5G rolls out with a new wave of smart technology

By: Ram Christian Agustin and Rhosedel Grace Gabac
 
At this day and age of 2019, do you still find yourself waiting quite a lengthy amount of time for a file download or streaming service? What’s the next big thing when it comes to mobile connectivity nowadays? Maybe 5G might perfectly fit for you.
5G is the fifth generation of mobile data technology evolution hence the “G” which stands for generation. When the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) set a uniform connection and speed standard for 4G, handheld devices were peaked at 100 megabits per second. At that time, it was considered as a great leap in technology after having 3G packing a transfer rate of a measly 128-384 kilobits per second.
With 5G connectivity, 1GBps may soon be the average download speed of mobile users which drastically enhances the way we use data. This technology is expected to launch officially worldwide by 2020 although as early as January this year, there are already devices primed and ready for the connectivity shift.
5G is also projected as the key to facilitate the newly emerging developments in technology which include self-driving vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT) which serve as the cornerstone of smart city concepts that emphasize on the data interconnectivity of digital machines, computing devices, and biological specimens equipped with UIDs (unique identifiers) without direct interaction between humans and computers.
Smart cities will be empowered because 5G will enable them to monitor and control resources more efficiently such as utility systems like power and water, traffic and waste management, and other related services. These will all be reliant built upon extreme low latency and network slicing beside a higher data nexus.   
According to an interview of TechRadar Pro with Diana Pani, Director of InterDigital Labs’ 5G Standards and Systems, 5G will realize the true potential of Industry 4.0, which encompasses reconfigurable factories, mobile robots, time sensitive networks, connecting moving parts, lower maintenance cost, etc. According to her, the combination of 5G and new computing powers such as artificial intelligence (AI), Edge services, powerful processing, and enhanced security will be essential for true industrial transformation.
Here in the Philippines, some internet providers are taking their first steps to 5g deployment. Globe’s action regarding their first 5G deployment will be applied to their Globe at Home fixed broadband service which seeks to deliver speeds of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps to fixed broadband subscribers via wireless radios called “Air Fiber.” While PLDT and wireless subsidiary Smart already activated the first 5G cell sites last November 14 located in the commercial business district of Makati, and the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.