These are the advantages and disadvantages of 5G

5G is the mobile communications standard of the future. The fifth generation has become indispensable in Swiss technology.

In 2019, the fifth generation of the cellular standard was introduced, which is simply called 5G. It will replace the current LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard in the coming years.

The biggest advantage of the new 5G standard is much higher data transfer rates of up to 20Gb/s. This means that much larger amounts of data can be transferred at a faster rate in the future. This area of ​​5G is also called eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband).

Two other important applications are mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communication) and uRLLC (Highly Reliable Low Latency Communication). These rely on particularly short response times, such as those required for autonomous driving.

Since the range of 5G base stations is shorter than that of existing 4G stations, more need to be built accordingly. On the other hand, there was a protest not only, but also in Switzerland. Still many people are afraid of electromagnetic radiation.

After heated debates, the Federal Council relaxed the Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Act (ONIR). The two major mobile operators Swisscom and Sunrise have been able to expand their 5G networks. This is now achieved by about 90 percent of the Swiss population.

A grassroots initiative to limit the strength of the 5G field has not reached the required 100,000 signatures. Other suspensions also failed.

Environmental epidemiologist Martin Rössli of the Swiss Institute for Tropical and Public Health commented on the Swiss technology: More than 90 percent of mobile phone radiation comes from your cell phone, not from transmission towers.

Of course, the existing LTE network will still be active for a few more years. According to Swisscom, the 3G network should remain in place at least until the end of 2024. However, progress cannot be stopped. It is worth starting to monitor new smartphones with 5G technology and the corresponding tariffs.

Higher transmission rates than 5G can be particularly noticeable in applications such as streaming and gaming. Special Feature: With 5G, many devices can access the mobile network at the same time.

The phenomenon of network disconnection once large crowds of people gather should be a thing of the past. Then you can broadcast a short video from a rock festival or sports stadium.

There are also other aspects such as data-intensive virtual reality and smart home device connectivity. The shorter response time can be noted here, since voice- or app-controlled devices react faster.

All major network operators such as Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt and Yallo now have 5G contracts on offer. The number of 5G-enabled smartphones has also grown rapidly. The only thing left is to look for a tariff that is completely tailored to your specific needs and a suitable smartphone.

But beware: 20Gb/s or even 10Gb/s is still ideal. Realistically, around 2 Gb/s is currently achievable in Switzerland. Swiss technology will continue to evolve over the next few years. Many villages are already planning to expand.