Indians are expecting to have a 5G mobile phone in their hand by the end of 2020. Recently, in June 2019, the Indian government made a statement saying that they will be allocating airwaves to offer 5G services. Companies like Reliance, Vodaphone, Idea, etc are in the pole position to win the bids for spectrum needed to offer 5G service in the subcontinent.
You are in for a major surprise if you are looking at 5G as just an upgrade to 4G(the way 4G was to 3G). According to a report from the telecommunication giant Reliance Jio, 5G can support download speeds 50 to 60 times faster than 4G. They have reached a whole new height with 5G technology. Only time can tell how true the promises hold to be.
Here are a few ways 5G can affect rural areas in India.
1. Smart cars will hit the road
Traditional cars are rapidly replacing with smart cars in countries like the United States and Denmark. Although the dream of driving a smart car can feel very distant for a rural Indian person, it is only a few years away. With 5G technology, traditional cars can become a thing of the past.
2. Robots will be able to perform surgical procedures on humans
A robotic surgeon can be a huge boon for the rural population of India. With hospitals located so far from the villages, doctors will be able to carry out emergency procedures from distant locations. The latency period of 5G network is very low(less than a millisecond). Hence, engineers can rely on this technology and bank on it to deliver great results in the future.
3. Better internet speeds
As I stated above, 5G speeds are 50 to 60 times faster than 4G. Some say 5G can also give a downloading speed of 1GBPS. This will seem insane for someone who is used to browsing the internet at 20-25MBPS.
Rural people will also be able to access high-speed internet while traveling on trains. This is essential as most of the commuters in India are dependent on trains. The facility of high-speed internet in trains will allow them to work or stay entertained while being on an arduous journey.
4. Holographic Calling
With holographic calling, you will be able to interact with someone who is miles apart from where you are. With the help of high-quality audio and 360-degree video, you can talk to someone as they are present in front of you. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) belives that Holographic calls can soon replace conventional phone calls.
What does it mean for an average rural person to have 5G technology in his/her village?
Access to 5G technology means rapid growth and development of places that are either neglected or have a geographical disadvantage. 4G has been a massive disappointment. It has not even properly spread out yet. Some villagers in India still use 2G internet on their phones. So, 5G brings a lot of hope and promise for an average rural person in India.