Only a few decades ago, mobile phones were analog dinosaurs with lousy batteries and distorted sound. By the 1990’s, these First Generation (1G) behemoths gave way to Second Generation (2G) and 3G devices, the latter distinguished largely by the ability to use handsets for video telephony and streaming. Just as today’s IoT world seemed focused on 4G LTE communications, 5G is now driving the digital ecosystem.
Not just another technology phase, 5G is one of the key players in a game-changing league that also includes artificial intelligence (AI) and the IoT. Unlike its generational predecessors, which trumpeted their impact on the business model and customer experience, 5G is taking a quieter approach with its focus on product development. Dramatically increased speeds, extended support, extreme mobile broadband, and ultra-low latency facilitate the manufacturing, testing and management of a host of revolutionary products, including smartphones, smart appliances, and autonomous cars.
New wireless use cases are also breaking ground for business and industry as 5G networks transform product development with the use of small cells, millimetre wave spectrum, and high spectral efficiency. The end user benefits from a seamless digital experience, as wireless, wifi, and fixed technologies work together to improve quality and close the rural/urban gap in service.
The first four generations of technology have demonstrated that adopting emerging technologies is one way for companies to compete – and sometimes survive – in the rapidly evolving cyber landscape. As the 5G era unfolds, hyperconnectivity presents proactive businesses with countless opportunities for next-generation applications and innovative models. “Now is a critical time to invest,” says Joe Natale, chief executive of Rogers Communications Inc. “We are at the brink of a technological revolution that will change the way we live and work.”
With so much in flux, it’s difficult to imagine the next steps in wireless. Looking to 2020 and beyond, the expectation is that digital technology will continue to disrupt products and services in all industries. Agriculture will feel the impact of new precision farming technologies, such as automated driving, deep learning, and computer vision. Medicine will extend its reach with robotic surgeons and telemedical interventions. Transportation will get safer with delivery drones, self-driving vehicles, and automated traffic control. Retail will rise again with improved online shopping and home delivery. In short, there are great things in store from a platform that makes it possible to download a movie in significantly less time than it takes to make microwave popcorn.
On June 14 you can join IDC and Rogers for a stimulating discussion about the future of wireless in Canada and how it will impact your business. Tony Olvet, Group VP Research at IDC Canada, and Thomas A. Turner, Senior VP of Rogers, will present on the following topics:
- 5G benefits: extreme mobile broadband, massive scale, and ultra-low latency
- How wireless enables digital transformation, IoT, cloud and mobility
- New wireless use cases for business and industry examples
- 2020 and beyond: the art of what’s possible for 5G
