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Going Mobile: The State of 5G Technology

5G mobile connectivity

Since its introduction in 2019, 5G has spread rapidly. By the end of 2024, two billion people worldwide relied on 5G connections. Looking ahead, that number is expected to nearly quadruple to 7.7 billion by 2028.

By definition, 5G refers to the fifth generation of mobile network technology. IEEE helped standardize this technology through the IEEE 802 Series. Building on 4G, 5G is 100 times faster, more reliable, and supports millions of devices at once. For users, this means instant movie downloads, smoother augmented reality, and real‑time IoT connections for smart homes. Moreover, it benefits self‑driving cars and smart cities.

Impact of 5G Technology

Across industries, the introduction of 5G technology has had a tremendous impact.

  • Healthcare: 5G expands telemedicine, improves remote surgery, and powers wearable devices that share real-time patient data. Physicians can now diagnose and treat faster than ever.
  • Transportation: 5G enables self-driving cars to make quicker decisions, avoid accidents, and optimize traffic flow. At the same time, smart city systems benefit from real-time monitoring of traffic, electricity, and water.
  • Entertainment: 5G allows faster live streaming and more interactive experiences. Gamers can access cloud-based, high-quality games anywhere without heavy hardware.

Global Deployment

Globally, the U.S. has taken a leadership role in deploying fifth-generation networks by major wireless carriers. As a result, over 75% of American subscribers can now access 5G. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal in 2021, the federal government also pledged to invest an additional $65 billion. This amount is aimed at improving broadband and 5G service in rural communities.

In Europe, over 90% of British premises currently have access to 5G coverage,

Germany, which possesses one of the most developed 5G networks on that continent, achieved coverage of 92% by mid-2024. It continues to expand access across the country. Asia, China, and South Korea are among the countries that aggressively integrated 5G heavily into their manufacturing operations. Additionally, access to 5G continues to grow throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Latin American region.

What Challenges Are Associated with 5G Technology?

While 5G continues to deliver unprecedented benefits and expand in use, the technology has also experienced its share of challenges. Among them, the costs to build 5G networks are extensive. Regulatory differences between the U.S. and European Union have impaired their ability to fully collaborate on 5G deployment. Furthermore, the growing number of connected devices associated with the rise of 5G networks has introduced security issues and increased the risk of cyberattacks.

Despite these hurdles, however, the industry continues to move forward at a rapid pace. It perfects the current generation of technology and envisions the next one.

The upcoming emergence of “6G” connectivity promises a new paradigm in cellular technology. It runs an estimated 9,000 times faster than 5G connections. This speed enables users to, for example, download more than 20 movies per second. While experts note that 6G mobile networks remain at least five years away, the global telecommunications industry has been hard at work laying the foundations for this platform upgrade. They are entering what’s known as a “pre-standardization” phase to achieve consensus on preliminary 6G standards.

IEEE Helps You Stay One Step Ahead of 5G Developments

Designed to help technical professionals and industry leaders deliver on the 5G vision, these targeted course programs help you stay on top of the fast-paced field of 5G. They cater to the consumer demand for higher communication speeds.

5G Course Programs

Friday, 2nd May 2025