Smart Cities
Two-thirds of U.S. municipalities have apparently invested in smart city technology like smart lighting systems that automatically dim when no one is around or sensors to monitor air quality and systems that redirect sewer water when the levels rise. 5G will allow easier data handling along with low-power sensors that can last for years. Expect traffic flow to improve and intelligent monitoring of air quality, power levels, public safety, and more.
Work
5Gs biggest impact is expected to be in the industrial and commercial world. Industries already use location beacons to track movement of goods. 5G will also allow precision sensors in agriculture to identify crop disease, water, and pesticide usage while smart factories will use connected robots to reduce danger to humans. By 2030, an estimated 125 billion IoT devices should be connected to this ultra-fast network.
Driverless Cars
5G networks have extremely low latency. This will allow cars to communicate with other cars around them without almost any lag. They’ll simultaneously also talk to sensors in traffic lights, road signs, and pavement to navigate safely. It’ll reduce road accidents, congestion, and air pollution. It could also boost ride-sharing and slash traffic levels by 60% and emissions by 80%. Who imagined that a new fast network could mean clean air?
Telemedicine
5G low-latency, HD quality wireless network could also make visits to the doctor rare. Wearable or implanted devices could capture and transmit vital information to healthcare providers allowing them to detect life-threatening conditions early and prevent them. It will also allow for telesurgery where a doctor could operate on a patient who is hundreds of miles away.
Virtual Spaces
5G’s high bandwidth and low latency could make augmented and virtual reality a common and practical thing. VR telepresence will allow colleagues in different parts of the world to interact as if they were in the same room. Sports fans could experience events as if they were at the arena or race track. People could virtually explore cities and shop in a different country without ever leaving home. The future looks exciting, connected, and full of possibilities.
