Exited For Upcoming 5G? Should Read This.

5G is coming. Well, technically it's here. Kinda? Maybe? Slowly? This fifth-generation cellular network is 10 times faster than 4G LTE. That means instead of waiting five minutes to downloada movie on Netflix in 4G, it will take just 30 seconds on 5G.
So it could even replace your home's current high-speed internet service. The new standard means devices can communicate witheach other with no lag. You know how when you write with a pen, you see it as it happens? That's zero latency. That's pretty much what 5G can do: no waiting. That opens up thepossibility for things like wireless VR experiences andmore reliable driverless cars thanks to the ability to analyze and process data at faster speeds.

 It's an exciting time forfaster, more connected devices. But there are some obstacles5G needs to overcome before we can really reapall of its amazing benefits. First, we need a whole new infrastructure. Your cell phone provider,for example, will need to install a lot of new equipmentfor this new technology because 5G uses a totallydifferent wavelength than the 4G standard yourphone currently uses.

The 5G standard uses millimeter waves, which are a lot shorter thanthe wavelengths 4G uses. The shorter wavelength means 5G can carry a lot of datamuch faster than 4G, but it also means a much shorter range. 4G wavelengths have arange of about 10 miles. 5G wavelengths have arange of about 1,000 feet, not even 2% of 4G's range. So to ensure a reliable 5Gsignal, there needs to be a lot of 5G cell towersand antennas everywhere.

We're talking on everylamppost, traffic light, etc. because even trees can block 5G signals. Antonio: 5G isn't gonna be cheap. You know, each node, or mini cell tower, needs some kind of connection to it, and that means layingdown fiber optic cables, and, you know, it's still an undertaking, and it's definitely not in the millions. It's definitely in the billions, possibly hundreds of billions. Narrator: Not only will thiscost billions of dollars, but there's also pushbackfrom many local communities. Antonio: One of thebiggest problems they face is actually local governments,local communities, who don't want thesecarriers to build towers or antennas all over the place. Or maybe they're afraidof the health risks, which is another big concern. Some are concerned that 5G radiation may cause cancer.

The FCC so far has said thatthere aren't any problems or concerns with 5G radiation, but they have said they stillneed to do more research. Despite all that, Verizonalready rolled out the beginnings of its 5G network to parts of Chicago and Minneapolis.

 Attempt currently has about 19cities with 5G capabilities, and Sprint and T-Mobilesay they'll be releasing their 5G network sometime in 2019. So while 5G is being rolled out, it is very slow and in limited areas, and noncity and rural areaswill be more difficult to cover since 5G has such a short range. But let's say your internetprovider successfully installed all the equipment around you. You still need devices that can run 5G. So far we're only seeinga few that can do that.

Antonio: In the US, the onlysmartphones that we know about that have 5G is the Moto Z3if you buy the extra Moto mod. There's also the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and also the LG V50 ThinQ. Narrator: And you can expect 5G phones to cost you about $200 to$300 more than one without 5G. Verizon and Starry arealso getting a head start in bringing 5G to your home internet. So if you're one of the few people who has access to 5G right now, enjoy it. Antonio: One of the things I'mreally excited about with 5G, 5G is said to be a super open highway with many, many more lanesthan the 4G LTE highway. Which means a lot less congestion,even during peak hours.

I do estimate that eventuallyeven 5G will be congested with the number of people connecting to it and also the extra stuffthat's gonna be used for 5G. At which point, we're gonnahave to step over to 6G. Narrator: So while all the carriers are already starting totout their 5G capabilities, don't get too excited because it's still going to be a few years before you can really take advantage of it.