All about 5G network and Africa’s Advancement towards it

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Since the introduction of technology, we’ve seen communication become more reliable especially the introduction of the 5G network. Internet access has facilitated a more effective way of communicating by introducing emails, web, and more. Emails have been more efficient in replacing the fax system of communication. Web pages are more flexible enabling productive research and information enlightenment — the more usage of the internet, the more demand for faster access.

About the 5G Network

Accessing the internet is a big thing today because most of our desired content is on the internet. Information can be obtained anywhere in the world on the internet, and this has shaped or revolutionized the world. For a faster use of the internet, developers have come up with different network speeds such as the 2G networks, 3G networks, 4G networks, and the most recent 5G to increase an extensive coverage of consumers.

The 2G and 3G

The 2G network is known as Second Generation cellular networks, launched in 1992. It was the first to offer SMS text messaging and data services. It gained so much recognition around the world and also enlightened many about the use of the internet. Although it wasn’t as fast as we expected, it was good to use. The other side of this technology is that it is very dependent on proximity and location to towers and thus compounds many problems.

The upgrading of the 2G networks to 3G made it faster and more reliable network. 3G networks offer more rapid data transfer rates and thus paved the way for video call technology. Since its introduction, we’ve seen modern smartphones make drastic improvements to their features. It also provides ultra-broadband internet access for mobile devices.

The 4G and 5G

4G networks were introduced as an improved version of 3G (UMTS/HSPA) technologies, the high data-transfer rate of the 4G network makes it suitable for Mi-fi devices. Content streaming and video traffic has become more popular and is a critical factor in the demand for a faster network, services like Netflix, Youtube, and Vimeo allow fast streaming of video content available to its users. 4G LTE broadband offers increased network capacity, and the potential to bring extensive computing to a global audience with a smooth experience for mobile users. 3G and 4G networks are the wireless broadband technologies choices for most users, but there’s a new technology coming to enhance the use of the internet further; the new technology is 5G.

How it works

5G networks are the most modern wireless technology, and they aim to revolutionize the mobile internet. They are an improved version of 4G LTE networks, 3G (HSPA/UMTS) networks, 2G (EDGE/GSM) networks. It took years to build, but finally, the dream of achieving a faster network is coming to reality. 5G will bring a high data transfer rate, reduction in latency, energy, and cost, and a higher system capacity. During its test periods, researchers have proven that this new technology is far better than the 4G networks. The new 5G technology also has a 4G capability, using 4G to initially establish connections with its cell, as well as locations, where 5G is not accessible.

Its advancement in Africa

Africa has begun implementing the 5G networks to certain regions in their country. South Africa and Lesotho are the only African country to implement the 5G network commercially. The service still remains limited in this region. Nigeria is getting ready to launch its 5G network as test are still been carried out on it. In Lesotho, Only mining companies and the Central Bank can make use of it. While in South Africa the data is distributed to some selected group of customers. These customers reside in areas like Tshwane and Johannesburg.

An estimated by a global trade organization for mobile operators states that only seven African countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Keya will possess the 5G network before 2035. Several African countries might be held back from launching the 5G network. This is due to the regulations that would allow for a 5G rollout. Also, Infrastructure cost, right to transmit specific frequencies, and construction of a vast network of masts for transmitting the signal.

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