What You Should Know About 5G

5G will eventually arrive; it’s just a matter of “when” it will arrive. It feels like we’ve been saying that 5G will arrive soon for a while, but the fact remains that it’s not here... Still, the ambiguity surrounding 5G, or the “Fifth Generation” of wireless networking, can get be bit baffling. Below we will help you clear up any confusion you may have about 5G so you can be aware of what this technology might hold.

5G itself is largely being used as a marketing strategy/selling point early in 2019. Nonetheless, as the year progresses, keep an eye out for the first actual 5G networks, as well as the devices that run on them. It’s worth remembering, though, that 5G is still an emerging technology, so while we might see the first of these new networks, the bulk will be the same networks that you have come to know over the past decade.

Fourth Generation
4G first hit in December 2009, but it took the United States until June of 2010 for the first 4G LTE network to become available. 3G networks were processing somewhere between 200Kbps to 5Mbps/second but compared to 4G’s 100Mbps-to-1Gbps speeds, the former was easy. Cloud computing and media streaming became commonplace, and a massive market for mobile applications and devices that utilized them was pushed to the forefront of mobile computing.

Fifth Generation
Just like with 4G, 5G will offer a dramatic increase in bandwidth speed, while also decreasing latency and providing an whole new layer of application support. It will bring wireless Internet speeds to amazing levels: up to 100Gbps, nearly 1,000 times faster than current 4G speeds. Streaming will work nearly seamlessly, and application developers will have more capabilities to work with, pushing innovation forward. A solid 5G connection could enable users to download a full movie in a couple of seconds!

This will offer more network stability for more resource-intensive tasks, all while maintaining more reliable speeds to take advantage of advanced digital tools. The most pressing problem for 5G is that it might take a while to reach your area, depending on where your office is located. For example: Minnesota and Chicago will be receiving 5G through Verizon soon, but it might take longer for other locations. As far as devices go, here is a list of some that will be compatible:

• Samsung Galaxy s10 5G
• LG v50 ThinQ
• Huawei Mate X
• ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G
• Unnamed OnePlus 5G Smartphone

It’s worth noting that there is no Apple device or European version. The only phone on the devices listed above that will be available in the United States by the 5G launch window is the Galaxy s10. However, Verizon’s 5G mod for the Moto z3 will be available for $50, and the retail price will remain at $349.99 if it’s not purchased during Verizon’s promotional period.

As a consumer, it’s your responsibility to determine how and when to upgrade to a 5G network. Let Macro Systems lay out your options so you can go in on this technology with as clear a head as possible. To learn more, reach out to us at 703-359-9211.