5G or fifth generation is ultra-fast wireless broadband technology. It is capable of delivering up to 10-50 Gbps peak data download speeds on a smart phone. It is 1000 times faster than a 4-G connection. A three-hour movie is downloaded under a second. Early 5G networks will offer 1Gbps data speeds, rising to 2-3 Gbps initially.

5G spectrum bands

5G will run on three frequency ranges — sub 1 GHz, 1-6 GHz and above 6 GHz. They are called ultra-high data speeds of 10 Gbps or more.

Airwaves in 3.3-3.8 GHz range (within 1-6 GHz band) are likely to run early 5G networks.

India has earmarked spectrum in the 3.4 and 3.5GHz bands for 5G services. It may identify more later.

Connectivity

A 5G network will connect smart phones and a whole array of products such as cars, homes, machines, robots, home gadgets or even a dog collar.

It will enable M2M or machine-to-machine communication. The devices will talk to each other using sensors. It will be 5G-powered IoT. A home will be connected by wireless.

Latency

5G network will cut down latency to a millisecond vs. 120 milliseconds on 3G, 60 milliseconds on 4G.

Latency is the response time when you click a link or start streaming a video on your smartphone that sends a request to the network, which in turn responds, delivering a website or playing the video requested.

On a 5-G network, request fulfillment will be instantaneous.

5G Network Launches

T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T will launch full — blown 5G services in the US in 2019. China, Japan and South Korea are also targeting 2019 launches.

In India, under 20% mobile towers are fiberized vs. 75-80% in China, Japan and US. It is ideal to support 5G speeds.

The poor financial health of telecom in India can hinder 5G investments.

India expects to auction 5G spectrum only by late 2020. 5G could be rolled out not before 2022.