The year 2021 is expected to usher in the widespread implementation of 5G technology across multiple industries. That’s despite 5G being designed for use in telecommunications. This year, 5G is set to reach the mainstream, gaining acceptance in manufacturing and other sectors. According to the World Economic Forum, 5G is already being applied in manufacturing, hospitality, construction, public services, hospitality, education, and retail. Other industries ranking highly in the use of 5G include health & social work, utilities, arts & entertainment, agriculture, wholesale & retail, and transport & storage.

What is 5G?

Some people often mistake 5G as an extension of 4G wireless communication. As the fifth-generation wireless telecommunication network, 5G comes with distinct infrastructure and capabilities never used before. It is composed of up to 17 different technologies such as the following:

• 5G new radio (NR)
• Millimeter-wave
• Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) radios
• Network slicing technology

Of course, there are many other technologies included in the broader 5G broadband technology. Regardless of the technology involved, 5G aims to enhance mobile broadband, ensure massive machine connectivity, and provide ultra-low latency. It also reduces lag time and speeds up the network, making communication easier.

With its many benefits, 5G technology is poised to improve the connection between internet-based devices, improving productivity. However, that would only be realized after telecommunication has invested in the necessary infrastructure and rolled out 5G technology.

How 5G Technology is Changing Industries Other Than Telecom

Even though several industries are primed to benefit from the expected 5G rollout, some seem to be at a vantage position, given advances in the existing technology. They include the following:

1. Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is already ahead when it comes to getting ready for 5G networks’ eventual rollout. Industry players are working on advanced driver-assisted systems (ADAS) and autonomous (driverless) vehicles. Soon, the use of cars with these technologies will change how people move around.

Of course, these technologies can work without 5G. However, the rollout of 5G will significantly improve how they work. That’s because the massive data transmitted on ADAS systems can increase lag time, frustrating users in the process. With 5G’s larger bandwidth and low latency, it is possible to reliably and quickly handle large data packets. That’s why you should expect vehicles of the future to transmit HD vehicle alerts and navigational instructions, arriving safely at the destination. It will also be safer for driverless cars to navigate the streets using inputted information.

2. Healthcare

5G technology is also expected to make an impact on service delivery in hospitals. The healthcare industry has readied itself for wearable sensors and video conferencing between healthcare workers and their patients. Patients are expected to make more virtual hospital visits instead of physical ones. On that aspect, 4G networks are limited by the high latency and reduced speeds when more devices join the network. Luckily, the advent of 5G has coincided with the projected 16.5 percent growth in telemedicine by 2023.

Making Manufacturing More Efficient

Manufacturing is expected to benefit from 5G through increased productivity and safety. 5G comes with greater bandwidth, low latency, and speed, supporting smarter factory machinery. It will make it easier for manufacturers to use virtual reality, augmented reality, robots, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sensors (for production monitoring, predictive maintenance, etc.). Manufacturers will also easily monitor high-speed machines with high 5G speeds.

Conclusion

5G technology comes with several benefits that make it useful in several industries. It has high speeds, low latency, and more extensive broadband, making it suitable for manufacturing, healthcare, and the automotive industry. These are exciting times to have a telecom career. If that’s your area of interest, visit our website to find a job in telecom.