Cellular networks are getting an upgrade with the arrival of fifth generation, or "5G," technology. As with previous generations, consumers can expect new applications and improved user experiences.
Beyond mobile phones, powerful advances in connectivity made possible through 5G will enable uses ranging from telemedicine to helping communities manage local resources such as traffic signals and water supplies. 5G will support a growing number of connected devices expected to improve the quality and efficiency of all sorts of products and services consumers enjoy today. Other potential applications include augmented reality, virtual reality and self-driving cars. Learn more about what to expect with the arrival of 5G:
What is 5G?
5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile communications. This next generation of technology promises consumers faster data rates with lower latency, or delays, in transmitting data. It also promises more capacity for a more efficient network. 5G is being designed with flexibility in mind, to support future services and applications that may not even exist today.
How is 5G different from 4G?
5G technology can provide higher data speeds with less delay than 4G, sometimes referred to as 4G LTE. Some 5G services will provide coverage areas with data speeds up to 100 times faster and almost instantaneous response time. For example, it can take almost six minutes to download a feature-length movie with 4G. With 5G, the same movie can be downloaded in as little as 15 seconds. Technically speaking, current 4G speeds are approximately 12-36 megabytes per second (Mbps), while 5G services are expected to support speeds of up to 300 Mbps or greater.
When will 5G be available?
5G technology requires upgraded cellular networks as well as devices capable of accessing these new networks. 5G networks are already being deployed in some parts of the country. Check with your mobile provider for detailed information about its 5G deployment plans.
Will a 5G phone work where 5G service is limited or unavailable?
The 5G phones currently on the market are "backward compatible," meaning that they are capable of functioning on earlier-generation networks outside of 5G coverage areas.
Will a 3G or 4G phone continue to work?
4G devices will continue to work. Mobile providers are expected to maintain their 4G networks as they invest in 5G deployment. If your mobile device is more than a few years old, it may be a 3G device. Check with your mobile provider to see if it plans to phase out its 3G services.
Will 5G work on existing devices built for 3G or 4G?
No. New devices will be required. This includes mobile phones and other cellular devices, such as tablets and smart watches. Before purchasing a 5G device, check with your mobile provider to see if 5G service is available in your area.
Can I use an unlocked 5G device on any network?
While many mobile phones purchased today are "unlocked" so you can change providers, 5G phones – even if advertised as unlocked – may not function on another provider's 5G network. Early 5G-capable devices may only include specific antennas designed to work with one company's 5G services. Check the device's specifications for the different frequencies it works with and compare that to those used by the providers you are considering.
What about 5G home broadband service?
5G home broadband service is available in some markets as an alternative to DSL, Fiber or Cable services. If you subscribe to 5G home broadband service, you will need compatible equipment.
My home wi-fi router has 5G in its name, do I already have 5G at home?
No. The 5G label on a home Wi-Fi router indicates that it operates in the 5GHz (gigahertz) spectrum band. Wi-Fi is based on a different technology than 5G or fifth-generation wireless.
What is the FCC's role in 5G?
The FCC is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to facilitate U.S. 5G deployment. This strategy includes three key components: pushing more spectrum into the marketplace; updating infrastructure policy; and modernizing outdated regulations. For more information, see the FCC web page: America's 5G Future.
5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks. Up to 100 times faster than 4G, 5G is creating never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses.
Faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency and greater bandwidth is advancing societies, transforming industries and dramatically enhancing day-to-day experiences. Services that we used to see as futuristic, such as e-health, connected vehicles and traffic systems and advanced mobile cloud gaming have arrived.
With 5G technology, we can help create a smarter, safer and more sustainable future.
5G brings new capabilities that create opportunities for people, businesses and society. But what is 5G going to mean for you? Put simply: a lot.
What is 5G going to mean to you as a telecom operator?
5G runs on the same radio frequencies that are currently being used for your smartphone, on Wi-Fi networks and in satellite communications, but it enables technology to go a lot further.
Beyond being able to download a full-length HD movie to your phone in seconds (even from a crowded stadium), 5G is really about connecting things everywhere – reliably, without lag – so people can measure, understand and manage things in real time.
This has enormous potential – and together, we will take it to the next level.
Are you curious to know more about the technology and what it means to you? Follow us on an in-depth journey, explaining the differences between 5G and 4G.
Things have changed a lot since the first generation of mobile technology.
- The 1G era was defined by briefcase-sized phones and short conversations between a relatively small number of professional people.
- In the lead up to 2G, the demand for mobile services grew and never slowed down.
- Phones that could fit in your pocket, SMS and mobile internet access were hallmarks of the 3G world.
- Thanks to 4G, we have smartphones, app stores and YouTube.
- Now, 5G is completely reshaping both our professional and personal lives by enabling new use cases like connective vehicles, Augmented Reality and enhanced video and gaming.
Read on to learn what 5G is and what it can help achieve.
5G booklet
5G will do much more than significantly improve your network connection. It provides new opportunities, enabling us to deliver groundbreaking solutions that reach across society.
Imagine billions of connected devices gathering and sharing information in real time to reduce road accidents; or life-saving applications that can take flight thanks to lag-free guaranteed connections; or production lines so predictive they can prevent interruptions well before they occur.
Cloud robotics is taking humanity to a place it’s never been before. Our 5G solutions in connected robotics will help you transform a host of industries.
Dr. Azimeh SefidconResearch Director
Head of Cloud Systems and Platforms – Ericsson
Connected vehicle technology is accelerating, powered by 5G. Faster, safer, more accessible and more secure – our technology is driving a driverless future.
Stefano Sorrentino
Principal Researcher, Radio – Ericsson Research
Sheng-Ann Yu
Head of Solution Line Distributed Cloud – Ericsson
Immersive experience technology is reaching new heights, elevated by 5G. We’re cutting the cord and opening the door to a world you can see, traverse and feel.
Alvin Jude
Researcher – Ericsson
Diego González Morín
Researcher, Devices Technologies – Ericsson
IoT in logistics is bringing end-to-end, uninterrupted visibility of goods. We make it easy our advanced technologies and global partnership ecosystem.
Jan Höller
Research Fellow – Ericsson
Eva Fogelström
Director, Security – Ericsson Research
Smart stadiums and smart venues are going much larger than live. We’re multiplying network capacity and we’re advancing multi-sensory viewing capabilities.
Peter Marshall
5G Principal Lead for Kings College, London – Ericsson
Connected homes are smart home technology are easily enabled with our fixed wireless access solutions. Lower cost per gigabyte and faster time to market. Easy.
Håkan Olofsson
Head of New Concepts Program – Ericsson
IoT in sports to industrial IoT: our connectivity and device management solutions make it easy to unleash the power of things. Get ready to transform the world.
Antony Beswick
Senior Product and Portfolio Manager – Ericsson
Bodil Josefsson
IoT Security Offering Lead – Ericsson
We are at the forefront of the 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing and cloud network infrastructure era – the first company to bring 5G to four continents. Our portfolio is built on innovation and transformation, paving the path toward a fully connected world.
Ericsson Radio System allows operators to launch the new technology and grow 5G coverage fast – no matter the scale and complexity – and Ericsson Spectrum Sharing allows for accelerated 5G rollouts using existing hardware.
With our world leading technology, we aim to drive society forward and unlock new opportunities. We have the industry’s strongest portfolio of essential 5G patents and plays a pivotal role in global standardization.
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5G gives communication service providers the ability to serve a multitude of use-cases and use-places with lightning fast connectivity. From smart phones to smart factories, 5G is the open innovation platform that enables society to take the leap towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future.