White paper: Understanding 5G and next-gen connectivity

The leap to 5G or “fifth generation” wireless as it takes over from 4G/LTE as the most advanced mobile broadband standard will eclipse any previous evolution, bringing truly seismic change. Speed jumps between previous generations were around 10Mbps but 5G could reach up to 100-200Mbps compared to 4G’s 20-30Mbps.

It isn’t just about speed though and what really sets 5G apart is the design and architecture of the network which enables telecommunication companies to offer customers a pervasive (seamless and always-on) and immersive (facilitating a deeper digital experience) connectivity. 

The benefits of 5G to consumers has been much discussed but 5G’s real strength lies in being an enterprise network. Cities will be among those to benefit from this innovation and will themselves be empowered to not only collect more data at the edge from more devices but to do far more with it. And by turning this data into actionable intelligence that feeds into strategies and decision-making, they can ultimately create better outcomes and services for citizens.

Cities must also understand the role they play in supporting 5G and unlike previous wireless roll-outs, they have a key part to play in actually building the network and ecosystem.