It is predicted that 20.8 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020. That’s more than double the people on Earth. How is the current 4G LTE signal going to handle all those devices?

It’s not. That’s why we are sitting on the doorstep of the greatest and strongest signal man has ever witnessed – 5G.

We aren’t overstepping are bounds when we say that either. 5G is going to be a huge improvement to our current wireless network.

Before we get there, here’s a little history lesson on how we got to this point. 1G was the beginning of wireless phone technology, starting in the 1990s. 2G didn’t come too far after with the advent of text messaging. Eventually, the cellular world moved on to 3G, which allowed for phone calls, text messaging and internet browsing abilities. Then 4G came along, expanding upon every one of those abilities, with the addition of being able to download extremely large video files.

Currently, our network is 4G LTE; a more advanced version of 4G. However, 5G is going to expand upon what we think is a fast connection nowadays.

It will allow all the typical features of texting, phone calls, and web browsing; but it’s going blow today’s current rate of signal speed out of the water (or should we say air).

5G will make it easier for people to download Ultra HD and 3D video, while making room for millions (billions) of connected devices. It’s just not your computer or smart phone. 5G will cater to household appliances, door locks, security systems, smart cars, wearables, dog collars and many other Wifi-enabled items that might seem obscure now.

The difference in speed between 5G and 4G LTE will increase by 10 gigabits per second. 10 gigabits! That means you can download an Ultra HD movie in seconds compared to the hour that it takes to download now with 4G LTE.

You might be thinking, “What? An hour?”. That’s based on the nationwide average. Most people don’t get to experience the maximum download speed of 4G LTE because the signal can be disrupted by so many different things.

Aside from speed, 5G will be responsible for many other impressive benefits, including:

  • Low latency
  • Advancement of self-driving vehicles
  • Upgraded virtual reality technology

5G is going to change the way we view our wireless world. Connections are going to be made faster than ever. We are going to be able to learn about our past, present and future at an unprecedented rate. 5G will also help evolve our space traveling capabilities.

The nation’s two biggest internet service providers, Verizon and AT&T, are already testing 5G; but don’t expect to see it anytime soon. Most experts predict that 5G won’t be widely available until 2020.

Contact Us

While you’re waiting for the future to get here, you’re going to need a business or home with a fast and reliable internet connection. You need fixed wireless broadband and the right equipment to handle the advent of 5G. And SWG, Inc. can help. If you need equipment or more information on fixed wireless, contact us today.