5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology, offering higher upload and download speeds, more consistent connections, and improved capacity than previous networks. 5G is much faster and more reliable than the currently popular 4G networks and has the potential to transform the way we use the internet to access applications, social networks, and information. For example, technologies like self-driving cars, advanced gaming applications, and live streaming media that require very reliable, high-speed data connections are set to benefit greatly from 5G connectivity.
The demand for internet access, combined with the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation, is driving a massive increase in the amount of data created. Data creation is growing exponentially, with volumes set to increase by several hundred zettabytes over the coming decade. The current mobile infrastructure was not designed for such a high information load and requires upgrading.
At the same time, with its high speed, massive capacity, and low latency, 5G could help to support and scale several applications like cloud-connected traffic control, drone delivery, video chatting, and console-quality gaming on the go. From global payments and emergency response to distance education and mobile workforce, the benefits and applications of 5G are limitless. It has the potential to transform the world of work, the global economy, and people's lives.
The development of 5G technology started in the early 2010s and was driven by the growing demand for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
The first phase of the 5G standardization process started in 2016, with the release of the 3GPP Release 15 specification
The first 5G networks were launched in 2018, with the initial deployments focusing on major cities in countries such as the United States, South Korea, and China. These early 5G networks used the sub-6 GHz frequency band, which is similar to the frequencies used by existing 4G networks.
