As an example of the third category, Ericsson’s 5G Spotlight predicts the creation of smart roads and vehicles.  In this application, major roads, railways and airfields are equipped with sensors collecting information on environmental conditions, usage patterns, real-time vehicle traffic and other data that affects transportation.  The information is then consolidated, processed and delivered to those responsible for maintaining the transportation infrastructure, trucking and rail companies, and drivers.  Participating along with this stationary data collection devices, data provided by the vehicles themselves will also provide information on traffic patterns, and even potential anomalous events and hazards such as localized weather and accidents.  In the future of autonomous vehicles, this information will be invaluable to guide route selection and provide better estimated arrival times.

Evolution or Revolution?

Clearly 5G is a combination of the evolving standards for network technologies coupled with the revolutionary new applications that those technologies will be able to deliver.  Some of those applications exist or are being developed now and new innovations leveraging the unique 5G network capabilities will be invented in the years to come. What does the 5G timeline really look like?  The infographic below from Ericsson provides some insight into what the vast majority of the technology providers are predicting for 5G.

5G Timeline - Courtesy of Ericsson

5G is part evolutionary, part revolutionary, and the applications that it will enable are definitely going to change the nature of wireless communications.

To be ready to take advantage of 5G, a familiarity with the technologies that will enable 5G networks and the applications that are expected to be created around them are essential.  Carriers need to begin working on 5G plans now to maximize the value it will offer their customers when it finally does become widely available.  They will also be challenged with new business models, as the nature of the various three categories of applications will require careful consideration of subscription and on-demand pricing for voice, data and other services.