How 5G technology accelerates the digital economy

Every successive generation of wireless communication technology has transformed how we live and work. 1G enabled voice calls, while 2G facilitated data transmission. 3G, launched in India in the late 2000s, introduced video calling. 4G’s data speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) enabled 3D virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

In this journey, user devices evolved from simple handsets to smartphones, smart TVs and smart watches. In fact, mobile connectivity made everything smart – from door locks and refrigerators to air conditioners and vending machines. Today, assets can be monitored in real time, which facilitates autonomous driving, precision agriculture and robotic automation of industrial operations.

5G mobile technology is supremely efficient. The peak data transfer speed of 5G networks is ~ 20 Gbps, with negligible lag. It also connects millions of devices seamlessly, and amplifies network capabilities via mobile edge computing.

Compute and storage services at the edge of mobile networks, combined with ultrafast data rates, massive traffic capacity, and extremely low latency, makes smart devices smarter, and connectivity solutions more efficient. Higher quality video services redefine immersive experiences, be it gaming or education.

Smart factories, the digitised and connected environment in which robots, machines and devices run autonomously with minimal human intervention, benefit from new use cases involving computer vision, AI / ML and AR / VR. 

Significantly, 5G technology provides enterprises with network capabilities required to accelerate the Indian economy.

Eco-friendly transportation

5G connects vehicles to everything, creating an interconnected transportation ecosystem. Such a scalable infrastructure improves the reliability of autonomous vehicles, facilitates mobility-as-a-service, streamlines logistics, and boosts urban transportation. 

Millions of edge devices transmit real-time data, which enables high-bandwidth 5G networks to support automated mobility solutions, reduce traffic congestion, and drive sustainability. Highly reliable connectivity and device‐to‐device communication enables Indian railways, port operators, third-party logistics enterprises, and road transportation networks to undertake dynamic planning and location tracking.

Automobile manufacturers, public transport operators, and utilities can capitalise on electric vehicles and distributed energy resources to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Since 5G is more efficient than 4G networks, the quality of remote services is also better. Condition monitoring of vehicular systems, safety alerts, navigation guidance, and remote assistance require real-time access to vehicle sensor data, video feeds, accurate positioning information, and traffic condition to detect anomalies and mitigate potential threats. It also requires commands issued from remote locations to be delivered instantaneously to vehicles. Super-fast data linking by 5G addresses the latent need of safe, autonomous mobility.

Smarter financial services

The Digital India program was established to drive financial inclusion by facilitating banking services on mobile devices in rural India. Faster speed, increased device density, and enhanced security of 5G-connected ecosystems realise this goal, while empowering financial institutions to deliver customer experiences across channels. 

The responsiveness of 5G-powered customer verification systems allows multidimensional biometric security procedures. Simultaneously, ultra-low latency enhances the performance of AI elements such as natural language processing, video analytics and product recommendation engines.

Edge computing helps banks collect and aggregate massive amounts of consent-based personal data generated from various sources to customise the banking experience. 

APIs can be used to embed financial solutions that address personal needs and guide interaction based on real-time customer preferences and credit scores. Significantly, 5G technology better addresses security vulnerabilities by identifying threats and detecting fraudulent transactions in real time, without interrupting core services.

Immersive shopping 

Multi-access edge computing enables retailers to create a network at specific locations, while robust bandwidth ensures uninterrupted connectivity. 5G networks allow retail chains and shopping malls to deploy bespoke AI applications that enhance the shopping experience – from contactless checkout and smart digital signage to interactive digital walls.

Ultra-fast data transmission eliminates buffering, which improves the quality of VR content shared on mobile devices. It also ensures seamless access at virtual stores and improves the accuracy of indoor navigation apps. In addition, a dedicated retail network automatically connects with personal wearable devices, allowing consumers who opted for push notifications to receive personalised offers. Notably, 5G connectivity enables kirana stores to maximise sales by using computer vision and VR for live streaming promotional displays or announcing fresh produce in stock.

Real-time two-way wireless communication between IoT devices enhances visibility into assets and tracking of products. Further, IoT-driven supply chains improve warehouse management and boost fulfilment. For instance, AI / ML systems use sensor data from a temperature-controlled consignment to calculate ideal storage period.

5G will reinforce our physical, economic and social infrastructure by allowing stakeholders to develop India-specific use cases.

END OF ARTICLE

Comments are closed.