5G promises faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices to the network at once. This could enable a range of new applications, from remote surgery to self-driving cars. 

But what exactly is 5G, and how will it affect you? In this blog post, we'll explore 5G technology, its potential impact on the global economy, and the challenges and opportunities it presents in the Nigerian and African contexts. We'll also look closely at the problems with 5G worldwide and what you need to know about them.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, following 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. While previous generations of mobile network technology focused primarily on providing voice and text messaging services, 5G aims to enable a wide range of new applications and services through faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices to the network at once.

One of the key features of 5G is its ability to deliver faster data speeds than previous generations of mobile networks. 5G is expected to offer speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, which is 100 times faster than the current 4G networks. In addition, 5G promises to deliver lower latency, which is the time it takes for data to travel between devices and the network. 5G is expected to offer latency as low as 1 millisecond, which is significantly faster than the current 4G networks with a latency of around 50 milliseconds. 

Another important aspect of 5G is its ability to connect more devices to the network simultaneously. 5G networks use advanced technologies such as beamforming and massive MIMO to support more simultaneous connections. This could enable the development of new applications and services that require many connected devices, such as smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT).

5G in the Nigerian and African Context

5G is still in its early stages of deployment in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Nigeria accounts for 29% of African internet usage and 82% of African telecom subscribers. As a result, the country has Africa's largest information and communications technology (ICT) market.

As such, some mobile network operators have begun rolling out 5G networks in certain cities in the country. For example, MTN Nigeria launched its 5G network in Abuja, Lagos, and several other cities in 2020.

According to the GSMA, a global trade group for mobile operators, only seven African countries will receive 5G by 2025, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. This will account for only 3% of mobile data in the continent, compared to 16% globally.

Nevertheless, while the rollout of 5G in Africa may be slower compared to other regions, it could still significantly impact the continent's digital transformation. With faster speeds and lower latency, 5G could enable new applications in healthcare, education, and e-commerce.

The Problems with 5G around the World

While 5G technology offers many benefits, it has its challenges. One of the main issues with 5G is the cost of deployment. Building out 5G networks requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as new cell towers and fibre optic cables. This could be a barrier to deployment, especially in developing countries with limited resources.

In addition, there are concerns about the security of 5G networks. The use of software and virtualized network functions in 5G networks creates new security risks, which cybercriminals could exploit.

How and when will 5G affect the global economy?

Despite these challenges, the deployment of 5G is expected to significantly impact the global economy. According to a report by IHS Markit, 5G is expected to enable $13.2 trillion in global economic output by 2035.

5G could create new business opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. It could also enable the development of new products and services, such as smart homes, autonomous vehicles, and remote healthcare.

In addition, deploying 5G could lead to increased productivity and efficiency in businesses and new job opportunities in the technology and telecommunications sectors.

How does 5G affect You?

5G could have a significant impact on the way we live and work. With faster speeds and lower latency, we could see the development of new applications and services that were impossible with previous generations of mobile network technology.

For example, 5G could enable remote healthcare services, allowing patients to receive medical care from the comfort of their own homes. It also enables the development of smart cities, with connected devices and sensors that improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban environments.

5G could also lead to new job opportunities in the technology and telecommunications sectors. As more businesses adopt 5G technology, there will be a growing demand for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage these networks.

In conclusion, 5G technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. While it is still in the early stages of deployment in Nigeria and Africa, it promises faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices to the network at once. As more mobile network operators roll out 5G networks, we expect to see a range of new applications and services that take advantage of this technology.