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Let’s discuss something that sounds like it would fit in a science fiction film but is already invading your phone’s settings: Internet 5G. You should pay attention if you’ve ever yelled at your screen because a video was buffering at 2% for what seemed like seven hours.
What precisely is 5G, then?
In short, 5G refers to the fifth generation of mobile network technology. First came 1G (think of ancient phone calls), then 2G (you could text!), 3G (hello, mobile internet), 4G (fast enough to stream Netflix without getting angry), and finally 5G, the mobile network super hero.
5G, in contrast to its predecessors, is all about speed, dependability, and making your phone feel as though it just finished five energy drinks. It’s not just for phones; it’s also for the future, which includes smart refrigerators, self-driving cars, and possibly even robots that gripe about Mondays.
But really, what is 5G’s speed?
It gets exciting—and a little crazy—at this point. 5G can provide speeds of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second) under the right circumstances. It would be equivalent to downloading a full HD film in a matter of seconds. Seconds, indeed. Imagine downloading a movie and then forgetting what you chose. 5G is that.
To contrast:
- Typically, 4G speeds reach their maximum of 100 Mbps.
- 5G speeds range from 150 Mbps to 10 Mbps if you’re standing beneath the right tower and holding your phone at the right angle during a solar eclipse (well, not really, but you get the idea).
Now, bear in mind that 5G is not all the same. Three categories exist, as there are, of course:
- Low-band 5G is the 5G family’s laid-back cousin. It doesn’t have the crazy speeds, but it covers a lot of ground. It’s faster than 4G, though.
- Mid-band 5G: An excellent mix of coverage and speed. Imagine it as Goldilocks’ “just right” porridge.
- Although high-band 5G (mmWave) is incredibly fast, the signal is so weak that it can hardly pass through nearby tree leaves or squirrel sneezes. Fantastic outdoors, but indoors? Well, not so much.
Why is 5G even important?
5G has the potential to revolutionize everything, aside from the admirable goal of uninterrupted cat videos. We’re talking about faster downloads, lag-free real-time gaming (gamers, rejoice!), smoother video calls (no more frozen faces mid-sneeze), and even improvements in healthcare and transportation.
Imagine this: In Tokyo, a surgeon in New York directs a robotic arm to conduct surgery. Does that sound crazy? It is feasible due to 5G’s low latency (tech speak for virtually no delay). Crazy, huh?
Or picture your fridge receiving a text message from your toaster informing it that you are out of jam. Well, that’s a bit much, but it is technically feasible.
But hold on, is 5G secure?
Yes, the 5G conspiracy theories. No, although that would be fantastic, 5G won’t give you superpowers or mind-control your goldfish. Scientific studies have shown that 5G is safe and well within radiation limits. In other words, if you feel at ease using Wi-Fi and microwaves, 5G won’t turn you into a mutant. (I’m sorry, Marvel fans.)
Does 5G require a new phone?
Probably. Your trusty 2016 phone probably lacks the magic chip required for 5G.
But if you bought your new phone within the last year or two, chances are it already supports it. If you see a small “5G” next to the signal bars in your phone’s settings, you’re part of the future—or at least your phone is.
The final result
5G offers a whole new range of possibilities beyond just faster internet. 5G is setting the groundwork for a more connected, somewhat futuristic world that will include streaming, gaming, video calls, and other things we haven’t even thought of yet.
Will it instantly alter your life? Probably not right away. You might observe that your YouTube videos load faster and your TikToks look sharper. But, just like with flip phones today, you’ll look back on the 4G era with a mix of nostalgia and “how did we live like that?” as technology develops and more devices use it.
The next time someone asks you what 5G is, just say, “It’s like 4G… but on a triple shot of espresso.”
