5G is the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, and it raises the bar significantly in terms of internet speeds.
Expected to launch across the world by 2020, 5G follows its predecessors 3G and 4G (LTE), but technological advancement means that this generation of cellular mobile connections is far superior in terms of the high data rate, reduced latency and higher system capacity that mobile users will have access to.
Connection speeds are massively increased with 5G, with expected speeds of up to 1GB per second. The Internet of Things (IOT) and a smarter and more connected world requires mobile carriers and infrastructure to be able to handle massive amounts of data at greater speeds than ever before, and in this regard, the capabilities that 5G will offer aren’t just convenient – they’re absolutely necessary.
Locally, Vodacom recently introduced Africa’s first standards-based commercial 5G service in Lesotho, and a spokesperson for the company mentioned the many benefits that the new technology would hold for consumers.
“The most significant immediate benefits of 5G technology include the quicker deployment of broadband services with fibre-like speeds, low latency to facilitate machine to machine connectivity, and the ability to simultaneously connect a large number of devices,” said the spokesperson.
Vodacom is expected to launch 5G in South Africa once the 3,5GHz spectrum that is required for 5G implementation has been made available by the national government.
Check out the capabilities of 5G in the video below, which shows a 5G live sport broadcast in virtual reality at this year’s Vodacom Durban July.