5G will be here eventually, but it’s just a matter of “when” it will arrive. It feels like we’ve been saying that 5G will arrive soon, but the fact remains that it’s not here… at this moment, anyway. Still, the ambiguity surrounding 5G, or the “Fifth Generation” of wireless networking, can get a bit confusing. We’ll help you clear up any confusion you might have about 5G so you can step into the future knowing what this technology might hold.

5G itself is largely being used as a selling point or marketing strategy early this year. However, as the year progresses, keep an eye out for the first actual 5G networks, as well as the devices that run on them. It’s worth remembering, however, that 5G is still an emerging technology, so while we might see the first of these new networks, the bulk will be the same networks that you have come to know over the past decade.

Fourth Generation
4G first hit in December 2009, but it took the United States until June of 2010 for the first 4G LTE network to become accessible. 3G networks were processing somewhere between 200Kbps to 5Mbps/second but compared to 4G’s 100Mbps-to-1Gbps speeds, the former was child’s play. Cloud computing and media streaming became commonplace, and a massive market for mobile applications and devices that utilized them was pushed to the forefront of mobile computing.

Fifth Generation
Just like with 4G, 5G will provide a dramatic increase in bandwidth speed, while also reducing latency and providing an entire new layer of application support. It will bring wireless Internet speeds to astounding levels--up to 100Gbps, nearly 1,000 times faster than current 4G speeds. Streaming will work almost seamlessly, and application developers will have more capabilities to work with, pushing innovation forward. A solid 5G connection could enable users to download a full movie in a couple of seconds!

This will provide more network stability for more resource-intensive tasks, all while maintaining more reliable speeds to take advantage of advanced digital tools. The most immediate issue for 5G is that it might take a while to reach your area, depending on where your office is located. For example, Minnesota and Chicago will be receiving 5G through Verizon soon, but it might take longer for other locations. As far as devices go, here is a list of some that will be compatible:

• Samsung Galaxy s10 5G
• LG v50 ThinQ
• Huawei Mate X
• ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G
• Unnamed OnePlus 5G Smartphone

It’s noteworthy that there is no Apple device or European version. The only phone on the devices listed above that will be available in the United States by the 5G launch window is the Galaxy s10. However, Verizon’s 5G mod for the Moto z3 will be available for $50, and the retail price will remain at $349.99 if it’s not purchased during Verizon’s promotional period.

As a consumer, it’s your responsibility to determine how and when to upgrade to a 5G network. Let Argentum IT explain what your options are so you can go in on this technology with as clear a head as possible. To learn more, reach out to us at (502) 473-6407.