The telecommunications landscape has changed dramatically since the advent of wireless technology in the 1950s. It started with 0G (not to be confused with OG), where mobile communication was done with the help of bulky machines installed in cars or carried in briefcases. According to Teltonika, the technology was “based on analog signals used as communication transmitters between two endpoints to establish real-time voice calls.”
While 0G was a breakthrough at that time, it offered a somewhat primitive, or crude way of communication. Think of it as a walkie-talkie for adults where the push-to-talk (PTT) method was used: users had to push a button to send a voice message and vice versa.
Then came 1G in the 80s, when companies started looking at wireless communication on a global scale. A humble 2.4 kbps was enough to support real-time voice calls, although messages were not encrypted; 2G, on the other hand, improved security and introduced Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).
With the Internet revolution coming in full bloom in the 2000s, wireless communication enabled users to surf the web, send emails, and communicate through what we now know as smartphones. Mobile networks reached speeds of up to 200Kbps, with versions reaching 3.95 G.
10 years later, 4G dominated the circuit alongside the introduction of modern handhelds. During this time, every single aspect of wireless technology was improved, from security and connection speed to the cost of data services. “Letters” were also included with terms like 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) coming into popularity.
5G and Beyond
As telecommunications companies, smart devices, and the entire Internet of Things continue to evolve, wireless communication is also becoming an important part of global communication.
With more people continuing to see the benefits of connecting to the World Wide Web, 5G offers novel changes that will serve as our gateway to a more resilient society that is ready to embrace the future:
5G is FASTER in terms of upload and download speeds. Users are more than capable of streaming high-definition videos, making video calls, and downloading large files without hassle.
When compared to the latest 4G, 5G has LOWER LATENCY, which means that data are relayed faster. This will make real-time communication, gaming, and streaming more reliable.
5G also can CONNECT MORE USERS. This is a top advantage for developing cities as they gear toward their Smart City efforts.
The network is RELIABLE and SECURE, capable of reaching areas with high Internet traffic. This will be important as experts continue to dive deeper into self-driving cars, remote medical operations and consultations, automation, and real-time data gathering.
