Why We Need 5G Network Technology

Given all the buzz surrounding 5G network technology, it's easy to dismiss the network and its possibilities as over-hyped. However, its ramifications go further and further than most people realize.

Although 5G is poised to revolutionize the world in ways that have never been seen before, much of the debate about the network has centered on the use cases of consumers. Understanding how 5G technology is anticipated to serve as the cornerstone of the digital economy of the future and its significance in addressing social issues will help us understand why we need it.

The Benefits of 5G Network Technology and Why We Need It

To understand the relevance of 5G technology, we must first understand what distinguishes the shift to 5G from previous generational jumps.

5G is set to outperform earlier network generations with about 100x the speed of 4G. The low latency capabilities of 5G enable communications and apps to connect and share data almost instantly. The advantages of 5G network technology go beyond simply performing known tasks quicker. Huge bandwidth sizes and extremely low latency could speed up the performance of computing on the edge, Internet of Things (IoT), and Virtual Reality.

5G will help fuel the fourth industrial revolution, which will obliterate the barriers between biological, physical, and digital domains.

What 5G Network Technology Means for the Society

Another justification for the necessity for 5G technology is the possible societal advantages. Although 5G's fundamental capabilities are simple to comprehend, there are numerous and varied ways that the next-generation network could help resolve long-standing societal issues.

The Benefits of 5G Technology for Industry and the Environment

Understanding the importance of 5G technology helps one appreciate the profound effects it may have on future industrial and environmental developments.

In a project with the World Economic Forum, PwC looked at an aerial intelligence company that used the cloud more effectively to turn data from aerial and ground photography into useful insights, resulting in improved operational and corporate asset management. Extremely low latency and high bandwidth can enable near real-time asset monitoring to improve predictive maintenance and more effective operations. Edge computing and virtual networks can assist in preventing workers from entering dangerous or remote areas. There are also 5G apps that can help control carbon footprints.

Value of 5G Technology for Society

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, 5G network technology can provide social value which is mostly derived from its prospective benefits for infrastructure development, sustainable industrialization, and improvements to health and well-being. The transition to autonomous vehicles could be accelerated by 5G, which could ease the driver shortage and make it safer for human drivers to commute to work.

Additionally, 5G network technology could enable IoT sensors in smart cities that use air quality monitoring to optimize traffic patterns and intersection safety, connected equipment that can monitor crop health, and hospitals that can remotely diagnose and treat patient concerns.

There is also debate about whether it will be worthwhile to spend the money upfront to get networks and companies ready for 5G. Without the proper processes and infrastructure in place, 5G cannot realize its full potential, but this has been true for every generational leap in technology. Organizations should make sure they stay at the forefront of the digital transformation by recognizing the value of 5G technology and making proactive investments in 5G-ready technologies.