If your smartphone and tablet are your constant companions, you're probably on friendly terms with the internet too. 🤠 5G internet is the fast and stable successor to the previously known 4G technology (also called LTE). What does this mean for you? The ability to use the 5G network for work, study, or online gaming.
What is 5G internet?
We'll explain what the abbreviation 5G means. 🧐 It's the latest fifth-generation mobile technology, and its operation is based on high-frequency radio waves. The network specification provides greater internet performance and stability.
The 5G specification assumes staying with the currently used bands from 700 to 2600MHz and adding more:
- L Band, meaning low bands with a frequency of 300MHz. The role of such low frequencies is to increase coverage.
- Sub-6, meaning frequencies between 3000 and 6000MHz. This is a modern compromise between good coverage and network speed.
- mmWave, meaning millimeter waves from 17,000 up to tens of thousands of MHz. This solution guarantees very high speeds, but only over short distances.
Why was the 5G network created?
The first reason for creating 5G is the desire to develop cities managed by the internet. The network's task is to control streetlights, report faults, manage traffic signals, and transmit images from surveillance cameras. Its capacity has allowed for better development of the "smart city" concept, which is being implemented in Japan.
The second reason for introducing the 5G network is the desire to develop the so-called Internet of Things. This refers to home appliances connected to the internet, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or refrigerators. Alarm sensors and other small everyday devices are also increasingly connected to the internet. A high-capacity and stable 5G network will ensure these devices have constant access to information transfer. This technology is also distinguished by its capacity, as it can cover up to a million devices per square kilometer.
What characterizes the 5G network?
It's time to learn about the benefits of the new generation of networks and answer the question "What does 5G actually do for your phone?". We will focus on presenting several significant differences between 4G and 5G technology.
Key differences between 4G and 5G networks:
- The maximum speed in 4G technology is 300 Mbit/s and is achievable under laboratory conditions. The average speed of 4G (LTE internet) in Poland is up to 30 Mb/s (download) and up to 15 Mb/s (upload). The innovative 5G network means higher bandwidth and a future target of up to 20 Gb/s (download) and up to 10 Gb/s (upload). This doesn't mean such speeds everywhere. The 5G network also has other features that make it attractive to users.
- Lower ping, meaning reduced delays in data transmission. In 4G, the delay typically reaches 30-40 ms, while in 5G, 1-4 ms can be achieved. You'll especially appreciate this during online gaming. 🤩
- Currently, the 5G network in Play is characterized by smaller coverage than the previously known 4G. Nearly half of the mobile network subscribers are within the 5G coverage. Play is continuously modernizing its transmitters, allocating some of the frequencies used to the latest generation network. The coverage of this network is constantly expanding.
- The network stability is also noteworthy. The internet available in it works very well even with a very large number of users, which is important, for example, during mass events like concerts or matches. The network will be reliable even when moving at speeds up to 500 km/h.
What does the 5G network actually do for your phone?
Are you facing the dilemma of buying a phone and wondering if it's worth choosing a model that supports the latest technology? In some time, 5G internet will become the basic standard, as the network is developing rapidly. By buying a 5G smartphone, you'll already notice an improvement in quality in many locations. This includes, for example, a more stable connection for working online or for games that require quick reactions.
At Mobile Vikings, you'll find a pay-as-you-go phone on a subscription with access to the latest technology. Our technical partner, Play, is constantly working on developing the 5G network and making it available at more transmitters in Poland. Currently, nearly half of users have access to this network.
Who is 5G internet for?
This innovative network can be particularly recommended for people who do not use fixed-line internet at home. If you work remotely, 5G internet will be ideal for you.
You can use 5G coverage for:
- streaming,
- watching movies in HD, 4K, 8K quality,
- remote work and study, including video conferencing,
- downloading large files,
- using the network in places with particularly high density, e.g., matches or mass events,
- online gaming.
Reduced latency in online games or faster file downloads are advantages you may have already noticed while using this network.
5G network and health
You can find various information on the internet regarding the impact of 5G on human health. For years, we have been using cellular, television, and radio transmitters that utilize similar frequencies. The effect of the 5G network on the human body differs little from the operation of 3G or 4G infrastructure, which are available in Poland and worldwide. 5G transmitters have similar radio power to other 4G emitting devices. In Poland, we also have exceptionally strict legal standards regarding electromagnetic radiation. The limit is 7V/m in the frequency range from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. WHO recommendations speak of values from 28 V/m to 61 V/m depending on the frequency.
Mobile operators must comply with these regulations and are subject to regular inspections. We do not need to fear for our health and lives, as the 5G network is safe.
Despite this, you will find a lot of sensational information on the internet about how the 5G network strongly affects the body and can lead to many diseases. These opinions stem from a lack of knowledge about how this technology works.
The 5G network is a modern successor to the previously known 4G (i.e., LTE internet). The technology is distinguished by its stability, speed, and lower latency. Its implementation is safe for human health. It is certainly a modern solution that will eventually become the standard.
