We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: 5G will create new opportunities due to its ability to support ultra-low latency applications and its big bandwidth.
The ultra-low latency capabilities of 5G are particularly noteworthy. They’re really what set 5G apart from previous generations of cellular technology. 5G will trim latency from 50 to just one millisecond. As a result, it will be suitable to support applications like connected car and robotic surgery.
5G also promises to deliver initial peak speeds of up to five times those of 4G, which can reach 1gbps.
“We expect future 5G technologies will eventually allow future driverless vehicles to make real-time decisions based on information that goes beyond the individual sensors onboard the vehicle itself,” AT&T (News - Alert) said in a Jan. 3 press release announcing its 5G rollout plans for this year. “Vehicles will be able to ‘see’ around corners, through other vehicles, and at longer distances. This will enable vehicles to quickly make sense of their environment and help guide safe operations on the road.”
Speaking of AT&T and its recent 5G news, that includes a pledge to deliver mobile 5G in a dozen markets this year. The company also revealed it is trialing 5G fixed wireless over millimeter wave spectrum in conjunction with Magnolia. That’s the home improvement business out of Waco, Texas, owned and operated by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame.
Verizon (News - Alert) will also stage a trial of fixed 5G this year in Sacramento. And supplier Qualcomm says its 5G-compatible devices will be out by early 2019.
And, as FCC (News - Alert) Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in a recent column for TechCruch noted:
• China is working on 5G standardization and has commited to invest more than $400 billion in 5G infrastructure.
• Europe Union members have signed an agreement for a common foundation for a 5G network.
• South Korea and Japan are pursuing early 5G deployments in time for the 2018 and 2020 Olympics, respectively. And South Korea is expected to have a 28GHz band auction in October.
• And last month, the United Arab Emirates authorized the use of 5G technologies “paving the way for build-out this year.”
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
