Cedars, April 2019

April 2019 9 OFF CAMPUS Network Update: The costs and capabilities of 5G by Jacob Oedy B y the end of June, the world is ex- pected to experience another jump in technological capability: the in- troduction of 5G networks. As stated by techradar.com , “5G net- works are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smart- phones and other devices than ever before.” The introduction of 5G will require us- ers to purchase a new wave of mobile devic- es and companies to install advanced equip- ment. Tech companies believe the switch will be worthwhile and revolutionary. 5G will rapidly improve downloads and signal strength, with download speeds of multiple gigabytes per second. It will also reduce latency, the lag that often accompa- nies internet searches and streaming. Beyond mobile and cellular devices, 5G will influence and affect the capabilities of cutting edge technology in various fields. 5G will allow simultaneous pairing and connec- tion between an unprecedented number of devices. Self-driving cars could connect to one another and street side sensors to nav- igate safely and securely. Reduced latency and increased connectivity will reduce the risk of using robotics, opening the door for medical implementations. However, the United States is late to the game on 5G. China has reportedly been experimenting with “fifth generation” tech- nology since September of 2018. In coop- eration with the government of Fangshan, an otherwise unremarkable district near Beijing, the mobile giant China Mobile in- stalled a series of 5G cell towers last fall. Since then, they have used the new technology to test and im- prove autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, companies like Sprint, AT&T, Samsung and Verizon have been clam- bering to adapt the new ca- pabilities to mobile devices. Companies such as Nokia and Ericsson have already penned agreements to pair the new capabilities with their products. Even President Trump has entered the 5G con- versation, urging U.S. mobile companies to “step up their efforts or get left behind.” Yet, while mobile companies, politicians and the media buzz with new information about the rapidly approaching 5G, many citizens remain ignorant about the new net- work’s capability or even its existence. According to a CNN report, 5G devices could aid in the medical profession, allow- ing medical professionals to “screen and diagnose patients remotely,” even from “thousands of miles away.” This is possible because 5G transmits data in almost re- al-time, making remote surgery possible. 5G networks may also enable the cre- ation of “smart cities.” Governments world- wide may introduce technology to the in- frastructure of municipal operations. The potential plan would integrate 5G technol- ogy into everything from public transpor- tation and power supply to sanitation and efficient urban mobility. Cities like Singapore and Dubai have already invested in smart programs, but the upcoming rollout of 5G net- works will push the initiative forward. With various organiza- tions, industries, and gov- ernments anticipating the new capabili- ties unlocked by 5G, some have stopped to question the new networks. AT&T and Verizon have promised 5G devices and networks before the halfway point of 2019, leaving concerned politicians, analysts and citizens to wonder if the world has commit- ted to the technological evolution without considering the cost. Beyond safety concerns regarding the potential hacking or misuse of 5G powered devices, such as self-driving cars, critics have also voiced worry about negative ef- fects to human health. OnMarch 29, the Daily Camera of Boul- der, Colorado reported that a city council- woman, Cindy Carlisle, sent her colleagues a video about the potential dangers of 5G. “I’m not an expert,” said Carlisle, “but it seems we need more information before we start saturating our community more than it is with any more G’s … there are deep is- sues. In terms of public health and safety, I would rather see us err on the side of taking more time and actually trying to get a study session together before we go ahead and sign agreements with those whose purpose it is to put 5G in the community.” An article by Eluxe Magazine explored the potential dangers, explaining that the increased antenna and signals required for the new networks to operate would immerse the world in a veritable cloud of radio fre- quency radiation. The article cited studies linking RFR with cases of cancer, tissue deterioration, disruption of cell metabo- lism, and other potential health risks. With leading mobile companies promising that 5G will be available in a matter of months, there’s no doubt these lightning-fast ad- vancements will be here soon. Jacob Oedy is a freshman journalism ma- jor and a staff writer for off-campus news and arts and entertainment. He enjoys creative writing, quoting TV shows, and hanging out with the best hall on campus, Brock 3 East. Photo from Wikimedia Commons 5G networks will rely on smaller nodes with limited range attached to infrastructure. AT&T and Verizon have promised 5G devices and networks before the halfway point of 2019.