5G: China vs The United States
“A battle is on to determine whether the U.S. or China will dominate,” The Wall Street Journal reports. “Equipment makers and telecom operators in both countries are rushing to test and roll out the next generation of wireless network….”
5G in China
Rachana Gupta, a China Focus columnist, writes, “With the massive investment in 5G infrastructure and the emphasis on 5G development by the [Chinese] government, mobile operators and equipment makers, the 5G market in China is heading towards a bright future. According to the Business Insider, the development of 5G could generate 8 million jobs, and add 2.9 trillion yuan in economic value by 2030. With the increase in the demand of 5G related services among consumers, the country could see a huge increase in the number of new companies, employment opportunities, and equipment sales.”
5G in the U.S.
This month Verizon began offering access to its 5G network in four cities. AT&T says its 5G service will be available in a dozen cities by year’s end. President Trump has signed a memorandum directing Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to work with agencies and industry to develop a policy that will increase access to airwaves for all users.
5G’s promise
The 5G networks are expected to be up to 100 times faster than current 4G networks.
They are expected to cut signal delays to less than one-thousandth of a second (4G networks have signal delays of one-hundredth of a second).
These speeds and the increased flow of information will eventually help support technologies such as self-driving cars, smart appliances, and surgical robots.
5G will foster new innovations. It will significantly impact many industries, city infrastructure, industrial automation, entertainment vehicles, and all facets of transportation.
5G networks will be able to power connected appliances in the so-called Internet of Things. Some are predicting 20 billion internet-connected appliances by 2020.
5G networks will enhance virtual and augmented reality.
Their towers will beam high-speed internet to devices. This will reduce reliance on cables and Wi-Fi.
Gupta predicts, “A whole new wave of innovation and digital economy is yet to be witnessed.”
5G battle
Winning the battle to establish nationwide 5G networks will provide any nation with economic and military advances. Whether the U.S. or China benefits most remains to be seen.
Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, AT&T, Wall Street Journal, China.org.cn