5G, what is it good for?

The report suggests that discussions centre on whether 5G will be a true generational shift in connectivity technology or the consolidation of existing 2G, 3G, 4G, WiFi and various other technologies to provide vastly greater network coverage and always-on reliability.

“Consumers had a need for 2G and then 3G and 4G to make telephone calls and connect to the internet,” says Tony Milbourn, VP Strategy, u-blox, and keynote speaker at the conference to be held in the Emirates Stadium in London. “The focus is now on connecting things and most things don’t need super-low latency or mega bandwidth. So, is the standards-making machine on auto-pilot, developing a further extension of performance, while most people’s needs are pretty much satisfied by 4G, subject to better coverage of course?”

“When people ask me, ‘what is 5G?’, I still say that it is a research project,” comments Paul Ceely, Head of Network Strategy, EE and CW board member. “It’s early days and there is a huge set of requirements to address, some incremental and some transformational and this work can make a real difference to the experience and reach of communications networks. 

"The UK has a great opportunity to lead the 5G ecosystem and there is an argument for a common test-bed environment to encourage greater co-operation and allow enterprises to build and trial new applications. Speaking to end users and innovators, it’s clear that we need to deliver consistency across operators and infrastructure providers so that the capabilities of 5G can be used from day one.” 

“Mobile communications has realised much of the promise it offered back in 2000 and the mobile handset is heading towards becoming a remote control on life, providing extraordinary value to individuals,” says William Webb, Deputy Chair, CW and CEO of the Weightless SIG and President of the IET. “However, 5G threatens to take us in a different direction, away from device connectivity to ultra-complex solutions enabling data rates well beyond those of any significant rise in consumer value. As 5G research and standardisation unfolds, the problems will become ever more apparent. It is time to stop extrapolating data rates and take a more intelligent view of the future.”

The conference will close with the Cambridge Debate: Do we need 5G?, chaired by Bob Schukai, Head of Advanced Product Innovation at Thomson Reuters. Speaking for the motion will be Howard Benn, Head of Standards and Industrial Affairs at Samsung Electronics Research Institute, and against the motion will be Tony Milbourn, VP Strategy at u-blox.