Essay on 5G Technologies

Cellular communications technologies have evolved through generations, with each generation having a given set of capabilities. The current generation is 4G, and the next generation of cellular communication will be 5G.

Both Daws and Deans agree that 5G technology is basically the next wave in wireless and mobile technologies which will create a new mode of connectivity that shall benefit the human population with enhanced broadband experience. For once, it takes speeds of service to beyond the current sub 6GHz and mmWaves frequency bands. Therefore, huge files such as movies will typically be downloaded in a matter of seconds, giving customers more value. Besides, unlike the present situations, the capabilities created will introduce a wide range of industrial applications, and in the process help the cellular industry reach out to new industries.

Since the discussions about 5G technologies started way back in 2012, there has been excitement about when it is likely to be launched. Deans notes that NTT DoCoMo, one of the key stakeholders in this industry, has closely considered launching the technology well in time for Tokyo 2020 Olympics. On the other hand, South Korea also talked about having a pre-standard national service in time for 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Other countries that have been active on this front have included Japan, United States, China and Europe. On the other hand, the article by Daws places the initial introduction of 5G technology to be 2019, after which we shall have a full-service rollout across various regions of the world.

It is instructive to note that various stakeholders, under the leadership of 3GPP, which is the organization mandated to govern cellular standards, have been developing standards to be used by industry players. Daws observes that the first out of the five 5G specifications was signed in December 2017 by 3GPP, an event that came after various pre-5G trials. This was a result of a commitment by industry leaders who gave their joint commitment for accelerating standardization of 5G NR back in February 2017 (Daws). The completion of standard development is an essential step towards having a full-scale cost-effective 5G NR. There are now all indications that the planned 5G rollout in 2019 will proceed as planned, and it is just a matter of time before companies start rolling out their own versions of 5G equipment and technologies.

Deans points out that the 5G technology is expected to be rolled out in two waves, with the first being a sub-6GHz anticipated in 2017. However, this is nothing new considering that this is what is presently in existence. Afterwards, the real 5G rollout which will have a higher spectrum bands which are awaited in 2020.

The rollout of 5G technology appears to have pushed mobile network operators into a fix. The immense opportunities opened up by 5G, coupled with the anticipated International Telecommunication Union (ITU) IMT-2020 standards, provide an extra capacity which they have now to figure out how to run and their optimize their operations. Deans observes that the mobile operators are yet to configure compelling use cases from which they can substantially benefit, and are literally on a race to do so.

There are a number of unique features that will be borne by the new 5G technologies. First, Deans notes that the 5G technology is going beyond the cellular technology, by being shaped as a multilink architecture which has the capabilities of completing device-to-device communications. However, while 5G may seem to be a panacea, it has to be noted that 4G technology which is presently in existence, has not run its full course. Deans points out that the developments in 4G technologies will definitely run parallel to those developments happening in the 5G sphere. Daws also points out that 3GPP is keen on developing Release 15, which enhances the support for standalone 5G NR operations. Hence, unlike before, there will be both standalone as well as non-standalone 5H NR operations in a unified way. This will ensure that the benefits of 5G technology can be shared by the global industry with large-scale single 5G NR ecosystem.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that 5G technologies are set to dramatically impact on the cellular technology industry. The 5G technologies should introduce new capabilities that will simply be mind-boggling, and people will be able to access fast internet and do a number of things that are presently difficult. It is also expected that the internet costs are going to drop, and this way ensures that access to better speeds is expanded. It is also important to appreciate the time that has been spent preparing for the 5G technology. All these efforts by multiple stakeholders should ensure that there is a seamless roll out with no major challenges. At the same time, customers will be keen on the service they get from their providers. Providers have had enough time to prepare to make the right investments and deliver quality at the hands of their customers.

Works Cited

BIBLIOGRAPHY Daws, Ryan. The first 5G spec is officially complete. 2017. https://www.telecomstechnews.com/news/2017/dec/21/first-5g-spec-complete/.

Deans, David H. Analysing why 5G will deliver enhanced mobile internet experiences. 2016. https://www.telecomstechnews.com/news/2016/sep/27/5g-to-deliver-an-enhanced-mobile-internet-experience/.