5G Accomplishments vs Challenges in 2023.

Does 5G Rally Keep up with the Promises in 2023?

Network technologies have come a long way from the 1980s when first-generation bulky handsets transmitted voice signals over analog radio waves, which could be deterred by obstacles. Today, the latest high-speed 5G tech transmits all sorts of data through millimeter waves. As a result, online multiplayer games are particularly enjoying lower latency. The same goes for live casino players on platforms. Ice Casino is super quick, and they relish crisp real-time streams at ultra-fast speeds thanks to 5G.

It has been three years since 5G technology was launched. So far, according to Statista, the number of countries with 5G networks almost doubled from 38 in 2020 to 70 by June 2023. Developed countries form a majority of the 5G-active regions, with a few in other countries being in the deployment stage and many more having active investments.

Moreover, according to the Mobile Economy Report by GSMA, 5G networks are expected to reach 1.2 billion connections by the end of the year and 4.5 billion in 2026. The pandemic may have slowed down the growth and expansion of 5G networks, but it also allowed more people to acquire 5G-enabled smartphones and companies to strategize their deployment plans. So, as we wrap up the year, it’s an excellent time to take a step back and look at our prior expectations and what the technology has achieved in 2023.

The 5G Revolution in 2023

There have been a lot of rumors surrounding 5G technology. Most of them revolve around the myth that radiation from 5G cell phones and cell towers can kill birds, bees, and plants and ultimately cause human health problems. These myths have since been debunked, although some still hold onto this belief.

As the roll-out for 5G continues worldwide, the question on everyone’s minds is whether they mark significant milestones in the realization of the technology’s objectives. The technology was supposed to kick off in 2020, but according to proprietors, the intended speeds were not achieved. And so they had to go back to the drawing board to improve on it before it officially became mainstream this year.

The broadband network tech was created to benefit several industry sectors. So far, some of the foreseen uses have been fulfilled, although other sectors are still waiting for the technology to reach them. As the year draws to a close, two areas stand out above the rest in terms of milestones:

1. Streaming Services

When 4G came to the market, internet users could finally stream videos online with minimal interference. 5G is an upgrade of this and offers higher speeds with less latency meaning that users can now stream smoothly from their favorite sites. As such, it is no surprise that in July 2023, streaming emerged at the top, overtaking cable TV for the first time in the USA.

In the said month, streaming services represented 34.8% of tv viewership, with cable tv coming a close with 34.4% and broadcasts viewing at 21.6%. Currently, cable TV is mainly maintained due to its exclusive sports coverage, an aspect which continues to keep the numbers high for its case. The biggest beneficiaries of the streaming services consumption in 2023 are familiar companies such as:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Prime Video
• YouTube 

Businesses have also capitalized on the fast speed to try and reach bigger audiences through live social media campaigns.

1. IoT Deployment

The Internet of Things has come a long way from the days of simple devices being remotely connected. The opportunities presented by 5G connectivity are hard to miss, and industries have decided to maximize them. 5G networks can reach speeds 10x faster than 4G, which, combined with the low latency, can allow for more devices to be connected.

Companies like Qualcomm have projects underway to keep improving on the current 5G and IoT connectivity by customizing resources to devices based on their needs. This means that lower-complexity and higher-complexity devices can coexist within the same environment.

What the Future Holds

The 5G movement is well on its way to revolutionizing the world as we know it. As service providers worldwide continue to run trials in cities across the globe, there is so much potential for the future. Each region is implementing 5G projects at its own pace, but it’s evident that things are moving in the same direction; forward.

Users are thrilled about the prospects that 5G networks hold and how they will benefit from the fifth-generation broadband technology. The enthusiasm is already reflected in the number of users switching to 5G-enabled devices in the past few months. So, what excites you the most about 5G technology? Let us know right here in the comments section!