Why 5G isn't just faster video streaming on your smartphone
5G is the name of the next-generation wireless technology that promises far faster internet access than 4G. Experts predict it will begin to take off in 2019, enhancing communications among IoT devices.
Until now, 4G has had to shoulder the load.
“But 5G is about much more than just smartphones,” Rob Topol, general manager of 5G technologies at Intel, told Abacus. “As we rely more and more on wireless around us -- whether it is the handset in our pocket, our cars, home network, wearables or sensors in a smart city grid -- all of these things are connected.”
Simply put, 5G is the name for the fifth-generation of wireless technology. It promises far greater speeds and coverage than 4G (i.e. downloading a full HD movie in a matter of seconds), while helping deliver on the futuristic promises of driverless cars and smart cities.
However, this isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. 5G is extremely complex and expensive to roll out.
