The 5G internet network is a “reality under construction” in Brazil. The initiative is being accelerated by Chinese giant Huawei, the sector's technology leader, in partnership with local carriers.
Visitors to Rock in Rio (which kicked off this Friday) will have the opportunity to test the technology at the event itself, thanks to a Oi and Huawei initiative.
This is just the beginning of Huawei's plan to implement the 5G network in Brazil. The company is awaiting an auction — scheduled for 2020 — that will determine who will be the network provider in the country.
In addition to the Rock in Rio initiative, the company has already demonstrated 5G in tests at the Brasília Technology Park.
Interest in the new connection is global. Countries such as the United States and China are competing to become the official providers for other markets.
To counter Asian competition, the U.S. House of Representatives is exploring creating a fund of up to 1 billion dollars to make American carriers less dependent on Chinese products.
This comes as the potential of 5G is nothing short of revolutionary. In a world where we are increasingly connected — and rely on the internet to work and conduct business — connection speed will become even more essential.
According to Ofcom, the British regulatory body, while 4G has an average speed of 1 Gbps per second, 5G will have a standard speed of 20 Gbps per second.
Other improvements enabled by 5G include modem battery savings — something vital for applying the Internet of Things (IoT) in remote locations, such as on farms — as well as greater coverage.
It is no coincidence that the network is being tested at Rock in Rio, which expects to welcome 700,000 people at the event.
The network infrastructure allows more devices to be connected simultaneously, enabling connectivity even in high-density areas — one of the biggest challenges faced by 3G and 4G.
While 5G is already a reality in parts of China, the country is preparing its infrastructure for the changes brought by the new technology.
The new Beijing airport, set to begin operations in October, features a smart travel system powered by 5G.
The change is also visible on the streets: some streetlights in the Chinese capital are being replaced by smart alternatives that broadcast the new network connection.
And you — what are your expectations for how 5G will be rolled out in Brazil?