Exercise
Tap all the highlighted words in the transcript below to see their definition. ⇩Every decade or so, the world sees a new generation of wireless technology . . . and with it, big changes.
Are you ready for the next generation?
Introducing 5G
The newest version of mobile wireless technology is called 5G, which stands for “fifth generation.” There have been four previous generations, starting with 1G in 1982. Every version has improved the way our wireless devices communicate.
5G technology has actually been around since 2018, but it’s still not widely used in most places. The biggest advancements are yet to come!
How does it work?
Like the generations before it, 5G uses radio signals. We measure radio signals by their wavelength: shorter wavelengths have higher frequency. The wavelengths for 5G are so short they’re measured in millimetres—which is why it’s known as mmWave (millimetre wave) technology.
Thanks to its high-frequency signals, 5G will be smarter, faster—some say at least 10 times faster than 4G—and offer more bandwidth.
Changing the world
Here are some amazing things 5G could offer as it becomes more widespread:
- More complex smartphone apps
- Faster gaming
- Self-driving cars and delivery drones
- Smart cities, with features like app-controlled lights to save energy, air-quality sensors, and crime-reducing technologies
- Telemedicine allowing doctors to do virtual check-ups and even perform remote surgeries from thousands of kilometres away
Can 5G kill you?
Not everyone is excited about 5G—there have even been protests!
But why?
Well, to support 5G, new antenna sites need to be built. To give you an idea of the number, there will be 800,000 in the U.S. alone. Many people worry because the technology is new so we don’t really know how the radio waves will affect our health in the long term.
Mixed information
So, should we be worried?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to say. The best information available to predict the effects of 5G comes from past research on cell phone use—and the data isn’t very clear.
One study in 2018, for example, showed that exposure to cell phone radiation increased cancer rates in rats. Another 20-year study of 400,000 people, found no strong evidence linking cell phone use and cancer.
Confusing, isn’t it? The truth is, without long-term studies on 5G, it’s impossible to be 100% sure of its effects.
Where do you stand?
Ready or not, 5G is coming! How do you feel about it?
5G Comprehension
Hi Andrea.
Thank you for your article.
I agree with Jordi that people are more interested in technology than health. But we know that we can’t stop the evolution. I hope that it can really use for benefits for humanity.
5G it’s a revolution that will be change the lífe style of many people
Thanks for your feedback.
Technology is still growing up very fast and we will be able to experience new advances in our daily life.
Thanks for your feedback.
I think that all human’s creations should be tested before use, but the economy laws and the globalization idea of instantly progress force to use all new discoveries very fast… And the result can be seen after many years. But the desire of progress is our nature I think! So I haven’t a personal idea about it, it’s just a reflexion.
Thank you for the article!
You’re welcome!
Hi, I belong to an old generation and I am not so enthusiastic about the latest technology, although I think it’s impossible stopping them , maybe we should slow down to analyze what will be the consequences , I mean for our health and our earth both.
Thanks for sharing!