With 5G having spent the last few years in the spotlight, it’s gotten to the point where many of us are wondering what the next development is going to be. While 5G technology has been around, the true 5G data experience hasn’t been quite established. Groups including T-Mobile and Verizon are expanding 5G services to help create a cohesive, high-speed experience.
What’s the Next Step for 5G?
Cellular 5G networks have been increasing in strength while operating at mid and high-band levels, the latter becoming more widespread in 2022. With a shorter range of service to accommodate higher data transfer speeds, 5G is receiving special treatment as cities plan to place dozens of smaller 5G towers throughout their downtown areas.
These miniature cell towers will provide consistent data access in even the most congested areas where 4G technology previously struggled. 5G works in a similar fashion to 4G and even used the older technology to establish its connections early on.
Now, 5G technology is being leveraged for home internet use to cause a disruption in an industry heavily monopolized in many major metros. 5G home internet can support hundreds of gigabytes of data usage each month without throttling speeds.
How Common Is 5G?
Nationwide cellular 5G is readily available through the three major cell service providers, though you may not get the experience you expect depending on the carrier and your location. Low-band 5G has blanketed most of the country with mid and high-band strengths being used in suburbs and major cities respectively.
Implementing 5G hasn’t gone without a hitch with many consumers concerned about possible health risks associated with exposure to 5G signal. The truth is that these larger waves, millimeter-wave or mmWave, get blocked easily by leaves, flags, clothes, windows and most physical barriers no matter how thin.
Is 5G Actually Safe?
Absolutely. The reason we’ve seen more concern about the technology is that it requires more network points to function properly, meaning an increased number in cell towers that reside closer to residential areas.
Low-band and mid-band 5G networks actually use technology that dates back to the 1960s for use in radio and television broadcasting. The high-band mmWave networks are the ones that require additional towers and a closer proximity, but the amount of power being put out into the environment is insignificant.
Power and frequency are two related but independent factors. Take Bluetooth for example. It operates on the same frequency as a kitchen microwave but with significantly less power. Since 5G frequencies are technically microwaves, many think it’s the same as being exposed to a microwave oven’s output when it’s closer to Bluetooth in terms of power.
Are You Developing a New 5G Experience?
With over 50 years of experience in regulatory approval for both American and international markets, Compliance Testing is the only laboratory in the world to offer accredited field testing services. All technology that utilizes communication is subject to certain laws and regulations making approval a challenge if unprepared.
Whether you need to verify an entire data network or a single device, reach out to Compliance Testing today for a free risk assessment to get you started on the right foot in your market of choice.
