5G Connectivity: Pros and Cons

Industry and governments have seized upon the idea of 5G with an enthusiasm which suggests many parts of the world are on the cusp of a technological revolution. As with any new technology, some countries are set to have 5G first while some will lag behind and others are unlikely to get it at all. But, what is 5G? And, is 5G connectivity all about the positive impact on business and individuals, or could there be any negatives?

What is 5G?

First of all, what exactly is 5G? Well, most people now have 4G, or at least 3G, but this fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity is all about making better use of the radio spectrum available so more devices can get access to the mobile internet at any given time.

5G Pros

Let's take a look at the list of some positive 5G features.

• Faster

Whatever you currently use mobile internet for now, you should be able to do much vaster with the roll out of 5G. That should mean being able to download a movie in a matter of seconds. Experts say browsing could be 10 to 20 times faster when compared to 4G.

• Greater bandwidth

The amount of space available for people to browse and download will increase with the launch of 5G, so even in crowded spaces you shouldn’t feel that you are competing for bandwidth with those around you.

• Technological innovation

It’s not all about speed when it comes to 5G technology, although that is an important factor. 5G is also set to enable innovation across a range of sectors. For instance, 5G will be able to unlock the potential capabilities of drone technology and driverless cars.

• Power saving

5G could put an end to worrying about whether individual mobile devices are about to run out of battery because it won’t require as much power as 4G. There will also be huge power savings for anything running on IoT technology.

5G Cons

While there are many plus points to 5G technology, there are also some concerns.

• More cell coverage

While 3G technology dropped out often, it did achieve wide coverage. However, with 5G, more cell towers will be required because the cells for 5G are not able to cover as much space.

• Incompatibility

Old devices may not be compatible with 5G, which might mean an expensive investment for individuals and businesses.

• Privacy worries

As with all new technologies, there are fears about what 5G will mean for security and privacy for both companies and individuals because the faster speeds will be able to be harnessed by good guys and bad guys alike and there is always the possibility of hackers managing to get into 5G systems.

• Health risks

There are also worries about a potential adverse impact on health as a result of the extra antennas needed to roll out the 5G program. These fears center around radio frequency exposure. The World Health Organization has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic. Other things in the same category include pickled vegetables and processed meats.

Weighing Up The Pros And Cons Of 5G

With any new technology, there is always a mixture of excitement, confusion and trepidation. But, most governments and businesses have definitely decided the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to rolling out 5G.