What is 5G?

A look at the latest generation of wireless technology to uncover what it is, what it does, and what it could do.

5G: The Latest Generation Wireless Internet Technology

Here’s a quick look at the basics: the first generation of wireless internet technology, or 1G, was all about the analogue voice communication. Things went digital with 2G, before we welcomed in 3G for its mobile internet capabilities. The world then changed with 4G, which was the beginning of the smart phone and mobile data era. Once fully rolled out, 5G will be able to carry an unprecedented amount of data in a fraction of the time, with improved connectivity and increased network reliability two of the key benefits.

The Need for Speed

The most immediate benefit of 5G technology is faster, more reliable internet. Poised to deliver new peak speeds, 5G will give you the potential to enjoy more data-intensive services in real-time, enhancing the overall digital experience. It’s not just quicker streaming and downloading - 5G will also help to bring augmented and virtual reality to life. This could mean attending a concert remotely, enjoying immersive house hunting from the comfort of your own home and, in the future, being able to provide health scans to doctors around the world using an augmented reality headset. 5G is all about speed, allowing us to be more connected to the world without the wait.

But Good Things Take Time

Like most advances in technology, the best things take time to develop. From 1G onward, wireless technology has developed over time and requires weeks, months and sometimes years to reach full capacity. While faster, more reliable internet is evident from day one, 5G is like a fine wine - it’ll only get better with time. The ultimate benefits of 5G are only in their infancy, with a rapid evolution expected to bring us smart cities, connected vehicles and exceptionally enhanced entertainment. Today, you can enjoy more reliable internet at ever-increasing speed. From tomorrow and beyond, you can enjoy an increasing rotation of benefits both at home and on the go.