by: Sven Kara Yac and John Anthony Yumul
Surpassing the 4G LTE network is the newest 5G cloud-based mobile technology. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology that offers a faster download speed and a lower network latency than of 4G LTE. This opens the doors of not only for improved smartphone experience but, also for other technological innovations – all contributing to the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G is expected to be distributed around the world by the year 2020 as part of International Mobile Technology (IMT).
What makes 5G phenomenal?
5G is the latest wireless network that enables communication between technologies. It comes with a minimum download speed of 10 GBps – which is 1000 times faster than the 200 MBps of 4G network. Latency, or the delay of data transfer in terms of reaction time, is dropped from 50 milliseconds into 1 millisecond, enhancing the Virtual Reality (VR). Low latency will make geo-location an alternative for GPS in 5G technology, helping in the formation of self-driving cars. Robots can be easily programmed to learn skills and to communicate with each other wirelessly through 5G. Machines can be controlled in real time, such as automated delivery drones that will treat lags as nonexistent.
5G’s Spectrum
Faster download speed and lower latency means larger bandwidth and higher frequency spectrum. 5G network requires a frequency above 24 GHz, making it difficult to maintain the signal while going from one place to another. Since the goal of 5G is to offer a smooth connection between systems, the idea of using small cells is pushed through. These small cells will be planted on telephone poles, street signs and on any other structure feasible for carrying the cell. This can provide better signal and coverage as the obstructions are eliminated
Big steps towards 5G network in the Philippines
Both Globe and Smart, have made its steps to bring 5G speeds in the country. In June, Globe Telecoms with China’s Huawei, has announced that 5G services would be available to its consumers by mid-2019. While PLDT Inc. (mobile subsidiary, Smart Communications Inc.) has also announced its partnership with Swedish technology giant Ericsson in line with 5G, which promises faster mobile internet speeds and lower latency.
Currently, Globe Telecoms has announced its 5G network in the Philippines this 2018. Globe’s President and CEO Ernest Cu said that the 5G technology would enable Globe to use Air Fiber Technology to bring its services to customers at home and businesses. Air Fiber uses a fixed location microwave radio waves instead of phone or cable lines to bring the Internet in your location.
While Smart has launched their 5G research facility, the 5G Techno lab. The facility will focus to provide the foundation of 5G networks in the near future and for the research, development and testing of 5G technologies and services. “As 5G opens up more opportunities for new services and solutions to offer to our customers, we are investing in future-proofing our network and making sure that our network is ready for 5G” said PLDT-Smart chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangalinan.
Currently, PLDT has launched it's first ever 5G city. The telecommunications front runner has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to launch the Clark Freeport Zone as the first Smart 5G city.
References
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Cheng, R. (2018). 5G is almost a reality. Here's what it'll really feel like. Retrieved I 2018, from CNet: https://www.cnet.com/news/5g-is-almost-a-reality-heres-what-itll-really-feel-like-verizon-att-t-mobile-sprint-samsung-qualcomm/
Fulton III, S. (2018). What is 5G? Everything you need to know about the new wireless revolution. Retrieved October 2018, from ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-5g-everything-you-need-to-know/
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ITU towards "IMT for 2020 and beyond". (n.d.). Retrieved October 2018, from ITU: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2020/Pages/default.aspx
Kaplan, J. (2018). Do we even need 5G at all? Retrieved October 2018, from Digital Trends: https://www.digitaltrends.com/opinion/network-shmetwork/
Kavanagh, S. (2018). 5G vs 4G: No Contest. Retrieved October 2018, from 5G.co.uk: https://5g.co.uk/guides/4g-versus-5g-what-will-the-next-generation-bring/
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Smart Communications, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://smart.com.ph/About/newsroom/full-news/2018/08/13/smart-and-ericsson-to-deploy-5g-in-ph
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