The fifth generation of mobile networks (5G) is already set to deliver a wide range of targeted services to meet the needs of both consumers and industries. As a result, sectors such as industry, healthcare, transport, entertainment, and media will gain access to new services, creating fresh business opportunities for telecom operators.
Entertainment & media: gaming
With 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency, cloud-based virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) (see glossary at the end of the article) gaming will become more dynamic. Gamers will be able to play together, in real time, on the go, using only their smartphones—no additional hardware required.
5G will also allow full immersion in live sporting events, offering multiple viewing angles of stadiums and players.
A new customer experience in retail
A Gartner study on the use of AR and VR predicts that 100 million consumers will use both technologies for online and in-store shopping. These innovations are expected to transform customer experience by enabling users to visualize products inside and outside the store.
Healthcare: remote care
5G will give healthcare a new boost through smart, connected solutions for medical staff, manufacturers, patients, and researchers.
The new technology will enable patients to virtually connect with doctors and healthcare providers through real-time video or live chat.
Hospitals and local clinics will benefit from high-speed, low-latency connectivity to improve patient outcomes and optimize workflows.
Use case: remote surgery
With the help of robots and high-definition audio-visual systems, remote experts will be able to perform surgeries on patients in rural hospitals, just in time.
5G networks will also support remote monitoring, smart hospital guides, mobile healthcare, intelligent hospital management, and AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment.
Use case: remote diagnosis
5G can help address social challenges by reducing regional disparities in healthcare access.
Patients treated in primary care facilities could benefit from diagnostic and treatment services provided by professionals in higher-tier hospitals.
Robotics and IoT for industry 4.0
5G will enable new industrial operation models.
IoT sensors, robotics, computer vision, and cloud-based AI will automate processes, allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks.
Use case: fault diagnosis with augmented reality
Using AR solutions, experts can identify faults faster with an added digital information layer over the real-world view. This saves time for problem-solving and accelerates data sharing between production sites.
5G will deliver the low latency required for enhanced image quality, high bandwidth for HD visuals, and high connection density to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across production sites.
Connected cars: autonomy and safety
5G will enable vehicles to coordinate movements, anticipate each other’s actions, and make roads safer for everyone.
Several approaches are emerging for autonomous vehicles. V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication enables real-time, direct interaction with the environment to ensure a safer and more efficient transport ecosystem. These include:
- V2P: Vehicle to Pedestrian
- V2V: Vehicle to Vehicle
- V2I: Vehicle to Infrastructure
- V2N: Vehicle to Network
These require ultra-fast, ultra-reliable connectivity.
The enhanced technical capabilities of 5G open the door to new applications. While promising B2B services like connected cars and IoT are already well identified, consumer-facing services remain uncertain. Most consumers will need clear, understandable benefits to justify investing in compatible devices, equipment, and plans.
New technologies, new realities
We are now entering the era of immersive and innovative video technologies. Today we talk about virtual reality, augmented reality, and even mixed reality. These technologies allow users to visualize and interact with digital elements in the real world—an area of growing interest with the arrival of 5G.
Virtual reality (VR)
A fully immersive technology, VR creates a computer-generated 3D environment where users can interact, move, and explore. It is typically accessed through a headset that projects virtual images.
Augmented reality (AR)
AR overlays digital elements onto the real world. A well-known example is Pokémon GO. It often requires specialized glasses or lenses.
Mixed reality (MR)
Unlike AR, MR merges the real and digital worlds, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously through advanced sensing and imaging technologies.
Without removing the headset, users enjoy an experience that can transform the way they play and work today.
