as Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Kansas are among some of those where 5G access is available. Companies like AT&T, Sprint, and US Cellular are among those offering 5G services within the country.

Will I need to Switch Phones?

Switching phones depends on the particular model or set you own; however, most phones released prior to 2019 do not offer 5G capabilities. Unless you’re someone who upgrades your handset every year, chances are you will need to invest in a new phone before you can enjoy 5G features.

Is There 6G?

Of course, there are lots of us out there wondering how far this mobile network business can potentially go and if we should expect to see a 6G connection at some point. There is talk within the industry about China already being in the process of developing 6G technology. If this is the case, the chances are that 6G will debut soon after 5G has settled in.

There may be other questions that people have relating to 5G networks and what they bring to the table. The information above should give you enough knowledge about the 5G tech.