In Search of 5G’s Killer App

Technologies of today rely on being connected to reduce the load on the user side as well as to respond to changes as fast as possible. With more devices being active today, users in both personal and professional capacities will need faster connections that can handle bigger data traffic, as well as being able to connect more devices to either the internet or the server; which is 5G. While commercial 5G has been deployed since 2019, many users still continue using their existing/ legacy connections such as 4G LTE, wi-fi, fiber, or even 3G. For some users, the legacy network might not be a problem, but certainly an upgrade might be inevitable soon especially if they want to enjoy the benefits and innovations made possible by 5G. The question then is “what can definitively convince users to adopt 5G more readily?” In other words, “what is 5G’s killer app?”

This COMPUTEX special report will discuss the ideas shared by the speakers of the COMPUTEX 2022 symposium - Towards the Beyond 5G Era: Innovative Communications Services & Applications in the Industry. As the speakers covered 5G and their applications in different fields from multiple angles, this article will be the first of a 3-part Special Report that will focus on different aspects of the technology.

Issue of Availability

Until 4G LTE, communication networks have generally included legacy networks and many older devices could still function with minimum or no issues. Even today classic cell phones from the 3G era can still access the network with 3G connections and if needed, existing 4G capable smartphones can even downgrade their connections to 3G or EDGE. For the most part, legacy infrastructures have been sufficient to provide service for users and whenever needed, expansion is also possible such as by adding more base stations or other network hardware. However existing infrastructure might not be adequate for 5G connection and service providers might no longer be interested in maintaining legacy networks when newer and faster connections will be available.

Indeed this mindset can be seen in various locations around the world and the US FCC even provided a schedule on when providers will phase out their 3G services. The result will be what’s commonly known as 5G non-standalone (5G NSA) connection where 5G and 4G connections coexist. However, for 5G connection this is but a step towards the end goal of 5G standalone (5G SA) where 5G connections is the only option available. This end goal will inevitably present another conundrum for both users and providers: what if the 5G connection is interrupted? The most straightforward answer will be to install more base stations to ensure every user is within range of at least 1 transmitter, but this might not be the optimum solution in terms of cost, efficiency, and efficacy.

Utilizing 5G

The general understanding of 5G is that it provides 3 main benefits to the users: high speed, low latency, and mass connectivity. All of these are necessary features to realize certain new technologies or to enhance existing ones such as smart manufacturing, smart city, AR/VR, UAVs, etc. In essence, connected technologies that require constant input and adjustment will benefit greatly from 5G as it will be able to provide real time information for the system to react appropriately.

However, the other characteristic of 5G might limit this application to a localized area as 5G has a much more limited coverage and lower penetration power compared to 4G and wi-fi. BVA of Switzerland and TechTarget further expanded on the other risks of 5G including its relatively high investment fee for both users and providers. This investment fee includes both upgrading infrastructure and devices to ensure stable connection, adequate coverage, and uniform service. In addition, 5G might also pose a new security risk because of the high number of devices connecting to the network. While this might not be an issue for home use scenarios, this can be a detriment in organizational use cases. Organizations with the capital might be able to install their own 5G private network that is either self-developed or purchased as a service to improve security.

Current trends seem to suggest that 5G is best utilized in an organizational setting, but this might not be enough to entice people to adopt 5G en masse. The main killer app that is made possible by 5G is still currently up for debate and might not be as clear cut as with 4G (mobile apps) or 3G (social media); however, the realities made possible by 5G will probably be enough of a reason to adopt 5G.

Watch the full forum video in the COMPUTEX V Youtube Channel.

The speakers featured in the forum were: Mr. Wei-Gan Su, Industry Analyst of MIC; Mr. Chung-Yung Chia, Vice President of Chunghwa Telecom; Mr. Allen Yang, International Strategy Center Analyst of ITRI; and Mr. Steve Huang PhD, Senior VP of PEGATRON.

About COMPUTEX 2022 Symposium

COMPUTEX is one of the key B2B exhibitions for global ICT procurement. To help manufacturers expand to the international market and overcome time zones and geographical distance constraints, TCA will hold the COMPUTEX Symposium in both online and offline formats. The topics in the forum will include multiple topics such as digital security, smart technology, 5G/B5G, Metaverse, etc., featuring industry leaders and relevant speakers to discuss the latest trends and innovations.

Connect with COMPUTEX 2022 All Year Round

COMPUTEX TAIPEI will return in 2022 with a hybrid physical & digital format to make sure exhibitors can have a broader reach both in Taiwan and globally. To help companies connect with buyers, partners, and vendors; COMPUTEX CYBERWORLD 2022 holds a monthly matchmaking session on the third Thursday of every month. The matchmaking sessions are held privately and the registration period will be announced in the COMPUTEX Facebook page and newsletter.

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