5G: everyone talks about it, but what exactly is it and what changes will it bring? VodafoneZiggo gives a brief and to the point overview.

5G is the fifth generation mobile networks. Actually, it is a new protocol to transmit data packages by radio waves in a smarter, faster and more efficient way. After 2G (calls), 3G (calls and mobile internet), 4G (faster and more stable calls, internet and streaming) it is now time for a new step.

Faster, stronger
The 5G picture of the future is promising. In due course, 5G technology will provide superfast internet. Yes, actually up to ten times faster than the fourth generation. The network will also be more stable than its predecessor; therefore fewer disruptions. Great for consumers of course, but even greater for the care sector, industry and autonomous vehicles that will all benefit. Eventually, 5G will become the standard for all technology we are currently using on an increasingly massive scale: streaming, downloading, online gaming. Where we used to experience latency or a glitch in calls or games once in a while, that experience will definitely improve and keep improving over time.

Evolution
But 5G is not a revolution, rather an evolution. Step by step we will convert to this new experience. Vodafone was the first Dutch provider to introduce 5G. Other telecom companies followed in our footsteps. And finally, people can only use 5G if their mobile device is compatible.

We have renewed the equipment in our network and updated it with the latest software that enables us to transmit 4G as well as 5G. Initially, the internet speed of the current 5G will be approximately 10% higher than that of 4G. It results in peak speeds of up to 1 GB per second. Data transfer, for example in games, will be up to 30% faster.

Two languages, one frequency
How does this technology work exactly? For the 5G connection VodafoneZiggo uses Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS). This technology from our partner Ericsson allows our network to use the same spectrum for 4G ánd 5G connections. The technology speaks ‘two languages’ in fact, in the same frequency band. The smart network instantly chooses between 4G and 5G, depending on the characteristics of the device. Outside the 5G coverage area the mobile automatically switches over to 4G. New 5G frequencies that will become available at some point in the future, will be added so that customers will continue to experience further improvements. In this way we keep investing in GigaNet, the powerful network of Vodafone and Ziggo, of which 5G is a part.

Vital connections
More than ever we realise how crucial connections are in our society. The use of new 5G technology will gradually provide more capacity, stability and exciting mobile applications to consumers, the government and businesses. In future, mobile internet and downloading will become superfast with 5G. Real-time multiplayer gaming on smartphones will become a reality. In addition, 5G will open new perspectives for industries and technology, like agriculture, medical care, smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G: are you ready?

Read our magazine about 5G