5G landed, with a thud, in this pandemic year. Major carriers launched networks in the US, UK, Australia, and other parts of the world. The pandemic slowed the rollout but didn’t stop it.
What will 5G do for small to medium businesses? The exponentially faster speeds support the use of automation anywhere, anytime. Your smaller company can utilize advanced technologies easier, such as augmented reality.
Expect 5G to encourage new uses for the Internet. 3G made mobile web browsing possible, and 4G helped streaming platform use explode. 5G supports the broader use of VR and AR tools and other types of automation.
5G coverage remains limited in the US. Verizon, the first provider to offer 5G, focuses on ultra-high-speed, low area tech. How much faster than 4G is that? Four to five times.
T-Mobile offers a broader frequency with more reach but lower speeds. With partners and the Sprint merger, all 50 states have some coverage. AT&T covers the fewest states and cities due to its slow investment in the technology.
Limited handsets are available from carriers. Verizon and AT&T support 5G mobile hotspots that offer faster speeds on a 4G LTE phone.
Is 5G safe? The answer is controversial. The international commission overseeing non-ionizing radiation standards declared it safe if using their guidelines.
The three reasons to gear up for 5G include improved connectivity and the ability to transfer vast amounts of data. These will make cutting edge technologies accessible to small to medium businesses to advance their products and services.
Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
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