5 Cool Ways 5G Will Change Our Lives
After years of waiting, 5G wireless networks are finally becoming a reality. 5G can affect our lives more than any technology shift since the internet, as it enables us to realize the potential of a fully connected world. The reasons? Speed, low latency, and ubiquity. Here’s how 5G can affect our lives.
Smart Cities
Two-thirds of American municipalities have invested in smart city technology according to the National League of Cities. San Diego installed smart lighting systems, Pittsburgh will be replacing street lights with LEDs that can monitor air quality. South Bend has installed sensors inside manhole covers that can redirect water flow when sewer levels rise. Upgrading to 5G will allow big and small cities to handle data from more devices. 5G will expand a device’s ability to manage air quality, traffic flow, power use, public safety, and more. In fact, using 5G networks could save cities approximately $160 billion.
Driverless Cars
Driverless cars could save up to 1.25 million lives every year. Not only that, they offer freedom to the elderly, disabled, and those too young to drive – or even get behind the wheel. Driverless cars are more than just a safety feature; they can impact mobility for everyone in a positive way. Today’s vehicles are equipped with features like automated parking, lane departure warning systems, and collision preparation. As we continue to develop self-driving cars in the years to come, 5G networks will be what helps make these features much better and safer.
Telemedicine
Imagine a future where medical visits are as rare as house calls—thanks to 5G. This technology could bring about important advances in personalized, anywhere, anytime medicine. For example, telesurgery could enable specialists to control equipment remotely. This could allow them to perform procedures in any hospital, whereas it would normally only be done in another facility hundreds of miles away. Telemedicine could help improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and even discourage unnecessary in-person doctor visits.
Virtual Spaces
With 5G, we’ll be able to create true-to-life virtual experiences. Its super-fast networks will allow VR telepresence apps that enable colleagues to work “side by side” or sports fans to experience a digital version of the Super Bowl from their couches. Imagine being able to collaborate on robotics from across the globe, tour life on Mars with a NASA scientist, or run like an Olympian in a training simulation. With 5G, the possibilities are limitless!
