5G is the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications. It's the successor of 4G, 3G and 2G. 5G performance targets high data rate, reduced latency, energy-saving, cost reduction, higher system capacity, and massive device connectivity over existing 4G technology.
The speeds for data communication would be upto 20 gigabits per second, 5G operate at lower radio frequencies, from 600 MHz to 6 GHz.
Many telecom operators in China, United Kingdom, South Korea and United States have conducted trials. The world-wide launch is expected by 2020.
The 5G technology is expected to reduce latency, thus making multiplayer mobile gaming, factory robots, self-driving cars and other tasks demanding quick response.
Companies like Qualcomm, Cisco, Nokia and AT&T are working on building the technology and infrastructure. The deployment focuses on smaller areas, so it can eventually eliminate coverage area between a home WiFi unit and cellphone, as the coverage narrows down to tiner cells.
The 5th Gen communication system promises greater stability, therefore increasing the response time during critical situations. The 5G technology may prove to be better than fixed line optic cable services, but not immediately.
The download time for an eight gigabyte HD movie will be just six seconds over 5G, compared with seven minutes over 4G and over an hour with 3G.
With booming smart phone users in developing worlds, 5G has a bright future ahead.