Again and again in the media there is talk of the "5G network". The 5th generation mobile network was set as the new standard for mobile internet and mobile communications in Germany in 2019. This technology is the successor to the 4G network, also known as LTE. Find out more about the network and its effects below.
What is 5G
The 5G network is so fast that transmission is possible in real time thanks to short latency times. The loading times and internet speeds should be up to 100 times higher than with LTE. The data rates are up to 10 Gbit / s. On a small scale, this means, for example, that you can watch films or series on your smartphone in the entire cellular network without loading times. However, the larger framework is much more important: network coverage in real time is essential for autonomous driving. Safe driving can only be guaranteed if the board computer and the technology connected via cellular network actually receive the route data in real time.
Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality should also be improved with the help of 5G or even made possible in some areas. With the help of Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), very large amounts of data can be used quickly and efficiently. In addition, the Internet of Things is to be improved.
The frequency bandwidth for 5G is also significantly higher than that of its predecessor. The main frequencies are in the range between 2 GHz and 3.6 GHz. The frequencies provide information about the quality of mobile communications. The higher a frequency is, the more data can be sent over it. However, the range also decreases proportionally.
These and other frequencies have been and will be auctioned off to mobile network providers in the future. The auction of mobile radio frequencies is a common practice. Various providers have the opportunity to bid for the right to use frequencies in certain areas. The proceeds from the auction, which is managed by the Federal Network Agency, amount to around 6.6 billion euros. The money is to flow into the network expansion in the future.
Does 5G also have disadvantages?
The waves of 5G are sometimes significantly shorter than those of a 4G or 3G network. As a consequence, more radio masts will have to be erected in the future in order to still guarantee uniform network coverage.
You should also keep in mind that not all current devices can use 5G. Many of the smartphones that are still in use could be getting too old for that. They lack the appropriate technology. However, you don't need to worry: just because the 5G network is now available doesn't mean that old frequencies will be switched off. Mobile communications on the known frequencies from E to 4G will also continue to be active.
Of course, the question of cell phone radiation also comes up again. You can find out more about cell phone radiation in relation to the 5G network in this post. But you can be reassured in advance: The Radiation Protection Commission states that 5G is not dangerous..
