techie

5G The New Data Frontier

By Robere Lett | Publisher | Style Editor

As someone who is not particularly savvy when it comes to the advances in technology, I find that I am intrigued by the new 5G banter that has been the center of much controversy - We have been hearing about 5G and it’s potential to cause everything from Coronavirus to radiation poisoning, to various cancers (no definitive proof has been found yet).

Now, 5G or 5th Generation as you may or may not know is a grid of networks and wireless systems that carry signals to your mobile phones and other wireless devices. Upon further research it appears that 5G will have 100 times the capacity of 4G, so say you want to download a two-hour movie with 4G it would take six minutes but with 5G it will take only three and half seconds.

If super-fast internet service is what you crave you’re in luck but what about data and privacy issues, there are mounting questions regarding this issue as it seems 5G will require more cell towers be placed closer to together due to the short-range distance needed to keep the signal strength, while 4G did not require such proximity this also allows for easier tracking. As of now, 4G can only determine your approximate location by pinging off a cell tower it is harder to determine the exact location, with 5G having closer range tracking becomes more exact. This leaves the opportunity to be tracked by your spouse or boss if you are late coming home or late to work. Of course, there are ways to abate the misuse of 5g's shadier side but let's face whenever the opportunity presents itself to do the wrong thing someone will take advantage and use it for their own good. Good or bad 5g is here! with 2020 it is already being rolled out overseas and soon to be on the mobile phone near you.