5G prediction fail
At the beginning of the year, my prediction in this column was that 5G will go mainstream as manufacturers of mobile phones emphasized they already have the technology capable of providing faster Internet experience for the users of their phones.
That was January when the coronavirus has yet to cause devastation and has yet to force people to be isolated in their own homes. Workers were not yet restricted from going out at that time.
This could have been the year for infrastructure upgrades but because of the pandemic, everything had to be pulled back. Manufacturers though will not be deterred as revolutionizing mobility means having a standardized network for smart phones.
Apple is leading the way in this as its chief executive Tim Cook signified the company’s intention to deliver a faster performance for phone downloads. He has also promised more efficient uploading and downloading, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, and real time interactivity. These can all be made possible if network providers can commit a consistent bandwidth speed to subscribers.
“Avi Greengard of Techsponential said 5G could be fast-tracked once Apple rolls out its new phones.
Avi Greengard of Techsponential said 5G could be fast-tracked once Apple rolls out its new phones.
“Apple drives a lot of technology shifts in the industry, and the iPhone 12 supports 5G in all its forms on four different phones. 5G has not been a big purchase driver in most markets, but that could start changing now, and Apple is now much better positioned to succeed in the one place where consumers have been buying 5G phones — China,” he said.
Telcos will be under pressure to keep up with the new technology as it will certainly cost more to keep up with the likes of Apple, Samsung and Huawei. Inversely, 5G will also allow tech companies to stay afloat as consumers are mostly settled with what they own following a sluggish performance due to loss of jobs and income.
It is also wise for the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to nudge telcos into complying with President Duterte’s goal of improving Internet services for its varied uses, including the booming online gaming scene.
The popularity of mobile games has reached an all-time high as more people, especially students, stay at home while obtaining more gadgets. Very engaging because of interactivity, gaming has the potential to generate profit for individuals, companies and countries.
The recent Southeast Asian Games proved that gaming can be competitive when properly supported with fast Internet, having the potential to generate jobs and income.
“Telcos will be under pressure to keep up with the new technology as it will certainly cost more to keep up with the likes of Apple, Samsung and Huawei.