We have all heard the advertisement about 5G but do you know what this really means or what’s in it for you? I will try to expand on this a bit.
The 5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile network roll out. Early networks started in the mid-1980s and supported early devices such as the Palm Pilot, car phones and such. Quality was inconsistent and slow. 2G started replacing the first generation in the early 1990s and introduced features such as SMS and basic data services. 3G didn’t come around until 2003 and took a few of years to get fully installed. 4G was introduced in 2009 and 2010 as was a big step up in reliability, speed and services such as video streaming, video conferencing and other. 5G started to launch in 2019 in the Midwest and has slowly been growing.
It should be noted that the speed of deployment is hampered due to the need to install new and more densely populated towers. This makes the capital investments by the communication companies substantial and finding real estate for the installation of the more frequent tower become more difficult. Also, each generation utilizes higher transmission frequencies for and there are situations where frequencies are not always easily available.
One of the most anticipated advantages of 5G is its unparalleled speed. With potential peak speeds reaching up to 10 gigabits per second, 5G will enable lightning-fast downloads, seamless streaming of high-definition content, and ultra-responsive gaming experiences. This speed boost not only caters to the entertainment needs of a tech-savvy population but also supports businesses in delivering real-time services and applications.
The enhanced speed of 5G brings a significant reduction in latency, the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. This improvement is crucial for applications that demand instantaneous response times, such as autonomous vehicles, remote medical procedures, and augmented reality experiences. This means safer streets, enhanced healthcare services, and innovative educational opportunities that leverage immersive technologies.
As 5G becomes more robust, new concepts emerge such as the Internet of Things (IoT) where conceivably almost everything is connected. As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, from smart city initiatives to connected infrastructure and utilities, 5G ensures robust connectivity and efficient data transmission across the city. This interconnectedness fosters smarter energy grids, more efficient transportation systems, and improved public services tailored to meet the needs of growing population.
So where is 5G for us. A map shows that while 5G is mostly available throughout the Reno geography it is not consistently deployed throughout the area. My interest is focused on the Northwest part of Reno and the accompanying map shows that while Reno has 5G services the Northwest mostly has a slower version which operates at about half the speed. .
In conclusion, all of us are at the cusp of a new era of innovation, efficiency, and connectivity. From blazing-fast speeds and reduced latency to enhanced capacity and tailored services, 5G promises to unlock boundless opportunities for economic growth and community advancement. With its transformative potential, We now have to determine how all of this works for us and how it may change our lives from autonomous cars, implanted medical devices, access to wider sources of information or entertainment.
