• August 6, 2019

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As the digital revolution continues to push forward, the incoming 5G network is set to propel communication and connectivity like never seen before.

Wireless connection technology has evolved steadily over the years, making leaps from one generation to the next. Starting from the beginning, 1G allowed for voice calls, 2G for text messaging, 3G the Web, and 4G enabled video streaming. 5G is the designation for the next generation of wireless connectivity, bringing with it a completely new set of capabilities that will entwine people and machines.

Use cases galore—endless possibilities

5G is purpose-built for the Internet of Things (IoT) – an interconnected, constantly communicating network of devices that already fill our offices and homes. As 5G proliferation occurs over the next years, smart fridges, smart home tech, autonomous vehicle networks, and more will talk to each other seamlessly, improving both the safety and quality of life for billions of end users. Even the much-touted delivery drone concept will require a 5G network to ensure Amazon Prime packages are at a person’s front doorstep in minutes.

We’ve discussed some specific enterprise use cases before, but let’s take a moment to get creative. After all, 5G is a technology that brings an astonishing amount of power and flexibility –this means mindboggling potential for almost unbelievable new applications.

One intriguing possibility is remote surgery. While robots currently perform precision micro-surgeries every day, they are presently controlled by nearby surgeons. Thanks to its incredible speed and low latency, 5G will allow surgeons to perform remote surgeries on patients thousands of miles away with instantaneous feedback. Combined with advancements in haptic technology, this seemingly unrealistic sci-fi solution will enable lifesaving medical operations in war zones and remote locations around the world.

Moreover, with holographic and haptic technologies further decreasing the need to ‘be in the room,’ 5G could also open the door to a new Internet of Skills. Leveraging the already mainstream Gig Economy, these capabilities can remove the need for staff members to be physically present at their place of employment, taking the concept of remote work to new levels while opening up foreign markets to freelancers, enterprises, and specialists alike.

When is this all possible?

While the technology for mass 5G adoption already exists and can now be found in many areas of the world, implementation remains the largest hurdle to overcome. 5G bandwidth requires a different tower saturation than the current network, so the entire network of infrastructures will need to be overhauled as a prerequisite to meet the requirements for 5G connectivity. As a result, blanket coverage will take a few years to implement in large countries like the U.S. Additionally, many applications and technologies that 5G will enable are still in the development stage.

Take autonomous driving, for example. While many mainstream vehicles such as the Tesla already boast autonomous features, the network of interconnected and autonomous vehicles that car companies are promising is still at least five years away. 5G will empower the connectivity required for these vehicles to communicate with each other, which also includes traffic control devices and other elements that will ensure safe commutes for drivers and pedestrians alike. 5G is also key to delivery drone and robot solutions, as it will enable effective remote control of deliveries. The potential mainstream rollout date predicted to begin is as early as 2022.

5G: Propelling connectivity, enabling possibility

5G is not just an upgrade from 4G – it’s a technological revolution with the potential to bring the world’s people, machines, and data closer together by removing the limits of access, bandwidth, and latency. It will also enable radically new applications, industries, and business models, dramatically improving the quality of life on a global scale.

Tessco has been a leader in telecommunications for three decades, and we’re enthusiastically anticipating this next generation of wireless connectivity and the exciting innovations it will deliver over the coming years. Get in touch with us today to learn more about 5G, and explore how we can optimize your business for the future!