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Companies across the world are preparing for the commercial launch of 5G, the next generation of high-speed internet connectivity.
This latest evolution of wireless networking technology promises to offer better, more reliable connectivity and high-speed performance, regardless of location.
While most countries are scheduled for a full launch sometime in 2020, there are already notable and innovative partnerships forming to help position industries to take full advantage of this technology once it becomes widely available.
With 5G launches on the horizon, here is everything you need to know to get started. Click To TweetWhat is 5G?
Previous generations have exponentially increased speed and performance, and 5G is poised to do the same.
The 5G network will provide the infrastructure necessary to handle the increasing use of IoT devices and create a more connected world.
Download speeds are expected to reach an unprecedented 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second), a full 1,000 times faster than existing 4G networks. Upload speed could reach 1millisecond, and provide impressive capacities along with extremely low latency.
What Industries Will Be Impacted by 5G?
Smartphone, tablet and IoT developers and manufacturers are the most obvious companies to be impacted by 5G technology, but ultimately, no industry will go unaffected.
Two industries that will see significant shifts when 5G becomes more accessible are the athletics and automotive industries.
The Potential of 5G to Reshape the Business of Sports
Sports arenas and leagues are already looking at ways to leverage 5G technology to improve the fan experience, both in and out of the stadium.
Today’s sports fans are often simultaneously watching the game, tweeting live updates, watching instant replays on their mobile device and much more.
The 5G network will be able to support all these activities for thousands of users in one location and allow for more advanced technology, such as 360-degree virtual reality cameras.
VR allows at-home fans to enjoy a fully immersive experience, but it also requires a tremendous amount of data transfer. With 5G capabilities, VR will be more pervasive and realistic than ever before.
This technology has already been tested at international events, such as the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and is currently being put through trials at the World Cup games in Russia.
Read more about 5G and other innovations at the 2018 Winter Olympics
5G Networking and the Automotive Industry
Automated, driverless cars combined with 5G will allow for the creation of entire smart cities. The high speed network will help vehicles manage parking, identify optimal routes and communicate with other cars.
This merging of technologies promises to create a more efficient commuting experience that saves time, reduces pollution and improves safety.
What Companies are Preparing for 5G?
Nokia has been working hard to test and develop various products that are 5G-capable. The company most recently partnered with M1, a Singapore-based mobile carrier, to begin small cell trials.
Ericsson is another big name that has several 5G projects in the works. They are currently working with Verizon, BT and Kings College London to create a 5G-capable drone.
Many chipmakers, including Intel and Qualcomm, are also preparing to enter the market with 5G-capable laptops and other devices within the next year.
What Impact Will 5G Have on Enterprise and Startup Collaboration?
The performance capabilities of 5G opens up infinite avenues for collaboration between enterprises and startups.
In fact, enterprise companies in industries that can significantly improve communication and operations with the help of 5G are designating leaders to spearhead the preparation process. They are looking to partner with innovative startup solutions to bring the necessary technology and R&D resources.
As 5G expands the possibilities of data transfer and download speeds, we will continue to see innovative partnerships like those forming among sports teams and VR developers.
In the next couple of years, networking capabilities will have surpassed existing mobile and IoT technology, which only creates more space for innovation.
