5G is Fifth Generation Mobile Networks. It is set to be much faster than 4G and could open up new uses for mobile data, creating an exciting new opportunity for the channel. In the UK, 5G is due to start rolling out in 2020, however we may not see widespread 5G until 2022.
What benefits will it bring?
Speed
5G is set to be as much as 100 times faster than 4G. We can expect to see speeds in excess of 1Gb/s with many estimating speeds of 10Gb/s.
Lower Latency
With lower latency, users will see little or no delay, which creates opportunities in industries, such as the car industry, who require no latency to connect their devices. Because it is set to be such a revolutionary technology, it is likely to be used to create services and applications we haven’t yet imagined, capturing the interest of the channel.
Greater capacity
With greater capacity, many high-demand applications can be managed simultaneously. This should provide a fast, stable connection in any device, in any location. 5G will support a wide range of services from HD video streaming, to monitoring devices in every industry.
Efficient, money saver
In the channel we hear a lot of noise about IoT and struggle to see how we will ever make money from smart fridges and electric autonomous vehicles yet are seeing mobile data opportunities for 4G. Blue light services are rolling out SIMs in push-to-talk radios. Couriers are using data SIMs in PDAs. Hauliers are using SIMs in CCTV cameras and security and tracking devices. Companies in both the public and the private sector are using data SIMs in CCTV cameras. Supermarkets are using 4G as a back-up solution and to power POS kiosks and digital bill boards etc.
5G is predicted to save us even more time and money with smart devices such as smart bins and intelligent lighting, predicted to save county councils £2.8 billion every year. Analysts suggest that 5G will enable wider use of remote health services, savings the NHS 1.1 million hours a year.
How can I prepare for the 5G opportunity?
Partner with a good 4G data provider, who can help you to uncover 4G opportunities in your customer base today. Choose a partner with a wide range of unique and cost-effective products with a market-leading management portal, like Jola. When 5G becomes available, we will be ready with a range of differentiated, well-priced products from all the networks that are easy to sell and simple to manage.
To find out more…
