5Gs Impact on IoT Adoption in the UK over the Next Decade
The emergence of 5G networks is set to transform the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape in the UK over the next 10 years. As a next-generation wireless technology, 5G delivers ultra-fast speeds, massive capacity, and ultra-low latency connectivity that will enable advanced IoT applications. Here is an in-depth look at how the rollout of 5G will impact IoT adoption in the UK through 2030.
Faster Speeds Opening New IoT Possibilities
One of the most significant impacts 5G will have on IoT is enabling a new wave of advanced applications and use cases. 5G delivers peak download speeds of up to 20 Gbps, compared to 1 Gbps on 4G. For IoT, this means data can be transferred from devices to the cloud almost instantly. As a result, IoT applications that involve real-time analytics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and more will become feasible.
For example, self-driving cars are expected to rely on 5G to make split-second decisions based on real-time data from onboard sensors and other vehicles. Augmented reality will also improve dramatically with 5G’s speed, allowing for complex AR experiences as data is uploaded and downloaded from the cloud quickly. From smart factories to remote health care, ultra-fast 5G will unlock transformative new IoT use cases.
Lower Latency Critical for Time-Sensitive IoT Applications
In addition to faster speeds, 5G also delivers much lower latency compared to existing networks. Latency refers to the time between when data is sent and received. On 5G networks, latency can be reduced to just 1 millisecond, versus 40-60ms on 4G. This near real-time responsiveness is critical for time-sensitive IoT applications.
Autonomous vehicles, for instance, can’t afford any delay receiving data from onboard sensors detecting obstacles. Likewise, industrial IoT and robotics require instant feedback loops to operate safely and efficiently. By virtually eliminating latency, 5G will support these types of mission-critical IoT deployments.
Greater Network Capacity Allows Massive IoT Deployments
5G networks have significantly more capacity, meaning they can support massive numbers of devices simultaneously. 4G networks can support around 100,000 devices per square kilometer, while 5G is predicted to support up to 1 million devices in the same area.
This increased density is ideal for large-scale IoT deployments such as smart cities.Cities can connect millions of assets like traffic signals, streetlights, cameras, and more to monitor and optimize infrastructure. Retailers can also deploy billions of IoT sensors to track goods through supply chains. The sheer capacity of 5G will allow for both massive scale and a dense web of interconnected IoT devices.
New 5G Spectrum Optimized for IoT Connectivity
Early 5G networks are being built on low, mid and high-band radio frequencies. However, high-frequency mmWave bands between 24GHz to 100GHz will become more prevalent over time. These bands allow for lightning fast speeds at short distances, as well as narrow beams to precisely connect individual IoT devices.
MmWave 5G is tailor-made to overcome technical challenges around dense IoT deployments. Interference and crosstalk issues are reduced compared to the crowded sub-6 GHz bands used today. This new spectrum will support advanced industrial and enterprise use cases not previously possible.
Acceleration of Edge Computing and Intelligence
Together with 5G, edge computing and intelligence will also grow significantly. Edge computing refers to processing data on local servers and devices rather than centralized data centers. By 2025, over 50% of enterprise data is predicted to be processed at the edge rather than the cloud.
5G provides the fast connectivity needed to make edge computing viable. For example, an industrial robot can react in real-time based on video analytics performed instantly on a local edge server. Edge intelligence is also enabled, allowing devices like sensors to preprocess data locally before transmitting. Combined with 5G, edge capabilities will drive the evolution of smart factories, cities, grids and more.
Gradual Adoption Aligned with 5G Rollouts
It is important to note that IoT adoption over the next decade will align with the gradual rollout of 5G networks. In 2022, 5G coverage remains limited primarily to major urban areas. As operators continue deploying 5G more widely across the UK through 2030, IoT capabilities will scale in parallel. This steady ramp up will allow businesses and local governments to develop new 5G-powered IoT solutions over time.
There are also several iterations of 5G coming. 5G NR Release 16 and 17 will bring further enhancements like ultra-reliable low latency connectivity, greater precision location services, and multi-SIM capabilities. As standards continue evolving, the possibilities for advanced enterprise IoT will keep expanding through the 2020s.
Outlook: 5G at the Core of the UK’s IoT Ecosystem
In summary, 5G networks will be transformative for enterprise IoT adoption across the UK over the next decade. From autonomous transportation to smart communities to Industry 4.0, 5G is poised to enable an enormous wave of innovation. With its combination of high bandwidth, low latency, edge intelligence and network slicing capabilities, 5G will be at the core of the nation’s IoT ecosystem through 2030 and beyond. The outlook is bright for enterprises, local councils and technology vendors alike as the 5G-powered IoT revolution gets underway.
