The year of 5G

5G implementation around the world

There are currently four countries which provide 5G network services– South Korea, United Kingdom, Germany and United States of America. China has also started giving out the license for 5G to prominent carriers in the country. Over in Europe, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are planning to create an interconnected 5G network amongst themselves. While the 5G race went sour during the US-China trade war, it has since become a matter of who can get the most out of testing facilities and infrastructure while also adequately supporting the telecom operators of their country.

5G Phones 

All the big-name Smartphone manufacturers entered into a 5G race of themselves this year, with 5G variants releasing alongside its flagship counterparts. Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, LG, Xiaomi and Motorola all released a 5G phone this year with Samsung releasing not only flagships, but even releasing a 5G phone for their A-series devices. Although one can argue that in order to tap into the unrelenting speed of 5G, one would not only need to buy these handsets, but also be appropriately located, while also jumping through several carrier caveats; it is a step in the right direction and will only get easier.

Understanding the scope of 5G for the future

5G was at the heart of each and every tech event this year. Huawei took to the stage several times this year to showcase everything that's possible with the integration of 5G in our lives. Huawei hosted an event in September to bring forth their ideas with Global Industry Vision 2025 at the Asia-Pacific Innovation Day. GIV 2025 focused on autonomous robots being a part of everyday life, how 5G can create roads and highway systems of the future and how it will be the gateway towards achieving truly frictionless communication.

Innovating IOT devices

The role of 5G in shaping the future of IOT devices has been paramount, with big name companies like Huawei, Ericsson, Qualcomm being vocal about the importance of 5G for the growth of the IOT market. While IOT devices are slowly finding its footing and place in people's lives itself, the growth of 5G is already drastically changing that. More and more companies are looking into addressing IOT solutions, there being a rise of it in the local market as well. Companies like Grameenphone and DataSoft offer their own unique IOT services for home and abroad.

BTRC moves forward with 5G

While 5G has gained heavy traction worldwide, Bangladesh hasn't been too far behind either. BTRC has stated that they are aiming for a full-fledged 5G rollout by 2021 with full coverage across the country by 2026. BTRC have started working on the guidelines required for 5G as early as 2018 with Bangladesh being the first South Asian country to have a 5G test-run conducted. While Bangladesh is in the same foot race as Pakistan, Myanmar and Thailand, all gunning for a 5G release by 2025, India and Sri Lanka on the other hand are aiming for a 2020 release.