What is 5G internet?
5G is nothing but the fifth generation of mobile networking. After 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G networks, 5G is a wireless network created to connect objects, individuals, and devices. Going through the pages of history, let’s look at the innovation that 5G brings to the table.
1G internet speed - 2.4kbps
2G internet speed - 64kbps
3G internet speed - 144kbps
4G internet speed - 100mbps - 1Gbps
5G will provide astounding benefits like never before. What are they?
- Considerable speed upgrades
- Low latency
- Enhanced capacity
- Increased bandwidth
- More connected devices
- Network slicing
How does 5G match up to 4G or fibre-optic internet speed?
5G is expected to deliver 20 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps) peak data rates and 100+ Megabits-per-second (Mbps) average data rates. 5g vs fibre optic speed - It would seem like a joke if we compare future 5G speed and present fibre-optic speeds. Presently, the fastest speed that a fibre optic connection can achieve is 1000 Mbps (1Gbps) which is nowhere near what a 5G connection can deliver.
As per a report published by Ericsson, 5G internet will cover 40% of the world by 2024 and manage at least 25% of all mobile traffic. These mind-blowing benefits don’t come cheap. Over $4.2 billion will be spent on 5G wireless infrastructure.
5G has not hit global markets yet, but telecommunication and internet providers heavily invest in 5G infrastructure to meet future demands. Nonetheless, it brings us to the million-dollar question, which is - Will 5G internet replace broadband and fibre optic internet by 2030? We will discuss all that and more in the sections below.
Is 5G internet fast?
Implementation of 5G internet will take time; it is taking baby steps at the moment. Some countries have already implemented 5G internet with solid support from their governments.
South Korea has already implemented 5G in 85 cities.
Even China has made significant progress in this regard by planning to cover almost 300 cities. America is making preparations to roll out 5G, and Europe will take more time.
Where does that leave other countries? What about South East Asia, Africa, South America, or fibre optics in the Cayman Islands? Is 5G feasible for rural locations and far away places?
As discussed earlier, the greater the distance from the 5G cell towers, the more remote or less populated areas will not access speedy internet.
The potency of 5G internet is not the question here. It is the other variables that impact the quality and speed of the internet. As per the projections and test studies, 5G connections can yield up to 50 Gbit/s.
In real-life situations, the maximum speed may not be this high all the time. Realistically, the speed is between 5 Gbits/s and 30 Gbits/s, with the service provider’s critical factor.
Right now, fibre optic internet providers offer speeds up to 1000 Mbits/s. At the same time, tests are being conducted with speeds reaching 10Gbit on fibre and Coax with DOCSIS 3.1. Most home users rarely use above 1Gbit. Only hardcore gamers, call centres, trading centres, service companies, financial institutions, etc., require lighting fast internet speeds.
Firstly, the 3.5 GHz frequency will be auctioned in 2022, followed by the 26 GHz frequency. When we touch 3.5 GHz and higher speeds, we can surpass fibre optic internet’s speeds. The path to achieving this goal is having one fibre optic connection at the base station plus the necessary 5G infrastructure.
To put it in simpler terms, providers must deploy small cell deployments over telescopic masts and towers, antenna masts, and tall buildings to improve connectivity.
Can 5G pose health and other hazards?
Many myths are floating around the world, especially after the pandemic. Some of these myths are as below.
- Covid-19 vaccines contain 5G microchips.
- 5G is being introduced to whitewash the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 5G technology can cause migraines, dizziness, and headaches.
- 5G consumes more energy than earlier technologies.
- 5G technology can cause data breaches.
- 5G technology causes cancer.
- 5G can be weaponised.
- 5G will replace 4G and force people to buy new phones.
- 5G technology will kill birds and animals.
- 5G mobile networks will spread the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
- 5G emits radiation that will considerably weaken the immune system.
All of the claims mentioned above are baseless, and there are no scientific studies that prove the authenticity of the same. Deloitte has released a new report titled Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Predictions 2021.
As per the findings of this report, it is highly doubtful that radiation from 5G towers or cell phones will affect people’s health. This includes 5G users, cell phone users (of any generation), and people close to a cell phone network but not operating a cellular phone.
To elaborate further, the report also debunked myths about 5G technology causing cancer, spreading the Covid-19 virus, and 5G radiation weakening the immune system. Also, there is conclusive evidence to provide that mobile radiation does not cause any health hazards. Despite such evidence, about 10-20 percent of people in developed countries still believe that 5G will cause significant harm to public health.
Does 5G generate radiation? Yes, it does but under safe levels, plus it is not radioactive radiation. Currently, the frequencies within which 5G stations and 5G phones operate are performing under acceptable parameters. Also, this pattern will continue as 5G technology evolves, extending up to 20 years or more.
Like 5G, even the mobile technologies before it were severely criticised for their potential health risks. But why only mobile technologies? Even wireless technologies like Wifi, Bluetooth, and others, got a lot of flak for emitting radio waves.
Numerous armchair experts emerge with ridiculous theories and concerns whenever a new technology is launched or about to be introduced. This phenomenon is not recent. Even television sets were said to cause health problems in people in the late 1920s and 1930s, which turned out to be untrue.
Million Dollar Question - Will 5G replace fibre optic internet?
The answer is a resounding NO. 5G internet is an excellent alternative for the last mile, with faster internet speeds. Fibre will play an integral role in connecting the antennas. 5G won’t likely achieve the same speeds as fibre optic internet in the next five years.
Only when the speeds exceed 3500 MHz and higher can we expect performance superior to fibre-optic internet. Fibre is here to stay even after 5G is implemented throughout the globe.
We have always taken pride in providing the best services to our customers. Currently, we provide the fastest home internet in Cayman; we will take it up a notch after 5G is introduced. Wait and watch.
