5G is the tech buzzword of 2019. Users expect national coverage in the US by the end of 2020.
And many are wondering how 5G will change the world.
5G means ‘fifth generation’ of wireless technology.
Where 4G offers speeds up to 16.9Mbps, 5G promises 1Gbps and higher. The speed is a crucial factor in the adoption of 5G.
It’s not the only one. Think of how a Wi-Fi connection slows down the more devices use it.
That won’t happen with 5G. The network will have more cell sites covering smaller areas. And each site offers more devices network connection at the same time.
But how will 5G wireless technology affect the startup world? Here are 5 ways it will revolutionize how we work.
1. Potential Death of Traditional Broadband
One exciting thing about 5G wireless technology is that it could replace broadband. Right now, rural areas suffer from a lack of coverage, both broadband, and cellular.
Broadband depends on cable, which is expensive and disruptive to lay. But properties in rural areas could install an antenna to pick up 5G from a cell tower.
Why does that matter to startups? First, 5G means lower internet bills for both home users and businesses.
It also means startups don’t have to pay higher rents for office space in metropolitan areas. Startups can invest in their technology and marketing instead of rent and utilities.
Tom Warren of The Verge tested the new 5G coverage in London in May 2019. He reported download speeds of between 100Mbps and 200Mbps during his tests. Though he did reach 980Mbps on one occasion.
The download speeds he encountered outperformed London’s Wi-Fi hotspots. Though as he noted, “I wouldn’t say the download speeds have been life-changing just yet, but if the upload speeds matched them then it would transform my ability to work anywhere.”
Warren conducted some of his tests from a pub beer garden. Once 5G coverage rolls out, it’ll be a game-changer for startups and remote workers.
2. 5G Wireless Technology Needs Infrastructure
Warren’s experience in London with the new 5G rollout shows the current flaw. The 5G revolution can’t happen without the infrastructure it needs to function.
At the least, the system needs new antennas and base stations. It also needs workers well versed in 5G, to install it and roll it out to other businesses.
Tech startups are well placed to get involved in this growing industry. Telecommunications, infrastructure, and even marketing all need to change to keep up.
You might not have the capital to develop the next 5G iPhone. But you could create the apps that users need to get the most out of 5G.
3. Connectivity Goes Beyond Phones
Many of us only consider phones, tablets, or laptops as connected devices. But research suggests over 75 billion ‘things’ will be connected to the internet by 2025.
I want to come back to the Internet of Things in a moment.
For now, let’s talk about wearables. Right now, connectivity for wearables relies on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Some smartwatches are already compatible with 4G.
But what about other wearable devices?
Google withdrew the Glass connected glasses in 2015. They’ve already been reborn for use in factories. Workers now use them as augmented safety spectacles.
But there’s still scope for wearables like Google Glass. Especially with the extra benefits offered by 5G wireless technology.
Augmented-reality glasses would bring a whole new way of interacting with the world. And that means someone needs to develop new apps, devices, and connection protocols.
This offers startups a range of opportunities they didn’t have before 5G. It’s a great time to launch a startup.
4. More Opportunities for New Ideas
It’s not only factory workers that see augmented reality’s benefits. This tech also offers huge possibilities in the world of surgery and medicine.
The FDA approved the Surgical AR platform in May. A digital overlay helps guide surgeons as they work.
The idea of the technology has been around for some time. But 5G speeds mean surgeons can finally use them in ‘real-time’ in the operating theater.
In the near future, engineers could use 5G to connect surgeons to patients in another country. The surgeons could conduct surgery using robots.
This is where we come back to the Internet of Things. Smart healthcare companies have already embraced the power of devices.
The VitalPatch is a smart patch worn by a patient. The sensor tracks temperature, heart rate, and breathing patterns. It provides subtle monitoring for patients both at home and in hospital.
Using 5G wireless technology, devices like this would allow faster monitoring. And they wouldn’t clog a hospital’s Wi-Fi system.
This combination of connectivity and healthcare offers huge opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. If you spot an opportunity, you now have the cellular power to solve it.
5. Self-Driving Cars Become Possible
Self-driving cars are already available. But 5G’s wider capabilities for connection makes them safer than earlier models.
The cars can connect to each other, leading to fewer accidents.
Or they can connect to the smart city, guiding the car to a parking lot with vacancies. And avoid traffic jams because they already know about them.
As with the other benefits of 5G, that creates opportunities for startups. Developers need to write software to pilot cars. They need to update protocols to allow cars to communicate.
And the better connection speeds means you and your car can connect to the internet at the same time. Instead of losing time to your commute? Keep working on your way to the office.
5G Wireless Technology Could Revolutionize Your Startup
The benefits of 5G wireless technology could change the world. Self-driving cars, remote surgery, and better classroom learning resources are within our grasp.
Humanity needs a new industrial revolution. And digital technology is well placed to deliver the tools we need to solve problems faster than ever before.
We just need the connectivity to do it. And 5G offers that to startups and entrepreneurs.
If you’re looking for more advice and insights for startups, check out my other articles.
