The number one point of confusion about 5G concerns the idea that this new network technology is just about faster download speeds on a mobile phone. That’s according to Vodafone’s Claire Love, Mobile Proposition Manager, who went on to say that 5G is about a lot more than just speed.

“Yes, 5G does deliver faster speeds but this technology also brings in a range of new bandwidth and capacity abilities that arguably are having a bigger impact than just speed. So, the idea that ‘5G is to 4G as 4G was to 3G’ isn’t accurate. There’s a lot more going on than just a simple speed bump,” she said.

With 5G it is possible to do things faster, with download speeds of up to 1Gbps, but more importantly, it’s possible to have a lot more devices connected to the network at the same time than ever before. 5G networks can manage data traffic much more efficiently than 4G, so more devices can connect at the same time, enjoying better up and download speeds and more consistent connections.

At a time when internet connectivity is finding its way into more and more devices and the Internet of Things is gathering momentum, this is a crucial next stage step in network development.

“If 4G was a single-lane road that allowed you to get somewhere quickly then 5G is a motorway with many more lanes, allowing for far more capacity and far more efficiency. To really understand it though, it’s helpful to look at the history of network development,” said Love.

“30 or 40 years ago, 2G was developed as a telephone network essentially designed just to carry voice calls, with SMS messages tagged on. Then 3G came along and that allowed for data to be sent and received more efficiently along with voice calls.”

Better and Faster Data Connections

According to Love, 4G was about making that data connection better and faster with a side order of increased efficiency, and 5G continues this.

“5G makes data speeds faster but also adds something entirely new – the ability to facilitate many more connections, including more machine-to-machine communications at lower latency levels. This means that the amount of time it takes for packets of data to do a round trip to the server and back is decreased, something that’s important where reaction times are a factor,” she said.

Ten years ago, the average home had one or two devices connected to the internet, maybe a smartphone and a laptop or desktop computer. Now, that’s likely to be at least ten devices, including everything from smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers, games consoles, TV receivers and even domestic appliances like washing machines and fridges.

“The same is true in the workplace, where everyone who gathers in an office is increasingly carrying two, three or four connected devices with them. That’s where the opportunity presented by 5G really shines, it allows businesses to connect so much more and crucially, to develop new business ideas that maybe weren’t possible before.”