What Is 5G? Understanding The Next-Gen Wireless System Set To Enable Our Connected Future

The next generation of wireless technology will offer new consumer and business applications, with near real-time connectivity.

In the last decade, 4G wireless technology has become the standard for many mobile consumers around the world.

From social media platforms like Snap and Instagram to transportation apps like Uber and Lyft, many companies have benefited tremendously from the reliable connectivity and speed provided by today’s 4G systems.

While this fourth generation of wireless technology has paved the way for new mediums of mobile consumption, it does have limitations. Over the next decade, the rise of connected (IoT) devices will require networks to transmit massive sums of data in near real-time.

The next generation of wireless technology, known as 5G, will allow just that.

Early 5G deployment began at the end of 2018 when AT&T launched 5G wireless networks in 12 cities, but widespread implementation of the technologymay take the better part of a decade.

Even so, corporates are increasingly focused on this technology: according to CB Insights’ Earnings Transcript tool, at its peak in Q3’18, “5G” was collectively mentioned over 1,000 times, up more than 100% from Q4’17.

Corporates like Nokia, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Broadcom, and Verizon have all discussed the implications of 5G, as well as plans for technology and/or service deployment.

We dive into the background of wireless technology, the introduction of 5G, and how the next generation of connectivity will come to be.

History of wireless technology systems
What is 5G?
Industries being disrupted by 5G
- Heathcare
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Retail
- Entertainment
Four drivers paving the way for 5G
- Fiber-optic infrastructure
- Small cell deployment
- High-frequency spectrum availability
- Bringing 5G indoors with fixed wireless
What’s next for 5G