What is 5G and what can you do with it?
01 December 20205G is the successor to 4G. Even faster internet, connection with many more devices simultaneously and much less delay on the line, those are the promises of 5G. But what can you do with it and does it already work for everyone in the Netherlands?
The fifth generation of mobile networks, characterized by extremely high speed. This allows you to send even more and faster data and the applications are greatly expanded.
Is 5G only valuable for mobile phones?
No, 5G will help with the development of self-driving cars, smart cities, smart manufacturing and IoT. For example, a doctor who can remotely assess the status of a patient in a self-driving ambulance. 5G may also eventually replace fixed internet, no cables need to be laid to connect companies to the internet.
Is 5G available everywhere in the Netherlands?
No, not yet in all places in the Netherlands you can use the 5G network. On the websites of the various providers you can enter your postal code to see what your coverage is.
Does 5G work immediately?
If the mobile network is ready for 5G, does it work immediately? No, you need a separate device with the right chip suitable for 5G. So you will have to buy a new phone. However, that does not necessarily mean you will notice much difference!
Advantages of 5G
- Improved and much faster connection
Often when you are in crowded places with many people the internet connection (4G) can be slow. 5G ensures less delay of the network. You especially notice it when multiple people are simultaneously uploading and downloading files.
- Online gaming in an even more realistic world
Augmented Reality is even more realistic with 5G technology. Games become even more lifelike.
- Smooth movie watching
Streaming movies online on your phone goes smoothly.
- Higher quality photos and videos
Thanks to the faster and more stable connection you can take and send even higher quality photos.
Can you already enjoy the benefits of 5G?
No, much still needs to be done before we can all use it. This has to do with the frequency bands over which all data is transmitted (radio, telephone, wifi). These bands must be partially freed up for 5G. That “freeing up” is actually that a part of the “700MHz band” is auctioned. After the auction providers can activate 5G.
Around 2023 you will really notice the speed of 5G
To really experience much faster internet, more frequency bands must be freed up. That part is still used by Dutch intelligence services (the frequency for eavesdropping). This will only happen in about 3 years.
The rollout of 5G will therefore be gradual and in practice we will notice little of it for now!
