Improved web loading speed, broader internet distribution, more AR/VR integration, and real-time personalization. This is all made possible by 5G technology. While 4G seemed like a perfectly working solution, 5G is set to change our lives, if not by 180 degrees, then by 90 degrees at least.
What is 5G?
5G is the 5th generation mobile network that operates about 100 times faster than 4G. In addition to being faster than existing networks, 5G has higher bandwidth and can therefore connect more devices, improving Internet services in both isolated and densely populated areas. 5G makes it impossible to justify a missed Zoom call because of a poor connection.
The Current State of 5G Coverage
Currently, there are around 800 million active 5G users worldwide. By the end of the year, this number is expected to surpass 1 billion, reaching 12% of all mobile subscribers globally.
Right now, China and the US are the countries with the most 5G cities. However, regionally, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) region has deployed more 5G networks than the APAC (Asia Pacific region, including China).
Right now, only around 10% of the population is benefitting from the advantages of 5G technology, but this number steadily increases each month. Therefore, it is time to examine what technological journey we are embarking on.
6 Spheres That [Definitely] Benefit from 5G
1. Content
The speed at which our mobile networks will operate will allow us to load full-length 4K movies in 1 second and stream any Netflix show live without freezes and delays. As for websites and apps – they will also fly and load in a blink of an eye.
2. Remote Work
Life on the go is no longer a figure of speech. After two years of lockdown, many companies have learned that remote work can be just as effective as traditional office work. However, 5 G’s capabilities extend far beyond conventional office jobs.
Due to the speed and bandwidth of the technology, online medical check-ups, online surgeries and even online harvesting are no longer things of the future but rather a reality.
3. Driverless transportation
In the future, ultra-low latency, high network bandwidth, and fast data transfer will eliminate human interference in driving and the number of accidents caused by humans. As a result of the higher data exchange rate, vehicles will be able to lay their own routes and foresee all potential obstacles. Consequently, experts predict that crewless cars might become quite common within the next decade.
Right now, there is already a driverless minibus cruising the central streets of Stockholm. It’s a pilot project, and there’s an engineer in the cockpit for any case of emergency. However, the Stockholm authorities intend to make public transport completely driverless in the near future.
4. AR/VR
Both AR and VR will significantly enrich the user experience in the following decade.
Some retailers are already using AR apps to help customers visualize products and complete sales. For example, the beauty company Shiseido uses big data to cultivate experiences that keep customers loyal, such as an IoT skin-care system that adjusts in real time to customers’ skin conditions.
VR is already being used for real estate previews and medical training. In response to the increase in VR content, there are high expectations for VR advertising platforms and VR advertising creation services.
5. eCommerce
Despite the unarguable conveniences of online shopping, data shows that customers miss the offline experience. This is why platforms like Taobao are showing a 100%+ increase in product sales. People want human interaction, testing, and experience even if it’s virtual.
Instant data collection and real-time analysis will provide users with ultra-relevant real-time offers, sales, and coupons.
VR can help eComm stores create virtual showrooms where you can try things on, ask virtual consultant questions in real time, and check out without any delays.
6. Advertising
Advertising is also another sphere that the 5G technologies will greatly impact. The video was already King for some time, but with the newer technologies, video advertising will have an even bigger share of the ad pie. The same goes for CTV advertising: engaging viewers with high-resolution interactive ads will make it possible for users to complete a purchase even during a tiny commercial break.
5G technology is predicted to also benefit advertisers by eliminating ad blocks. Previously, users blocked ads because they slowed the web page’s loading speed. This is not going to be an issue with 5G, however.
Summary:
5G makes everything faster, more accessible, and more user-friendly. In the nearest future, it will irrevocably change our businesses, online behavior and impact our offline lives.