It is no secret that innovation within the technology sector is moving rapidly. The new 5G network has already been rolled out in selected cities a few years ago, and will continue to spread around the world over the next few years. There are a lot of questions that are still unanswered. This article will explore some of these questions and try to find the answers.
What is 5G?
5G is described as the next generation of mobile internet connection with a faster upload speed and data download speed (Looper, 2020). Over time, it will replace the 4G LTE connection that you already know. It use the radio spectrum in a greater extend and it will allow more mobile devices to access the internet at the same time.
What can it do?
5G is an absolute necessity is we want to continue with our increasing use of mobile devices. Some cities already experience slowdowns during busy times of the day. Furthermore, 5G allows your vehicle to communicate with other vehicles about road conditions, sudden brakes, etc. to prevent collisions that can save lives. For that reason, you should expect to see a rise in autonomous vehicles when 5G becomes a reality in your country. In the health care sector, 5G will provide physical therapy through AR, remote surgeries, and even precision surgery (Looper, 2020).
5G could ultimately save thousands of lives, however, 5G has already been criticised by many, and 5G fears have become mainstream (Bowler, 2020).
Why are People Scared of 5G?
When you start to dig into the different claims about 5G, you will find some truly wild conspiracy theories. Some believe that 5G is the cause of COVID-19, and some believe that it can be used by the military to break the spirit of the enemy (Bowler, 2020). Fears of electronic radiation are nothing new, and it is the same concerns people had for decades just in a new guise. However, according to Howard Jones, the head of technology communications at UK’s mobile network provider EE, there is nothing to be afraid of. This is what he explained to The Guardian:
“The wavelengths that 5G uses and will use are all entirely safe and have been in research and testing for decades. It’s a red herring to say it’s a new technology and therefore hasn’t been tested.”
What is Next?
The debate about 5G can get wild, and there is a lot of interesting theories. Please, leave a comment or contact me if you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on 5G.
