PROFILE
YOU WOULD BE forgiven for thinking that the dust has only just settled on the emergence of 4G into the mobile world . However , no sooner are we getting used to talking about 4G instead of 3G than the arrival of mobile connectivity ’ s next generation – 5G .
In short and somewhat oversimplified terms , this is 4G being ramped up to industrial capacity .
“ It is very exciting ,” Dr Håkan Andersson , Head of 5G Product Strategy at Ericsson , tells me . “ What we are seeing now in conjunction with the timing of 5G is interest from a lot of industries who want to use connectivity in their processes . Whether it be manufacturing , transport or mining , industries are all looking into how they can use connectivity to drive efficiency .
“ At the same time mobile broadband has a very high penetration and operators are looking for additional revenue streams . 5G , I would say , rather simply , is moving or taking mobile broadband into the industrial sphere .”
Ericsson has been a key driver of 5G deployment across Europe , working closely with the likes of the European
Commission to identify and approach its opportunities and challenges . Its expertise will no doubt be invaluable when it comes to developing a unified European approach .
“ We still need to understand much much more , as this will be different to mobile broadband ,” adds Jonas Näslund , Head of Strategy at Ericsson ’ s Business Radio division . “ We need to understand exactly what the industries need , and so far they have been very eager to explore the benefits and work with us .”
Endless possibilities ? Ericsson has identified five use case areas for 5G . The first is ‘ Broadband Experience . Everywhere , Anytime ’, aimed at generic mobile users in crowded spaces like public transport and at events where connectivity often suffers . Another use case is media streaming , targeting consumers who demand and pay for TV on the go .
Third is smart vehicles , transport and infrastructure , involving
8 October 2016