As with any new generation of mobile system the benefits of 5G sold to the public mainly centre on the improvements in download speeds. While 5G does offer a significant speed increase for Internet access, there are many other advantages for both the service provider and its customers.

However, it can be argued that rather than consumers, the largest beneficiary will be enterprises. For them 5G offers the potential for new ways of increasing productivity and reducing costs. 5G also promises innovative new services from third parties or telecoms providers themselves that benefit consumers and businesses alike. Serving an expanding Internet of things, mobile edge computing, private mobile networks, differentiated services, and fixed wireless access, are all facilitated by 5G.

Many of these facilities depend on a standalone implementation of 5G but the majority of 5G mobile services currently available rely on bolting on a 5G radio access network to an existing LTE core network.

The challenge for service providers is to weigh up the potential of new services for enterprises against the cost of implementing a 5G core network. Educating those enterprises of 5G’s features and capabilities will also be necessary.
PTT’s contribution to 5G training includes the launch of two new online courses:

New 5G online courses
PTT is pleased and proud to announce the release of two new courses that provide an in-depth coverage of the features and operation of 5G mobile systems including the co-existence of, and operation with, LTE (4G) systems:

4G and 5G radio access networks
Advanced mobile systems

It is now 30 years since PTT started providing the world with innovative e-learning for the telecommunications and ICT industries.

In that time, the telecommunications industry has undergone significant developments driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer demands. Here’s an overview of just some of the most significant changes:

1. Mobile Communication: The introduction of mobile phones in the late 1980s revolutionized the telecommunications industry. The past 30 years have seen the development of increasingly sophisticated mobile devices, from basic feature phones to smartphones that allow for internet browsing, video streaming, and app-based services.
2. The Internet: The internet has become an essential part of modern life and has transformed the way we communicate, work, and access information. The emergence of broadband technology has led to faster and more reliable internet connectivity, and the growth of mobile internet has enabled people to stay connected on the go.
3. Convergence: The convergence of telecommunications and media has led to the emergence of new business models and the blurring of traditional industry boundaries. This has been driven by the rise of digital content, such as streaming services, which have disrupted the traditional television and film industries.
4. Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT is a network of interconnected devices that are able to exchange data and communicate with each other. The IoT has enabled new services, such as smart home systems and remote monitoring of medical devices, and is set to become increasingly important in the future.
5. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing has revolutionized the way telecommunications services are delivered. By moving data and services to the cloud, operators can reduce costs and improve flexibility. Cloud computing has also enabled the emergence of new business models, such as software as a service (SaaS).
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI has the potential to transform the telecommunications industry, from optimizing network performance to providing personalized customer experiences. AI can also be used to automate many processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

The pace of change within the telecommunications industry doesn’t look like it will be letting up any time soon. PTT remains committed to ensuring its catalogue of online courses covering everything from the fundamentals of digital communications to advanced telecoms and ICT systems keep pace with those technological advances and remain relevant to those working in the ICT sector.

The provision of 5G services continues to expand worldwide with the USA amongst the leaders in terms of availability. In 2022 13% of mobile connections in the USA were over a 5G system and this is expected to increase to beyond 30% by the end of this year, matching the percentage of 5G connections in South Korea.

On average 62% of the population in the European Union have access to 5G services though there are wide variations between EU countries: the Netherlands has 80% coverage while Switzerland leads the field with 99% of the population having the opportunity to connect by 5G. In the UK 70% of the population are covered.

The expansion of 5G will necessarily lead to the retirement of earlier generations with 3G the first to be withdrawn. 2G services will continue for a while longer due to the reliance of certain industries and IoT devices on 2G services: smart meters and automobile eCall (emergency call) devices rely on GSM circuit switching. LTE will of course provide high broadband speeds for many years.

Despite the growth of 5G availability, less sparsely populated areas will be the last to gain access to 5G. BT has announced trials of an airborne solution. The ultimate goal is to use High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) aircraft which fly above the flight paths of commercial aircraft to provide 5G coverage with broadband speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s.
HAPS aircraft will use phased array antennae to produce 500 individually steerable beams providing a range of 140 kilometres matching the footprint of 450 terrestrial masts.
Initially, the BT trial will use antennae on a high building followed by tests using hydrogen fuelled drones.

For a more down to earth treatment of 5G, PTT’s two new online courses cover 5G systems and services.