5G Propels IoT into the Future

5G is the next-generation mobile network with faster speed and more capacity and reliability. It supports all bands and spectrum types (licensed, shared, unlicensed), as well as a wide range of deployment models. In addition to enhanced phone services, the low latency and high bandwidth of 5G is expected to empower IoT user experiences and services, improving the efficiency of current technologies and capabilities of emerging technologies.

Manufacturing

For manufacturing, 5G represents improved efficiency for wireless connections. Manufacturing lines can have more wirelessly connected machines and transfer larger amounts of data between them and other devices (and do so faster). 5G also allows for more reliable, accurate response times on real-time operations. This will improve the capabilities of VR and AR tools, robotic operators and human-partnered cobots and remote monitoring functions.

Automotive

High bandwidth from 5G will support infotainment, navigation, remote vehicle maintenance and other connective automotive services. Low latency will aid in trucking platooning – the linking of two or more trucks in a convoy – to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the number of drivers. In smart cars, 5G will support autonomous driving features like obstacle detection and braking, allowing for greater efficiency and safety. It will also improve remote driving features.

Smart Cities

5G will support the wide-scale use of wireless sensors throughout smart city infrastructure and improve the reliability of connections. It will improve the rapid response of real-time traffic flow adjustments, reducing congestion and maintaining flow by diverting traffic around accidents. This will aid cities seeking to reduce traffic effects of air pollution. 5G will also support communication between smart city sensors and smart cars for real-time parking notifications.

Energy & Utility

5G will increase the capability of edge computing devices and data volumes required in utility and energy grid monitoring. It will support the continuous signaling between sensors and real-time alerts as smart grids seek to identify failures and reroute electricity at speeds that prevent neighborhood outages.

Emergency Services

Police devices will transmit high volumes of data through 5G, supporting the use of sensors throughout a city to detect gunfire, find flagged license plate numbers or record crime incidents. The support of augmented reality will allow police officers to use virtual overlays of a city, improving accuracy in traffic chases and emergency response or identifying potential hazards. 5G will also aid in the collection and wireless dissemination of data at crime scenes.

Healthcare

Healthcare will be supported by 5G through telehealth services, quick wireless transfers of medical files and remote care. Medical wearables will be more reliable, giving patients more agency over their own care and reducing hospital costs. 5G will aid in mobile disease tracking and the dissemination of health information as well as support the network for connected healthcare.

5G first launched in select US cities in 2019. More wide-spread launches by mobile companies are expected throughout this year and beyond.