There has been considerable buzz surrounding the introduction of 5G wireless technology over the past couple of years. Much of it, unfortunately, has revolved around conspiracy theories, concerns over air traffic interference (which are being ironed out), etc. But the fact is, 5G offers more possibilities than just ultra-fast Internet speeds for consumers; it also affords some incredible opportunities for growth and innovation compared to its predecessors. The fact is, we’re just scratching the surface of what 5G can do.
The transition from 3G to 4G was considered to be a game-changer for mobile phones, but the possibilities offered by 5G are exponentially bigger. With faster speeds, lower latency, and higher bandwidth, 5G has opened doors to exciting new opportunities. From real-time augmented reality to autonomous cars, VR surgeries to automated manufacturing, 5G is paving the way for technological advancements that were only dreamt of a few years ago. Here are just a few sectors and applications that may benefit greatly from 5G technology over the next few years.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector has always been slow to adopt new technologies, mainly due to security concerns, but 5G has the potential to transform the healthcare industry radically over the next few years–especially when it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT). With more medical devices now connected to the Internet, in-home IoT devices, remote monitoring devices, and medical IoT implants can collect data in real time and share it with doctors, allowing them to diagnose a patient more precisely. Even more remarkably, 5G is predicted to fuel a new technology known as haptic communication (or “tactile Internet”), which can reproduce a physican’s movements in another location in real time–potentially enabling doctors to perform procedures on patients remotely. These developments will enable healthcare professionals to provide better quality of care, including in places where specialized care is not readily available. Telecom companies can help healthcare providers leverage this technology by setting up secure networks and devices that meet stringent security standards.
Retail
While many retailers offer wi-fi for the benefit of their customers, the quality of connection is inconsistent at best. Not only does 5G technology have the potential to level the playing field and give consumers more consistent connections, it also may revolutionize the retail and ecommerce industries, allowing customers to have a more personalized and immersive shopping experience that makes use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). With 5G speeds, retailers will be able to create real-time interactive experiences for customers in-store, including 3D scanning, product visualization, cashier-less checkout, and more. These advances will help customers make better decisions while providing retailers with valuable data on customer preferences that can be used to provide more personalized services. Not only could this technology help overcome some of the pitfalls of online shopping, but it also has the potential to revive the competitiveness of brick-and-mortar stores by enhancing their digital experiences for customers.
Education
One of the most significant challenges faced by educators has been to provide immersive and engaging learning experiences. The recent COVID-19 pandemic underscored the current limitations in remote learning as millions of students struggled to keep up with their studies (and those who had no Internet access simply fell behind). 5G can aid in bridging this gap with virtual classrooms, connecting students and teachers from all over the world and taking online learning to the next level. Remote education and training can be taken to a new level with real-time interactive training sessions, VR-based training, and online live sessions with remote instructors.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector inevitably requires high speed, real-time data to ensure seamless operations. 5G can enable these data-driven insights, allowing manufacturers to optimize their operations, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. Autonomous manufacturing, powered by smart factories, could be the future, and 5G can power it. Telecom companies can provide manufacturers with the network infrastructure that can support this new industry standard, enabling an era of augmented manufacturing.
Transportation
The transportation industry may be one of the biggest beneficiaries of 5G networks, as 5G’s ultra-fast connectivity has the potential to make autonomous cars a more accessible possibility. With 5G networks, cars will be able to communicate with each other in real time, helping to prevent accidents and reduce traffic congestion in cities. Additionally, 5G can also power monitoring and tracking of public transport vehicles in real-time, improving passenger safety and customer satisfaction.
Entertainment
The entertainment industry is moving towards more immersive experiences, including widespread adoption of AR and VR experiences. 5G technology can power multiplayer AR games, live streaming of concerts, and other events that can put viewers in the center of the experience. Telecom companies can provide high-speed networks that enable low latency, high-performance AR and VR interactions, creating a new wave of interactive entertainment and engaging experiences.
If even a fraction of these opportunities becomes reality (and chances are all of them will), there will be a constant and growing demand for more 5G networks and infrastructure to facilitate them. At Tri-Power Electrical, our technicians are highly skilled in the installation and placement of 5G small cells and related infrastructure. To discuss the possibilities of expanding 5G coverage for your customer base in these and other industries, contact us today.