There has been increased interest and speculation in the evolution of 5G in recent years, but this year in 2018, 5G is expected to enter the real scene. As of late 2018, AT&T looks set to launch mobile 5G in many select markets. Additionally, beginning with Sacramento, CA, many cities will be on the move to landline 5G as Verizon partners with Samsung. While alternative carriers T-Mobile and Sprint have plans to enter the 5G scene by 2019 and 2020. In a National Security Report released by the White House, 5G wireless service is now listed as an infrastructure priority.

So what is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology: the G is the next generation, the 4G standard that was introduced in 2010. In December 2017, a formal standard was established that sets the specifications for 5G. So 5G, when it comes to download and upload speed, it will exceed 4G standards by 100 times. Also, with 5G, there will be less latency issues currently existing on the network. 5G results will be faster and connectivity more reliable, which will drive the next technology to come.

Implication of 5G evolution

• IoT and autonomous cars

With the evolution of 5G, self-driving cars will become safer, more enjoyable and more efficient. 5G has low latency that will allow self-driving cars to be closely linked with other connected devices, such as smart city infrastructure, traffic lights, etc. 5G will simplify the stress we are currently putting on 4G networks with the ever-increasing number of connected devices. IoT will be much faster and more dynamic as there will be rapid transfer of massive volumes of data. Without sacrificing performance, 5G will connect more and more devices.

• mobile innovation

As fast as the mobile Internet is, there will also be an evolution in mobile innovation. With superior AR and VR experiences, you won’t see or hear before mobile experiences that don’t support current generation 4G technology. The current smartphone is not aligned with 5G, but as the technology is implemented, there will be a lot of growth in the devices as well. Also, ZTE has already announced that the company will bring 5G compatible phones in late 2018 or early 2019. 4G has the strain of more and more connected devices that will be eased by 5G technology.

• Internet at home

The technology will be first in the game with fixed 5G, so Home Internet will enjoy many benefits. The most amazing features of 5G technology is that it does not involve a large expensive investment in the way that it is required to install fiber optic cable. The 5G Home Internet will be completely wireless, allowing users to enjoy hassle-free Internet experiences.

• The future

After much waiting and consideration, it is certain that 5G will be implemented by the end of this year 2018. We can identify that some of the areas, such as autonomous cars, home internet and mobile innovation, are destined to evolve with the evolution of 5G. However, in the long term, 5G will bring power innovations on the digital stage.