What Makes 5G Different?
In a word, everything. At the moment, 4G is a bit tied up in terms of how much bandwidth our modern devices require. 5G provides a clean slate, as its bandwidth isn’t as cluttered as that of the 4G network. This will allow us to move selected data at a much more efficient rate.
4G peaks at a speed of 1GB per second, averaging at 10MB in terms of everyday speed. 5G, however, peaks at an average speed of 20GB per second, or 100MB with everyday speeds—meaning it’s 20 times faster than its predecessor. It’s estimated that, if it performs as expected, 5G will be able to download a 3D movie in a mere six seconds.
5G is projected to drastically improve our Internet experience. We’ll see improved Internet reliability, and the cleaner bandwidth will allow us to connect more devices to our routers without affecting their efficiency.
Will I Pay More?
Phone plans themselves may not increase in price, but our wallets may still take a hit in other respects. For one, the cost of devices could jump by $200 to $300. Also, the increased speed and quality of our Internet connections could cause greater data consumption. Higher data usage means higher costs.
However, for technology enthusiasts, this is a welcome exchange. As the production of movies and other digital media continues to grow, we need the ability to support this growth. There may certainly be an adjustment period for Internet carriers and devices, but we can expect to see an improved online experience over the next couple years.