‘More countries to invest in 5G tech after pandemic’

MANY countries are seen to invest in Fifth Generation (5G) technology as its importance in bolstering internet connectivity has been emphasized during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, a Huawei official said.

In a virtual presser, Lin Yanqing, director of government affairs at Huawei’s Public Affairs and Communications Department, said many people around the world now rely on internet access more than ever as they remain under lockdown to help stem the spread of Covid-19.

According to the Huawei official, more countries would take their information and communications technology (ICT) industries more seriously after this pandemic.

“5G’s importance is much more recognized now than before,” Lin said during a tour of the Huawei headquarters that showed the Chinese technology giant’s efforts to advance the technology.

Lin said that as national leaders across the globe decided to impose strict quarantine rules, more than 300 million people have to work remotely, while 270 million students are at home.

This only means internet traffic is spiking and congestion in the network is inevitable.

Huawei said in a statement that a 5G network could provide 1 million connections per square kilometer.

The firm, which has been leading the 5G race in the global market with a $4-billion investment in research and development since 2009, said the technology could offer enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, ultra- reliable and low latency communications.

Aside from telecommunications services, Huawei said 5G could be tapped for intelligent connected vehicles, smart factories, smart health care, smart grids, smart education, urban security, drones, smart agriculture and smart new media.

“During the [pandemic], we found that, by enabling telemedicine, remote education and telework, the ICT infrastructure has played a very important role in the world’s fight against Covid-19,” it added.

On the local scene, dominant telco carriers Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc. are already working on their respective 5G networks.