5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.
5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries.
Is Kenya ready for 5G network?
5G has certainly been a hot topic during the Covid Pandemic. Rapid Access Solutions (RA-Solutions) Researcher, Arnold Okoth Oyaro explains that on one hand it has been seen as a blessing as the blistering speeds have allowed workers to shift to working remotely with ease where 5G has been implemented.On the other hand, it has been a contentious issue with debate raging as to whether 5G contributes to the spread of Covid-19. Whatever your view is, here are some details about 5G and what exactly it is.
“5G is the Fifth Generation for Cellular Networks which is intended to replace 4G/LTE and is capable of delivering 1000 times faster speeds than current 4th Generation/LTE. This may be more pragmatic in Kenya where fibre is not ubiquitous, and with the majority of our population vastly spread and their only means of connecting to the worldwide web via Cellular capabilities. 5G has the ability to deliver faster internet to large swathes of our population. The applications for 5G will bring about the ability for Online Learning, the Internet of Things as well as the ability for users to work remotely from almost anywhere at much faster speeds,” said Arnold.
“Generally speaking, the world considers internet access a human right and with 5G it would open up the opportunities immensely to get education to the masses of our people - amongst many other benefits. Artificial intelligence, Augmented reality and using the Cloud will change the face of how business is conducted in the near future. The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us that the remote workforce will now become a reality. Over the months the Rapid Access Solutions team has setup Networks with the capability of working remotely anywhere, anytime from any device. Having a faster internet connection will be make this much easier for the mobile workforce."
The 3G mobile network specifications were done in early 2000 but the commercial implementations hit Kenya around 2007. The 4G specifications were completed in 2010 and the commercial deployment introduced in Kenya around 2014.
The 5G technical specification was completed last year and its commercial deployment around the world is expected this year in 2020.
Kenya is likely to be one of the early adopters of the 5G technologies – but is Kenya ready for this new technology?
And when we talk about readiness, we don’t mean in terms of deployment since mobile operators can deploy 5G overnight and switch it on the next day.
5G readiness goes beyond availing the 5G signal and looks deeper into the issue of whether the economy is harnessing the 5G capabilities.
Having 5G signals without re-positioning our economy to maximise returns out of it is like buying a high-speed car – maybe a Ferrari – and driving it over some pot-holed, murram road.
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