5G Internet: What is it and How Will it Affect Cord Cutting?


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With technology finding its way into every part of our lives, it was time for some changes to the internet that keeps it all going. Below, we’re digging into what 5G internet is and how it will impact cord cutters.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile technology. We’ve seen the technology improve, starting with 2G in the 90’s, and this generation will build on that technology, with some major changes. While we’ll all still have the ability to make calls, send texts, and browse the web with our devices, we’ll also see a huge increase in the speed of data being sent and received across the network to handle things like 4K Streaming.

The improved technology is a response to the need for faster wireless service and the ability to handle more devices for connecting all of the devices around the home and on the go. When we depend on fast, reliable internet for everything from controlling the lights and temperature in our homes to testing self-driving cars, the need for a new generation of technology is clear.

The real selling point of 5G is the fact that it is primarily being built to replace your current home internet service. 5G will offer fiber speeds to your home without the need to physically run a fiber line. That will cut the cost and time of rolling out fiber speeds across the United States.

What’s New?

With the new generation of wireless connectivity comes faster and more reliable internet. With an increase in bandwidth, data can move faster – around 10 gigabits per second (although some estimates are closer to 20 gigabits per second).

While 5G won’t have the same reach as 4G, there’s a plan in place to make it more accessible. Rather than signals coming only from cell towers, companies will have small cells virtually everywhere.. Each small cell will be made up of a box containing over 100 antennas. The mini cell towers can be placed anywhere from electric poles to rooftops, making it easier to get a strong and reliable signal at home and away yet keeping them hidden unless you know what you are looking for.

5G technology will use a feature called full duplex to greatly improve bandwidth. Full duplex allows incoming and outgoing signals to be sent and received simultaneously, allowing for faster speeds and better response time.

How Will Cord Cutting Benefit?

5G focuses on wireless technology. That goes far beyond smartphones and laptops, covering all of the wireless tech we’ve been bringing into our homes, businesses, and communities. The goal is for 5G to keep your home connected. Some companies are describing 5G as a partner to wired home technology, while others describe it as replacing wired technology in the home entirely.

With this newer, faster wireless technology, we’ll have more options when it comes to how we connect our devices. Rather than being stuck with the internet provider options in your area, you’ll soon be able to add mobile companies and even new companies like Dish and Google into the mix.

As cord cutters, we can hope to see some major improvements in streaming quality, including less buffering and fewer interruptions due to poor connectivity. We’ll likely also see big changes in cloud storage. That could mean unlimited DVR storage for all of your movies and TV series to watch on all of your connected devices.

With smaller towers spread over a wider area, your signal outside of the house will be greater as well. Downloading movies and TV shows to stream away from home will be faster and easier than ever. Soon, we’ll be downloading full-length movies in a matter of seconds.

When Will We See 5G?

Wireless companies are expected to start implementing 5G in late 2018 to early 2019. Each mobile company is making its own unique plan for bringing the technology to customers. AT&T and Verizon, in particular, have been running tests in various cities, and are taking steps toward releasing 5G to all customers.

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