Will 5G replace cable broadband networks?

Millions of people in developed countries still do not have access to broadband networks despite efforts in recent years and huge sums of money spent on connecting isolated communities.

In general, ways have been sought to expand and modernize cable networks so that everyone has access to the Internet .

With fifth-generation ( 5G ) mobile technology , which now offers considerably higher data transfer speeds than the 4G network, will we be able to give up cables altogether one day?

A 5G network supports data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, has low latency or delay, and ensures the connection of up to one million electronic devices per square kilometer.

5G mobile technology allows you to download a regular high definition (HD) movie in less than 40 seconds, as opposed to more than 7 minutes via 4G mobile technology.

In fact, through 5G we can simultaneously transmit several HD videos, we can make 3D phone calls with hologram, we can access virtual reality applications, and driverless cars (autonomous) will be able to communicate with each other and the traffic infrastructure.

Unfortunately, 4G devices are not compatible with these 5G networks and to access them we need a 5G phone with a higher processing power, with a larger memory capacity (12 GB or more), but also other things like 3D holographic projectors if we want to use these features.

To access 5G networks from home we only need a 5G router.

Of course, the big challenge in replacing cable broadband networks with 5G networks is to create 5G infrastructure.

For example, UK broadband networks, which provide data transfer speeds of 24 Mbps or higher, already cover 96.4% of Internet addresses , while 5G networks are only available in major cities such as London. , Birmingham, Manchester, etc.

In order for cable data transfer speeds to be comparable to those offered by 5G, each home should be connected to the Internet with its own fiber optics.

Instead, the expansion of the 5G network requires the installation of several transmitters, connected to the fiber optic network, which can be easily accessed by a large number of users.

For this reason, it is difficult to compare the costs of each option, as both involve different infrastructure solutions.

5G Internet connection in rural areas

Connecting to the Internet for remote communities may be easier with 5G than with fiber optics. Credit: Theeraphong / Shutterstock

But providing 5G infrastructure is not everything. To compete with cable broadband providers or to replace the cable network, 5G networks must support similar data transfer speeds.

We must keep in mind that the actual speed of data transfer in mobile networks is lower than the theoretical speed.

So, although 5G theoretically supports data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, the actual transfer speed in these networks can be up to 200 Mbps.

Although this speed may be sufficient for those who access the Internet only for online browsing, it may not be sufficient for users who stream multiple videos at the same time or for high-speed online gaming enthusiasts.

Another challenge for 5G mobile networks is to ensure reliable customer service, as the signals from these networks can be affected by several factors, such as the distance to the transmitter or obstacles and interference with other devices.

Improved technology: Dark Fiber

5G mobile technology providers are developing ways to overcome this problem. For example, the “massive MIMO” technology of 5G systems uses up to 96 antennas to create multiple data connections, simultaneously, between electronic devices.

Edge Computing technology (Nt An open, distributed IT architecture, characterized by decentralized data processing) involves the use of 5G towers that will process and store data without using cloud data centers, located many kilometers away .

All these features make 5G the most promising candidate to replace cable broadband networks.

Another, more difficult obstacle to developing a complete 5G network at the national level could be people's concern that this technology can be harmful to health. Even if there is no evidence of the negative health effects of 5G technology, convincing people that this technology is safe can be a challenge.

As a result, complete replacement of cable-based broadband networks with 5G networks may not be possible.

In this case, Internet users in large cities or companies may prefer cable broadband networks that are reliable, offer high transfer speeds, and are secure.

Instead, users in certain remote or rural areas will use 5G technology, as connecting to the Internet is easier than through a fiber optic network.