![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/116/2020/06/5GblogImage.jpg)
Whatever your view is, here are some details about 5G and what exactly it is.
5G is the Fifth Generation for Cellular Networks which is intended to replace 4G/LTE and is capable of delivering 1 000 times faster speeds than current 4th Generation/LTE. 5G has the ability to deliver faster internet to large swathes of our population. The applications for 5G will bring about the ability for Online Learning, the Internet of Things as well as the ability for users to work remotely from almost anywhere at much faster speeds.
Generally speaking, the world considers internet access a human right and with 5G it would open up the opportunities immensely to get education to the masses of our people – amongst many other benefits.
Artificial intelligence, Augmented reality and using the Cloud will change the face of how business is conducted in the near future. The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us that the remote workforce will now become a reality.
5G is the driver for what is termed the 4th Industrial revolution and the possibilities of having ubiquitous fast internet is going to be a game changer not just for South Africa but as a continent as a whole. While all of this sounds cool, it is a few years away as there are a few hurdles to overcome. South Africa lags other countries in implementation as the required spectrum (Radio Frequency) has not been released by the regulating authority ICASA. Networks such as Telkom, MTN,Vodacom and others would need to invest in upgrading equipment at their towers to support 5G which will require significant capital expenditure.
Most current devices (phones, tablets, routers) are not 5G ready. During the current Lockdown ICASA allowed the release of temporary spectrum to Networks to enable users to work remotely and to ease the burden on Networks. Operators such as Vodacom and RAIN and government who considered Telecommunications companies essential services during Level 5, seized the moment and turned on 5G in areas in Gauteng and the Western Cape and expect to have other areas rolled out in due course.
If you are on the other end of the theory, there has been no empirical evidence as yet that 5G indeed contributes to the spread of Covid-19 as 5G emits radio frequency and Covid as we know is a biological virus. Studies continue today to show the effects of 4G on humans and in time as more studies are conducted it may show if there is indeed any correlation between 5G and viruses.
Read original article here
https://vaalweekblad.com/66571/omg-what-does-5g-mean-for-sa/