5G Business Models In A Nutshell

5G stands for the latest or fifth-generation broadband cellular networks, as the successor of 4G, 5G will offer far greater bandwidth than 4G. Along with this, the download speed it will offer is also far better than the current technologies, and it is expected to reach up to 10 gigabits per second. This is critical for the further development of heavy-computational industries like AI and IoT.

Why does 5G matter in business?

Before mobile phones were invented, wired telephones were the norm. Connectivity around the world was less and very costly. This slow and expensive method was transformed by the introduction of wireless technologies. Further ease and convenience were ensured when mobile internet became available.

The next step was to pick up the pace of these networks. Widespread demand led to the integration of faster internet connectivity within smartphones. Each step or what is known as “generation” in the internet connectivity provided better service to its consumers. Currently, 4G or fourth generation is the technology used widely around the world. The next step in these technologies is 5G.

5G is the fifth generation standard that telecommunication cellular companies began to deploy in 2019. It will serve as the successor to 4G technologies. In terms of features, 5G will offer far greater bandwidth than 4G. Along with this, the download speed it will offer is also far better than the current technologies and it is expected to reach up to 10 gigabits per second.

The applications will not only be limited to cellular networks but with such high speed and cutting-edge technology, it is also expected to be used as the primary internet connection for laptops and computers. 5G technology is considered to be one of the main steps towards new technologies in the Internet of Things (IoT). This will result in transforming the world into a new technological era through innovation and development, one step at a time.

How does 5G work?

The technology works by the use of higher frequency radio waves than were used by the previous versions. This, however, comes with its own set of issues. The biggest being the short range of these waves. Since this a cellular network, the geographical areas that are served by a single tower/antenna is known as a “cell”. At high frequencies there is a shorter physical range, which means that the cell will be smaller and hence more antennas will be required than were required for 4G.

Tradeoffs still exist if a compromise is made on download speed and service area. Though the cells are smaller, the process of the cellular devices connecting to the antenna and moving on to the next antenna as the device moves is still the same. The advantage that 5G technology has over 4G is that per square kilometer, 4G was only able to support up to 100,000 devices while in 5G technology up to 1 million devices will be supported per square kilometer. 

Latency is also considerably improved when it comes to 5G technologies. On average around 30ms is observed for devices within a cell. Devices near the towers report around 10-20ms. However, this is only short ranged right now it is expected to improve as the technology develops.

Edge Computing is another technology, which will be deployed using the services of 5G. Coupled with 5G, servers will be computed closer to the end-users. This will not only reduce the latency issues but due to the increasing number of IoT devices, it will ensure that only the relevant data is sent to the cloud quickly and precisely. 

Commercial applications of 5G

One of the biggest applications that 5G will have is in Supply Chain Management. Quick connectivity and fast processing will allow parts to be monitored more effectively and ensure smoother integration and data transfer. With the vastly advancing and developing world of automated vehicles, real-time data is required to make the entire system work. This will be possible with 5G technologies. It is another step towards the successful integration of Smart Cities.

The communication will be carried out between the vehicles and the city-wide infrastructure like traffic lights and sensors to ensure smooth operations. Another major application is in the field of Energy. Smart Grids require information to be transferred extremely quickly to ensure the equipment remains safe. This along with the seamless flow of information grid to grid or even generating stations will ensure safety and connectivity.

5G technology is at the core of automation. Every industry that has moved towards automation or is in the process of doing so will be including 5G technology in its portfolio. From high tech industries like parts manufacturers to industries like farming, 5G is the future that everyone will have to adopt. Sensors equipped with 5G technologies provide data that is used to further improve the techniques which are being deployed.

Increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning also require quick data transfer and great potential is seen in this regard. With the introduction of remote therapy in the health sector and due to the complications such as COVID, which makes physical presence unfavorable, 5G technology can chip in. This will also connect rural areas to big cities in the sense that patients usually have to travel many kilometers for better health services.  This gap will be bridged through the successful integration of the new technology.

The fascinating thing is not that 5G exists in the future to come, 5G will open doors not only for communication but innovation. It keeps up with the pace at which technology is evolving and how it demands faster processing.

IoT has a big role to play in the further advancement of the human race and 5G will be a major part of this initiative. From automated vehicles to smart grids all the way to smart cities, successful integration of these technologies in parallel will add to the ease and convenient lifestyles that humans have dreamt of achieving. 

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