With an increasing number of carriers offering 5G services, you might be wondering what 5G is all about. How fast will my internet experience be? How do they ensure a smooth internet experience for me? We attempt to answer these questions and more in this article.
A group called 3GPP is the governing authority for mobile telecoms. Assembled for 3G in the early 1990s, it is responsible for setting the criteria for every technological innovation in internet speed. Every new technology has to meet these benchmarks set by the group before it can claim to be of that standard. Therefore, any company that claims to provide 5G or 4G LTE services has to ensure its services meet these criteria. This both protects the customers and regulates the use of technology.
Other key organisations that control telecommunications standards include the GSMA and the Wireless Broadband Alliance. In Singapore, the main body of regulation is the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
The minimum standard to qualify for 5G is 20Gbps for downloads and 10Gbps for uploads. These are the minimum speeds that must be achieved on a single device on a network. A carrier can only claim that they provide 5G service if they achieve this standard.
That said, this is not the minimum speed that a consumer would get on their devices. Depending on the device, location, and the plan you buy, the speed will differ. So, customers may not be able to enjoy 5G speeds all the time. But technology is always improving, and while such speeds are currently mainly possible in labs, it is only a matter of time before we consumers get to enjoy them too.
Many companies are competing in the race towards 5G. But how do we ensure that they are sticking to the standards? The nationwide deployment of 5G is a challenging endeavor, and requires careful planning and testing. Telco companies looking to roll out 5G services in Singapore are required to conduct trials to see how it works in the real world – the IMDA even waives the frequency fees for 5G trials.
As part of the 5G test and measurement cycle, major telecom companies in Singapore like Singtel, M1, and StarHub have deployed 5G Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) sites in preparation of a commercial launch. However, this does not come easy – from upgrading 5G radio access networks to releasing plans that are compatible with 5G handsets, this new technology will take time before it can be fully enjoyed by customers.
If you have a mobile phone that is compatible with 5G, you can do so by subscribing to an appropriate plan. If you have an older phone, you might need to upgrade your handset. But don’t rush to buy a phone immediately. It will still be some time before 5G is fully rolled out.
The technology is still being implemented across the world, Singapore included. The signals work great if you’re in the right place. Otherwise, there may be slight variations in network speeds.
5G signals are strongest above ground and outdoors. It’s best if there are no tall buildings in the area. However, since it is expected that 5G connectivity will be available all over Singapore as early as 2025, signal strength will only get better with time.
As of now, 5G coverage varies depending on the telco companies that customers have signed up with. For example, StarHub has reached its 70% coverage mark as of date, even covering the Southern region in Singapore in locations such as Harbourfront and Sentosa. M1 has expansive coverage in the East, giving access to customers in Simei and even Changi Airport.
