How 5G will impact the telecommunications industry

The groundbreaking rise of 5G technology is just around the corner and is expected to completely change the telecommunications industry and how people use technology altogether.

This is particularly exciting because it has only been a decade since 4G was introduced, however, it is designed to have a higher bandwidth, a lower latency of 1-2 milliseconds, and the ability to connect to more devices.

Clearly, drastic changes are being made to the ever-growing telecoms industry, and companies need to keep up to stay ahead.

So, what is so different about 5G?

To put it simply, 5G networks are essentially more capable. Processing more connections per power and faster speeds per user. 5G is also planned to work across a wider range of radio frequencies, allowing for new possibilities in the ultra-high millimetre wave bands for carriers to expand their network offerings.

5G is also intended to have strong enough resilience to carry out activities as major as remote medical surgeries. This is due to the different technologies broadcasting 5G signals at different spectrums for resilience, providing a 0-error margin.

Speeds are enforced to reach more than 1 gigabyte per second. To put this in perspective, users will be able to download films in a matter of a few short seconds. It is argued that 4G is incomparable to this fifth generation of wireless connectivity, because of the innovative way it can operate on new frequencies and systems.

Additionally, 5G will play a significant role in shaping the new age of technology. From the Internet of Things to smart homes, self-driving cars, telemedicine and more, the deployment of 5G networks will propel the reinvention of several businesses and consumer demands.

Research states that 5G will boost global economic output by 12.3 trillion dollars by 2035, demonstrating a significant impact.

Moreover, telecoms businesses will be heavily altered. Aside from improved data rates, ultra-low latency will bring new levels of network responsiveness, which are set to complement emerging technologies.

To name a few:

• 5G can support hundredfold increase in connected devices per unit area, completely redefining what is possible on the Internet of Things. This basically means there will be no limit to how many devices can connect and run smoothly to the Internet.
• Mobile edge computing will be able to unlock more efficient data transfers and security, helping operators relieve network crowding and realize low latency.
• Network function virtualization will support more dynamic management of network resources, aiding operating expenses and capital expense reductions in the process.
• 5G can also pave the way for new paradigms of network operators and service creation by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in conjunction with 5G.

As a result, companies can play a more assertive role in their industry value chain by having a more intimate relationship with their networks.  

With this innovative breakthrough in technology, adaption and reconstruction in the telecoms industry will need to take place. Traditional businesses must adapt to the changing digital environment and research suggests that digitalization provides a good opportunity for a company’s growth.

As broadband connectivity continues to digitally progress, it only makes sense that the telecoms industry does the same to stay ahead.

Digitalization offers telecom companies the opportunity to rebuild their market position, reimagine their business systems and create innovative offerings for customers. The European Telecommunications Network Operators state that the companies that will reap the most benefits from the advancements are those that transform from being connectivity providers to a digital service provider.