When Will 5G Finally Come?

We almost magically pronounce the abbreviation that stands for the new mobile communications standard. The network should become faster, better and more stable with 5G. While the Chinese are hard at work on 6G, not too much has happened to us yet. Now one could claim that Corona caused an interruption. But this is only half the truth. In fact, there are numerous reasons that are currently hindering 5G. In addition to the various viruses, it is primarily citizens' movements that are massively rebelling against the expansion. It is sometimes claimed that the rays kill birds and even people. Some even speak of mind control. Certainly, if a state had the means to control our thoughts, it would do that immediately. But we're not there yet. Nevertheless, the sometimes absurd claims continue to increase and prevent further expansion in many regions. But that's not the only problem.

5G hardware in short supply

Even if 5G should be expanded, it needs the right hardware. This applies to all mobile devices, but also to routers and the like. Although the old 4G (LTE) devices have already seen a significant increase in speed in the 5G network, only a tiny part can be used with the old technology. New hardware in this area is still in short supply. There are only a few devices on the market at the moment, and the selection is limited overall. That could only change slowly in 2022. So far it has also made little sense for many manufacturers to produce new devices that are only bought by a small part. By the time 5G is a global issue, it would be out of date again.

We discover a similar picture in Russia. There, however, it is primarily the military that wants to claim part of the frequency spectrum for itself and is delaying the expansion due to this dispute. 

Since 2019

In mid-2019 (19.03 - 12.06) the 5G frequencies were auctioned in Germany. Shortly afterwards, Vodafone and Telekom activated the first antennas (Cologne, Munich, Berlin). The latter wanted to have 99 percent of the population supplied with at least 50 Mbit / s by 2020 and double this to up to 100 Mbit / s by the end of 2022. While there was previously talk of a nationwide expansion option, this has now been put into perspective by all operators. 

Does 5G Really Make Sense?

There is only one answer to that. YES. Both for industry (digital factories, autonomous driving, etc.) as well as for private users. Downloads and streaming in real time, augmented reality for the smartphone. Of course, the whole thing also has its pitfalls. 5G technology has many advantages, but it will also completely change the way people use it. In the future there will be no more hard drives, everything will be saved in the cloud, at lightning speed. The software also comes from the cloud. This is often the case today. For the user, the application is more stable and faster, but ultimately also more expensive. Because the software must of course be paid for annually. Offers as we still know them today are unthinkable. Software that is simply installed on the hard drive and only has to be paid for once, but can be used indefinitely, will then no longer exist.