5G and the Future of Mobile Communications Standard

Owners of older mobile phones probably knew it first: In the middle of the year, mobile phone providers and network operators began upgrading the mobile radio standard. In some cases, this is almost complete (at Telekom and Vodafone), in others it is still in progress (for example, in Telefónica / O2's mobile network and in E-Plus's network). By the end of 2021, according to the plan, the old 3G network will be offline at all network operators in Germany. The freed up frequencies will then be used to improve the faster 4G (LTE) mobile standard and the new 5G network.

But how do the individual standards differ? What is new and special about the 5G network and which technology does the future belong to? In this blog post, we compile the most important information and give you a brief overview.

G stands for the generation of the mobile radio standard

Since the auction of 5G frequencies, we have been in the fifth generation of the mobile radio standard.

• Generations 4 (LTE) and 5 are currently being expanded.
• Generations 2 (GSM, GPRS and Edge) and 3 (UMTS) are being successively switched off, with 2G networks remaining in operation a little longer, as mobile phones and mobile devices without internet functionality would not work at all after their shutdown.
• The first generation of the mobile radio standard, the analog A-, B-, and C-networks, is already out of service. The technology is outdated.
• 6G, the future of the mobile radio standard, is currently being researched (in Germany, among others, by the Fraunhofer Institute). It could be put into operation nationwide from 2030.

Why is the 3G network being switched off?

The timing for the end of 3G is no coincidence. Providers are currently upgrading to the faster 5G transmission standard. This is still under construction. To do this, mobile phone providers have to convert their numerous antennas across the country. This takes time. They are therefore using this opportunity to simultaneously switch off 3G service on site. As already mentioned, every free frequency is used to improve 4G and 5G for mobile communication and to expand the new network.

How does radiation change in the new 5G network?

Previously, frequencies in the mobile network were below 2.6 GHz (Gigahertz). 5G requires frequencies in the range between 2 and 3.7 GHz. Significantly higher frequencies are also used. The following rule of thumb applies to the range of mobile communications: The higher the frequency, the lower the range. To reliably cover a similarly large area, 5G therefore requires more large transmission units and a denser network. This means an intensification of radiation, especially since 5G transmission stations can also be integrated very smartly into significantly smaller housings than their predecessors, which had to be mounted on tall masts with high antennas. Mounted on a house wall, users get much closer to the 5G transmitter than before and thus receive more radiation. Long-term health consequences are not yet foreseeable, even if most studies do not yet see a direct link between mobile phone radiation and cancer.

How fast are the individual generations?

The speed specifications vary depending on where you get your information. Numbers and data from individual providers differ, and depending on the trade journal and publication date, different values can be found.

This overview is based on a compilation by the German consumer protection agency from summer 2021.

Of course, 20 Gbit/s for 5G can only be achieved by a few providers and only under perfect conditions. However, with the designation "Maximum Speed," this overview very nicely illustrates what is technically possible with each generation.

For 6G, up to 400 Gbit/s are being discussed, which would correspond to a twentyfold increase in speed, similar to the leap from 4G to 5G.

What makes the current Generation 5 so special?

5G is extremely fast. Even if the 20 Gbit/s data rate in real time will probably only be achieved in the laboratory, 5 to 10 Gbit/s are certainly realistic. Even for hardcore gamers, this higher speed provides significantly more power than they will ever need (mobile).

But for applications on private mobile phones or smartphones – be it for communication, data transfer on the internet, or other applications – the latest 5G technology is not even intended. If you want to further digitize and network the world (keywords include augmented reality, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and other areas), the speed achievable with 5G is virtually a basic prerequisite for using everything else. Without 5G networks, self-driving cars would remain pure science fiction. 5G is primarily a basic prerequisite for industry and companies that are tinkering with the technologies of the future.

Do we all need 5G-enabled phones now?

5G requires special radio and antenna components, which means the standard does not work on all mobile phones and certainly not everywhere. However, modern smartphones and new mobile devices should now support 5G. Even with entry-level models, it is now standard for many manufacturers. Nevertheless, the question arises whether private users and customers really need the high speed of 5G. Anyone who does not run multiple 4K streams in parallel on their mobile device should be fine with 4G and the LTE standard.

In addition, the expansion of 5G began in large cities and is not expected to be fully completed in Germany until 2025. Cities are still preferred. However, it can be said in favor of the fifth generation that a 5G radio cell can cover a larger area than, for example, 4G. Thus, 5G makes an important contribution to effectively closing dead zones for users. For those who can escape an "internet-free zone" with the help of 5G, the new mobile radio standard and the new technology are, of course, a blessing.