Internet of Things (IoT) devices are on the rise. Today, there are over 15 billion connected IoT devices, and by 2030, that figure is expected to almost double. What does this mean for technology and our lives? Well, for one, we're going to need a faster communication protocol, one that can push more data faster than traditional 3G and 4G can. Which, you've guessed it, brings us to 5G.
5G technology is meant to increase transmission speed, reduce latency, and boost network capacity, a combination that has the potential to transform the world as we know it. Industries like healthcare, education, transportation, and more will greatly benefit from these advancements.
Healthcare
IoT is already used in healthcare: remote patient monitoring, glucose monitoring, heart-rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and more is possible thanks to IoT devices. And let's not forget the wearables like smartwatches and trackers like medication reminders.
But things are going to get even more interesting when these devices become paired with 5G technology. 5G connectivity will allow patients to have more efficient access to their wearables, which, in turn, will allow doctors to better monitor patients with chronic conditions from a distance. Another notable example of remote health monitoring is part of the Singapore 5G advancements: Asia's first 5G-enabled unmanned pre-screening and teleconsultation medical booth. It supports remote health screening and video consultations, providing an enhanced user experience. This is bound to change people's lives, especially seniors, many of whom will be able to stay living at their homes, secure in the knowledge that their vital signs are constantly monitored.
Education
Technology has already revolutionized education, and 5G connectivity will only make things better and easier for both students and teachers.
The next-generation cellular network will bring about various advancements, including campus-wide network access and smart classrooms. The latter will allow teachers and students to automatically log in, while higher bandwidth will help signals stay strong and stable, avoiding dropped links.
Adaptive learning will be another perk, as will super-fast video downloads. Feature length videos? No need to wait - students will be able to download them in a matter of seconds.
Retail
The retail industry is constantly evolving, and any retail store that plans to stay current and competitive will have to adopt 5G technology.
IoT devices and 5G connectivity will enable an ultra-personalized, enhanced shopping experience that will be tailored specifically for each individual. Additionally, many stores will embrace virtual and augmented reality to enrich their offers.
For example, immersive technologies can help shoppers try on clothing virtually or visualize products in different settings. Contactless TFL receipts will also become a norm, helping make the overall shopping experience easier and more seamless.
Smart Cities
To some people, smart cities may sound like something from a (dystopian) sci-fi novel, but the reality is, they're already here. For example, Vienna has a digital assistant called WienBot, which gives answers to questions about the city - parking fees, ticket prices, directions, etc. Meanwhile, San Diego uses an app to facilitate the connection, coordination, and management of service requests. And these are just two examples.
In the not-so-distant future, we'll see smart traffic management, city-wide video surveillance for better security, infrastructure monitoring, and more. IoT and 5G can also help cities become more resilient to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Finance
Speed and security are paramount in the world of finance, which is why 5G technology will be so important for the banking sector and financial services.
As 5G networks continue to roll out globally, both banks and customers are benefitting from faster and more secure mobile connectivity. Next-generation IoT devices will add an extra layer of security by detecting unusual patterns or unauthorized transactions, protecting your hard-earned money.
Transportation and Autonomous Vehicles
Connected vehicles and smart traffic management are changing the way we move. 5G will provide strong internet connectivity, while IoT technology will enable the connection of different sensors and devices, providing a smoother commute experience for all.
Just imagine: cars communicating with each other to prevent accidents. This technology has the potential to save lives and make traffic jams a thing of the past. 5G will likely also enable fleet tracking, smart parking, seat reservation, automatic time-stamping of shipped and received products, and more.
Smart Homes
Our homes are becoming smarter by the day, and 5G technology will literally transform the way we live in and interact with our homes. With faster download speed and connectivity, all our devices, from thermostats to security systems to home appliances, will become integrated and easy to control.
In practical terms, this means that you'll be able to adjust the temperature, turn on the lights, and start your dinner even when you're away from home. Granted, some people can already do most of these things thanks to 4G and current IoT-connected devices, but as technology develops, so will more options for making our houses more energy-efficient and automated.
