With the world evolving so quickly, technology seems to be the catalyst. One of the recent developments in technology would be the implementation of 5G connectivity. 5G promises to be a step up in both reliability and speed from its predecessor, 4G.
In this article we will go over:
- What 5G connectivity is.
- The top 5 benefits of using 5G.
- The constraints of 5G.
- The companies implementing 5G connectivity in South Africa.
What is 5G?
5G is short for fifth generation. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless mobile communications technology. Given five comes after four, the fifth iteration promises to be faster and more reliable than the fourth. 5G plans to achieve this with the use of high frequency bands, small cells, beamforming, and Massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output).
The benefits we will experience while using 5G are due to the four factors listed above.
The top 5 benefits of using 5G
This is a list of the top 5 benefits of 5G.
Faster speeds
With the use of high-frequency bands, the speed at which data can be transmitted has increased. Streaming high-quality movies and even faster downloads possible with 5G. To combat long-range deficiency, small cells are put together for better coverage.
High-frequency bands further decreases latency, which is the delay that occurs when sending or receiving data. This is a necessity for real-time responses such as remote surgery, virtual reality, and most importantly Call of Duty Warzone Battle Royale.
Increased capacity
Massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) makes it possible to connect to more devices than 4G was capable of. This also improves signal strength. LAN (Local Area Network) parties will be more efficient than ever.
Less interference
Beamforming directs signal to specific devices which increases signal strength and reduces interference. This increases your signal strength too, allowing you to quickly download the Spar2U app while your partner is streaming an HD film on their laptop.
Flexibility
With the introduction of 5G, remote work will become increasingly more efficient. Sharing, uploading documents and/or information, and smoother collaboration over the internet would be possible.
New apps and services
Along with 5G will new applications and services be designed as the previous iteration may have not been a good enough platform for them. Examples would be self-driving vehicles, augmented reality and smart cities.
There are more benefits concerning 5G, but it does have its flaws.
The constraints of 5G
Unfortunately, like most things, 5G is not perfect. Here are some of its flaws.
Limited coverage
While high-frequency bands increase the speed at which data is collected and delivered, it limits the coverage. This is a great strategy for short distances, but the small cells do not do the greatest job in solving the distance issue.
Cost
Building the infrastructure alone around 5G is costly. Add the hardware and software that supports it, and we start to see how much money is being spent on the implementation of 5G. There is a possibility that as consumers, we would see the prices for the services increase.
Security
Cybersecurity is another concern. The implementation of 5G opens doors to security breaches while we continue learn about how to protect ourselves from cybercrime.
Interference
While there might not be interference when you’re in the same room as the router, buildings and walls prove to be an obstacle for receiving good signal.
Companies implementing 5G in South Africa
These companies have launched their services all around the South Africa.
Vodacom
Vodacom launched their 5G services, in May 2020, with Nokia as their partner. They also offer 5G devices and routers to their customers.
MTN
MTN followed soon after, in June 2020, with their partner being Huawei. Just like Vodacom, 5G devices and routers are being offered to their customers.
Rain
Rain was the first 5G commercial network in the country when they launched in September 2019. They use 5G and LTE Advanced Technologies to provide their services.
Telkom
Telkom followed MTN with their launch in September 2020. Partnering with Ericsson, Telkom offers 5G devices along with their mobile routers to their clients.
Final Thoughts
5G technology is another step towards a world of autonomy. If the cost, security, limited coverage, and interference issues can be overcome, the flexibility and convenience of it all would be well worth it. Companies like Vodacom, MTN, and Rain investing in the infrastructure around 5G connectivity indicate that it is only a matter of time when it is the medium of wireless mobile communication.
