Fifth generation mobile network tech - 5G - continues to be installed in cities and countries around the world. And thanks to its 600x faster network speeds than 4G on mobile phones, you’ll have no problem streaming all the video content you want when commuting.
But what will it mean for your digital experience at home? You might be quite surprised!
What 5G Technology Has to Offer
There are three main areas 5G will benefit. These are:
1. Super network speed
Current 4G networks provide up to 100Mbps (Megabits per second). The new 5G network offers a maximum speed of 10Gbps (Gigabits per second). Put simply, at its maximum speed, 5G is theoretically 100 times faster than its predecessor. Which means you can say goodbye to that annoying buffering circle when watching your favourite movies, TV shows or live streams.
2. Minimal latency
When network latency, which is the time it takes for data to travel from two points, is too high, common issues arise such as lagging during gaming. When using a 5G-enabled device over the robust network, average latency can drop to under 10 milliseconds.
3. Expansive traffic capacity
The more people using a network connection, the slower each of those connections needs to facilitate each and every connection at once. As you might imagine, this causes problems, including choppy phone calls and buffering video streams. Fortunately, 5G provides 100% coverage and can support 100 times the number of connected devices, which means a more seamless online experience across the board.
What does this mean for the home digital experience?
Unless you have fibre optic cables, your home internet connection won’t be that fast. With the release of 5G, cables will no longer be necessary - everyone will have access to the same amazing speeds.
In addition, because of the ultra-quick stream of real-time data, immersive technologies, including augmented and virtual reality, will become more popular and accessible.
AR Or VR?
Wondering what's the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality? While they sound similar, they are quite different.
Augmented reality adds digitally created information “on top” of reality. For example, the highly popular augmented reality mobile application Pokemon GO uses your camera to create Pokémon around you.
Virtual reality, on the other hand, transports you to a whole new world through equipment such as visors, headsets, and handheld controls, immersing you in a completely different reality.
Before 5G Replaces Home Broadband
Get on board the 5G train! All you need is a 5G-compatible handset. You can get one for $0 upfront on an M1 Bespoke Flexi Plan. Once you’ve joined the M1 family, add a 5G Booster pack at a nominal fee.