5 Things About 5G

 

By the time you graduate, a brand new cellular data standard might exist. 2G, 3G, 4G, what do they all mean? The "G" stands for a "generation" of cellular mobile communications. 4G is the most recent generation, you are probably using this generation right now! Today, 4G provides LTE (Long Term Evolution). LTE is a broad term to describe the evolving speeds of 4G. Earlier this year, a new generation of cellular mobile communication was announced: 5G.

What's the difference? 

The key difference between 4G and 5G the mobile industry is counting on is speed. 5G is projected to be a hundred times faster than 4G. 5G also promises a five times decrease in latency or the delay of transferring data. HowToGeek reported from the Consumer Technology Association "... at this speed, you could download a two-hour movie in just 3.6 seconds on 5G, versus 6 minutes on 4G or 26 hours on 3G." The speed increase of 5G has the potential to change data capabilities and productivity of our mobile devices.

Is it a marketing ploy?

Huge cellular companies jump on any opportunity to convince you to buy a better phone plan with more data. Is 5G just another way to sell an unlimited data plan? 5G is a new standard being developed. However, cellular companies, primarily Verizon and AT&T, eagerly want to begin development. Likewise, smartphone manufacturers like Lenovo and Samsung want to start production on 5G ready devices. The new generation of mobile communication will become a new buzz word for advertisers.

Does it cause cancer?

No. A quick reminder from the American Cancer Society states: "Radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which includes radio waves and microwaves, is at the low-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is a type of non-ionizing radiation ... RF radiation does not cause cancer by damaging DNA in cells the way ionizing radiation does...". Yet, when new radio wave based technologies arise, conspiracy theories sweep the internet.

Revolutionize home internet?

Verizon announced this month about launching a 5G home internet service. By installing wireless nodes on street lamps and utility poles, they will bounce the signal from your home wireless system to Verizon. Verizon's entrance into the home internet market could create some necessary competition with cable companies. Verizon plans to start implementing their new approach in large cities for testing in October.

When?

Although 5G is being tested and developed, a worldwide effect will not happen until 2020. However, many companies will be developing new hardware and services to support 5G throughout 2019.