5G is the fifth generation of mobile communications networks, the next phase and technological leap forward from the established 4G standards (also known as IMT-Advanced). 5G is not just a speed upgrade, but a whole new architecture that has the potential to profoundly transform economic sectors and user experiences.
This new technology enables a range of innovative applications that require very high speeds and extremely low latency (delay). Among these applications are ubiquitous high-definition video, as well as new forms of mixed reality, where the digital and physical worlds merge. The goal is to achieve seamless connectivity – users will take fast and reliable connections for granted, whether they live, work, travel or gather in one place.
By introducing a new standard known as NR (New Radio), 5G provides the necessary network capacity to handle the huge increase in data traffic, effectively making network congestion during peak hours a thing of the past. 5G is designed around the concept of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), providing access that can be around ten times faster than 4G. This significant increase in speed and capacity helps manage the explosive growth of mobile traffic at an affordable price.
For the end user, 5G will bring seamless connectivity and improve mobile broadband even in highly challenging conditions, such as in crowded stadiums, during flights or on high-speed trains. While faster internet is a major benefit, 5G is much more than that. Its low latency and ability to connect a huge number of devices (massive machine-to-machine communication – mMTC) are key to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the transformation of industrial sectors such as healthcare, transportation and manufacturing.