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New | Everything you need to know about 5G

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5G, the next generation in wireless mobile networks, is scheduled for commercial roll-out in 2020. Photo: EPA
Zen Soo

Hong Kong had over 6.6 million 4G mobile users at the end of June, all of whom enjoy faster data speeds compared to those on 3G networks, letting them easily stream video on their smartphones or make video calls on a mobile link. Even while phone users are moving to 4G from 3G, phone are already focusing on the next generation of mobile communications - 5G - which is scheduled for a 2020 roll-out.

What is 5G?

It’s the fifth generation of wireless technology, representing a major advance in the number of simultaneous connections that mobile networks can support, compared with 3G and 4G systems. Apart from providing massive capacity, 5G users will see significantly improved network speeds and low latency, beyond the capabilities of 4G.

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What is the difference between the generations of mobile networks?

The first generation mobile network, 1G, allowed users to make calls wirelessly.

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That was followed by 2G networks, which allowed users to send mobile text messages, and 3G networks that enabled connection to the internet.

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