Whether you’re a telco company or an IT solutions provider, the future of mobile networks is 5G and XR. As these two technologies reshape the world of communications and entertainment, businesses need to know what they are, how they work, and which opportunities they present.
Both 5G and XR will be game-changing innovations for the industry and its customers. However, it’s important to know that while 5G is an acronym that stands for fifth generation wireless network, XR refers to extended reality. What do these terms mean? Let’s find out!
5G stands for fifth generation wireless network. This is the next generation of cellular network technology. It is anticipated to be the foundation of the Internet of Things, smart cities, and other advanced technologies. As more and more devices connect to the Internet, it’s important that the network has enough bandwidth to support all of those devices.
To meet this challenge, the ITU – International Telecommunication Union – has been working for a couple of years to define what a 5G network will look like. The key characteristics of 5G include: low latency, high throughput, massive numbers of connected devices, high reliability, and high flexibility.
The world’s major telecom operators are currently working on ways to implement these characteristics in their networks. Additionally, the 5G standard will also optimize a low-cost and reliable connection across industries. 5G networks are expected to be less expensive to build out than previous-generation networks because they will rely on “fiber in the air” technology.
XR stands for extended reality. This is a term that refers to technologies that go beyond the normal human perception of reality, like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and artificial intelligence. XR is a growing technology sector that offers new insights into information, experiences, and entertainment.
While VR transports you to a computer-generated world, AR overlays digital content or information on top of the real world. MR combines the best of VR with AR, allowing you to interact with virtual objects in the physical world. XR solutions include everything from headsets to smart glasses, MR applications, and even handheld devices.
Mobile communications are going through a major transition. We are moving from 4G/LTE to 5G, and soon thereafter XR will be a key part of our communications experience. This will have a big impact on the way we use our mobile devices, communications, and entertainment.
XR is poised to transform the communications industry. It can have a big impact on the way people communicate: visual communication is much more powerful than audio or text. You can imagine sharing a VR experience with your friends and family. Imagine watching a football game in a virtual stadium with thousands of people. Or imagine working with colleagues on a virtual project in an AR environment.
XR can turn our mobile devices into communication tools: headsets will allow you to make VR calls, smart glasses will let you look at augmented images and texts, handheld devices can turn into MR devices, and more. XR will also transform the way we experience entertainment. You can imagine watching football in virtual stadiums with thousands of other people, attending concerts with millions of fans in VR, or visiting places around the world with AR.
There are a couple of misconceptions about 5G and XR that need to be dispelled. One misconception is that XR will replace VR. While VR, MR, and AR are similar technologies, it’s important to remember that they have different uses and will coexist. Another common misconception is that 5G will only be available to businesses. While 5G is expected to offer high speeds that are ideal for businesses, it will also be available to the general public. One other misconception is that 5G and XR are only a U.S. phenomenon. In fact, they are global trends, with other countries also making big investments in 5G. Asian countries are expected to lead the way in 5G adoption, as several countries like China, India, Japan, and Singapore have already shown interest in 6G networks.
5G and XR will change how we communicate, how we entertain ourselves, and how we do business. With 5G, you can expect to see lower latency, which will enable new ways of interacting with people, artificial intelligence, and devices. At the same time, XR will enable a new kind of digital experience. We are already seeing the effects of these technologies in the telecom market.
Telecom companies are racing to be the first to provide 5G services, and big IT companies are exploring new ways to use XR. XR will affect a wide range of industries, from entertainment and sports to education, retail, and health care. VR and AR can help with the learning process by immersing students in virtual environments. You can expect to see advances in healthcare with XR, such as MR apps for surgery, assisted living and rehabilitation, and virtual assistances for patients.
VR, AR, and MR technologies, along with 5G networks, will transform how we communicate, how we entertain ourselves, and how we do business. The technology that supports these innovations is still being developed, but it’s clear that the future of communications and entertainment will be shaped by 5G and XR.
Marah 
August 31, 2022