In 2019, U.S. telecom companies began rolling out a fifth-generation wireless network, promising consumers faster and more reliable service on their smartphones and computers.
Beyond that lie even bigger potential transformations in driverless-car communications, business logistics, “smart cities” and health care. But the 5G buildout will be complicated; analysts expect nearly a million new “small cell” antenna installations over the coming decade, and China is racing to dominate 5G infrastructure.
Here’s an infographic guide to understanding just what’s new, and how the landscape is evolving.
What's a “G”? How the mobile network evolved
Cellular technology makes a significant transformation about every 10 years.
Why 5G is causing battles for wireless spectrum
New and faster cellular technology needs whole new ways to use the airwaves. At the high-energy end of the microwave spectrum, “millimeter” wave frequencies can carry huge amounts of data but are easily blocked; lower-band frequencies carry less data but over longer distances. Much of the desirable “mid-band,” in between, is already allocated for government use, leading to tension in Washington. The different frequencies will require new infrastructure buildout.
Is 5G available?
The U.S. is behind only South Korea in 5G buildout, but that doesn’t mean it’s already here. Four telecom companies have begun 5G installations, and there are just a handful of available phones (and no 5G iPhone). Even if you have one, fast high-band service is limited to parts of a few cities.
5G around the world
The 5G network is expected to grow to about 15 percent of cell service by 2025. Globally, 51 telecoms have launched 5G networks that theoretically reach 6 percent of the world’s population. The world is not a level playing field: As ultrafast connections start appearing in some cities, many people are still on older 2G and 3G networks; 4G service is expected to carry about 59 percent of service by 2025.
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February 25, 2020 at 04:30PM
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The What, When and How of 5G - Politico
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