The Pros and Cons of 5G Networks
Alvarez Technology Group is a Salinas IT company that specializes in helping our customers work their way through issues they may have with their internet. One of the latest advancements has to do with the introduction of 5G networks. When 3G and 4G were introduced, it was made clear that each increase would make it easier to access and navigate the internet. With more and more devices being connected to the internet, the bandwidth that is available for us to use is becoming more and more like a superhighway overloaded with cars and trucks. The more traffic there is, the slower the traffic will travel making it more difficult to get on and off the highway.
5G Means More Bandwidth, More Towers
One of the biggest benefits of having 5G service is the dramatic increase in bandwidth. Greater bandwidth means that files will download faster, accessing the internet will be much faster, and there will be little to no lagging during streaming. While this dramatic increase in bandwidth will have a direct impact on both users and the economy, there is also a downside. Unlike 3G and 4G that had the capability of reaching larger areas, 5G’s reach will be much shorter.
Smaller cells means that more towers will be needed to maintain connectivity. Building more towers will require more land leases which will increase revenue in a variety of ways, both for the consumer as well as for the cellular companies. The economic impact of the 5G network will mean more revenue for cellular providers but an increase in the cost of their service because of all the new construction that will be needed to support the network.
Upgrade Existing Towers
Companies are trying to appease consumers who don’t want to increase the number of cell towers. They are quick to explain that the existing towers will remain in place and be upgraded to handle the increased amount of bandwidth provided by the new 5G network. Even with the upgrades, more towers will be needed to maintain the connection and ensure that it remains strong and viable. More towers mean that more private citizens will be able to generate revenue through leases to cellular companies. The downside is that the increase in towers will clutter the horizon much like the wind turbines have done. For some, this may not be an issue but for those who live in wide open areas, it will have a direct impact on their skyline and will dramatically change the outlook of their horizon.
Overcrowding the Radio Frequency
The “radio spectrum” is what the internet travels across. There is a limited amount of space across the spectrum. With 3G and 4G networks, the bandwidth is scattered across the spectrum in a pattern that is becoming increasingly tighter. With 3G cells were much larger and covered a broader area. 4G cells became more condensed making the coverage area for each one smaller. With 5G, the addition of even more cells will cause the spectrum to be more overcrowded than it already is. Even though 5G will dramatically increase the speed at which the internet will function, the stress that it will place on the spectrum as a whole may cause more problems than anticipated.
At Alvarez Technology Group, our techs can answer your questions and explain the differences between the various types of networks. As a Salinas IT company, we specialize in keeping our customers connected to the internet as well as the rest of the world. Whether you use a 3G or 4G network, you rely on being able to connect to the internet and maintain that connection so you can stay in contact with friends and family or with your business. The introduction of a 5G network will have an impact on everyone who uses the internet. Good or bad, 5G is on its way and will be here before we know it.
