Welcome to the fifth dimension: how 5G could transform our world
The next evolution in wireless technology is more than a step forward – it’s a giant leap
5G: it’s got a simple name that doesn’t even hint at its potential to revolutionize the way we live, work and connect. Technology has evolved since the first cellular phone call in Canada in 1985 on 1G, and 5G, the next generation of technology, will truly transform our world.
If it were a highway, 5G would post a crazyfast speed limit, as well as add plenty of new lanes to massively increase the number of cars that can travel on it and give drivers unheard-of capabilities. In the world of communications, 5G will supercharge the amount of data we can share and will boost the real-time responsiveness of the entire network, unlocking new opportunities and applications.
“5G infrastructure opens a universe of possibilities, many of which have yet to be invented,” says Jorge Fernandes, chief technology officer, Rogers Communications.
Many of the benefits of 5G are possible today but with its real-time responsiveness, 5G will enable mission-critical applications at scale, powered by millions of connected devices that respond faster than the human eye.
Going to a Blue Jays game? 5G could dynamically reroute traffic to help a fan find the best place to park and reduce congestion to get to the game on time. It could also enable the monitoring of natural disasters – a flood, avalanche or wildfire – in real time to protect people, homes and businesses.
“5G is more than just the next step in the evolution of wireless technology – it has the potential to take a giant leap forward,” says Fernandes. “Our focus now is to make meaningful investments and forge partnerships within the industry and with academics and businesses to help build the 5G ecosystem and applications.”
Last year, Rogers announced a partnership with the University of British Columbia to drive 5G R&D and made-inCanada 5G applications. At the 2019 B.C. Tech Summit in March, Rogers and UBC highlighted one of their first projects: the Clean, Connected and Safe Transportation Testbed, a smart city initiative that assesses how 5G networks and applications will improve autonomous vehicle safety, traffic management and fuel efficiency, and will serve as a blueprint for future smart cities across Canada.
“Thinking back to 30 years ago, no one expected that the first cellular phone call would result in the incredible smartphone infrastructure Canadians rely on today,” says Fernandes. “The 5G network will usher in another revolution. And Rogers will be there.”
With realtime responsiveness, 5G will enable missioncritical applications at scale, powered by millions of connected devices.