The 5G journey towards immersive content
Each generation of new cellular technology has represented a significant step up from the previous one. From the first generation technology in the late 1980s that provided basic voice services, to the 2G that introduced the world to text, picture and MMS services, the 3G that introduced the mobile internet and paved the way for the smartphone, and the 4G that sped everything up and advanced mobile video streaming – each new generation has raised the bar considerably and changed what we understand to be mobile communications.
Arguably though, the change that 5G represents is the most significant of all. Its combination of speed - from a peak speed perspective it is projected up to 10x faster than Australian standard 4G - and lower latency to enable real time experiences means that it can become a ubiquitous technology that can impact our lives at all levels, from device capabilities at home or a venue to the way content is delivered from events and broadcasters to audiences. Devices are just the very start of a world composed of the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, Industry 4.0 production and more.
So, as we stand on the cusp of a new year, where are we with the 5G rollout? And, if we narrow our focus down to examine 5G’s role for media, what might the future bring?