Everything You Need to Know About 5G

As the world becomes more connected, our high demands on wireless technology means we rely more and more on 5G technology. So what is 5G technology? 

What is 5G?

The term 5G is the 5th generation of wireless technology. This new generation brings higher speed, lower latency, higher connectivity and increased responsiveness allowing for more devices to be connected.  

The New York Times defines 5G as “a set of technical ground rules that define the workings of a cellular network, including the radio frequencies used and how various components like computer chips and antennas handle radio signals and exchange data.”

This technology produces faster download times and transmissions of images and videos resulting in shorter delays/ lag time while utilizing 5G data. 

Major wireless technology providers are working on having devices that will support both 4G and 5G technology. An Article by PC Magazine mentions, “4G will continue to improve with time, as well. The Qualcomm X24 modem, which will be built into most 2019 Android flagship phones, will support 4G speeds up to 2Gbps. The real advantages of 5G will come in massive capacity and low latency, beyond the levels 4G technologies can achieve.” Wireless companies will  develop the systems and technology necessary to bring forth this new generation of technology. It is right around the corner! 

How Does 5G Work?

According to PC Magazine, 5G uses the combination of cell sites to help get information faster. “Like other cellular networks, 5G networks use a system of cell sites that divide their territory into sectors and send encoded data through radio waves.” Each cell site must be connected to a network backbone, whether through a wired or wireless backhaul connection.” This combination of cell sites allows faster transactions of data. 

Frequencies matter when it comes to 5G developments. 5G breaks down into two subsection frequencies – below and above 6 GHz. The two frequencies determine what frequency transfer data on could be crucial to the successfulness of receiving data. In layman’s terms, determining how fast/efficiently data comes to you/ your company. 

Furthermore, wireless companies consider how to get information to consumers in a variety of ways. PC Magazine notes, “5 G networks need to be much smarter than previous systems, as they’re juggling many more, smaller cells that can change size and shape.” But even with existing macro cells, Qualcomm says 5G boosts capacity by four times over current systems by leveraging wider bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies. 

These companies use smarter technology to get information to you much faster! By having cells that can be changed to meet demands, helps you find the right 5G technology for you. 

Carriers also adapt their thinking about frequencies to get information to us sooner. To get super-high, multi-gigabit speeds, carriers are first turning to higher frequencies, known as millimeter wave. Down in the existing cellular bands, only relatively narrow channels are available because that spectrum is heavily used. But up at 28GHz and 39GHz, there are big, broad ranges available to create big channels for very high speeds.” By utilizing this area of the spectrum, they are opening up more space for technology to use. 

Trouble Ahead?

As major carriers begin to roll out 5G technology, T-Mobile has recently hit the news being questioned for its choice to “pump the breaks.” Contractors have reported, “getting calls from T-Mobile’s market managers informing them that most purchase orders they had for new builds and 5G upgrades were going to be put on hold until 2020 unless project materials were sitting in a warehouse.” This results in a mega-chain of money for these contractors, who were relying on developing these purchase orders. Some are blaming this halt on the delays in T- Mobiles merger with Sprint, resulting in less funding than expected for these projects. Meanwhile, AT&T and other carriers seem to forecast business as usual when rolling out their new 5G wireless technologies. 

 As systems develop and carriers begin to onboard new technologies, 5G is something to keep an eye on! 

About Scale Funding

Since 1994 Scale Funding has been a leading provider of invoice factoring services and cash flow funding to small and mid-size companies throughout the United States. Scale Funding offers customized invoice factoring programs to wireless contractors, cell tower service and maintenance contractors, and other communications service companies. For a free, no-obligation factoring consultation and quote, complete the web contact form or call 800-707-4845.