The End of 4G?
A hot topic for years, the much-anticipated transition to 5G is finally beginning to come to fruition. While the Covid-19 pandemic certainly interrupted the large 5G rollout planned for 2020, the need for faster connectivity actually increased with the rise of a remote workforce. Unfortunately for those already privy to 5G-enabled devices—such as the iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S20—promised connectivity has been disappointing to say the least. This is due in part to the network-specificities involved.
In order to operate as intended, 5G networks need to connect to a specific frequency: either low-, mid-, or high-band. While low-band frequencies provide the most extensive coverage, they are notorious for their slow connection speeds. On the other hand, high-band provides the exact opposite solution: high speeds with limited coverage. This means that mid-range is really the only acceptable existing frequency that would support 5G. However, as it is in such high-demand, untapped mid-band frequencies are extremely hard to come by making it that much harder for the competing mobile carriers to parse out sections dedicated to 5G. This results in limited connectivity for 5G, as there is simply not enough current bandwidth available for the hyped-up network to achieve peak performance.
In order to get over the hurdle that limited mid-band frequency has caused the 5G rollout, the nation’s top three carriers T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon have launched a series of consumer marketing campaigns. The typical strategy is to offer the latest 5G-enabled mobile device for little to no cost when consumers trade in their current devices. In choosing to receive the upgrade, consumers agree to pay lower monthly fees provided they stick with the carrier for a longer period of time, usually between two and three years. Not only does this allow the triopoly to get 5G devices in customers’ hands at a much quicker rate, this tactic assures investors that the costly development of 5G infrastructure is worth the massive price tag.
As the end of 2021 approaches, the importance of implementing standalone 5G networks is paramount to the full adoption of 5G into 2022. Carriers will continue to implement marketing strategies aimed at increasing adoption rates of consumers and appeasing investors which will prove fruitful for expanded technology solutions in the near future. Instead of relying on slow and unreliable 4G infrastructure for 5G connectivity, carriers will soon be able to provide standalone 5G networks with the option for network slicing and increased connectivity for augmented reality and virtual reality experiences and enhanced success within the Internet of Things.
For more information on how the end of 4G may affect your company and how to best prepare for the transition to 5G, contact Communication Company at 574.299.0020.
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