As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to stay current with the tools we utilize to remain successful in our respective industries or professions.
As was the case when service providers rolled out the 4G in 2014, the promise of 5G has created ripples among cell providers since deployment began in 2019.
Major cell phone networks are already testing 5G in the United States and other parts of the world. However, 5G likely won’t be available to the general public in Canada until 2020.
But, what will 5G mean for Canadian businesses?
The Difference Between 4G & 5G
In short, 5G will be:
- Faster
- Smarter
- More Efficient
Reduced Communication Delays
5G technology will reduce latency, allowing multiple online devices to communicate better. This is critical for businesses that depend on IoT, various different types of devices, and/or sensors to streamline solutions and communication.
The Future of Technology
According to a report from Ericsson, there will be 18 billion IoT devices by 2022, with 1.5 billion of them operating on cellular connections.
Have you considered how self-driving cars and connected home products of the future will function? These products require stronger signals too.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are also on the rise, with people utilizing these technologies both for business and at home.
VR and AR are also only as effective as they are seamless in the way they are experienced, uninterrupted by delay. Therefore, brands such as gaming companies who are developing these technologies demand greater efficiency that these reality systems require for best use.
Without an effortless, continuous connection, these products simply hold no value, and tech companies cannot afford to let their hard work and investments go to waste.
Cellphone Upgrades To 5G
Some cell phone towers that currently have 4G-LTE radio antennas can be upgraded because 5G includes the same “spectrum” as 4G.
“Spectrum” is the radio signals that cell towers use—think of it like channels on your FM radio. 5G will eventually bring access to more radio channels, but right now it uses the older channels that 4G does.
Most cell phone towers can be upgraded to 5G but need to have the proper hardware first. Devices like your smartphone that support 4G-LTE can’t be upgraded by switching out hardware—you’ll need to buy a new phone.
Source: WhistleOut
When Will 5G Come To Canada?
Bell, Rogers, and Telus are all testing 5G and are currently investing in upgrades to the current 4G-LTE network. These upgrades are set to roll out in 2020, but specific dates have not yet been announced.
Contact CORE Cabling
Contact Core Cabling today to learn more about how your business can prepare for 5G in 2020. We’ll update you as we learn more information about 5G launching in Canada.
