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The game-changing potential of 5G

Media coverage of the 2018 Winter Olympics promises to be unlike the coverage of any previous Olympics thanks to the Korean government’s intention to roll-out a 5G network in time for the sporting festivities.

But just how things will change? Users will have the ‘perception of infinite capacity’ according to a 5G expert at the University of Surrey which should promote a constant stream of athletic coverage from individual athletes, as opposed to individual events.

From the equipment side changes are somewhat clearer. The potential for 5G to be a global standard, removing the need for travellers to swap SIM cards and numbers, is very appealing but it is in the network gear market that many companies see a bright future. According to The Economist the current market for 4G network equipment has already peaked. The coming wave of 5G will therefore be a boon for electronics manufacturers. What is more the type and quantity of equipment is set to change rather dramatically.

Unlike the unpopular phone masts that accompanied the roll-out of 3G and 4G, 5G networks will rely on base stations that need to be far closer to users, and therefore far more numerous, than the current towers. These microcells will be no bigger than a typical WiFi modem and the unobtrusive little boxes will be placed inside and out, densely enough to ensure uninterrupted coverage for people, and also the machines (like self-driving cars) that will rely on 5G.

DS Smith’s Global Electronics Centre in Budapest, Hungary will have an important role to play in ensuring that the 5G network is rolled out as quickly and efficiently as possible.

DS Smith’s Global Electronics Centre in Budapest, Hungary will have an important role to play in ensuring that the 5G network is rolled out as quickly and efficiently as possible.

DS Smith’s Global Electronics Centre in Budapest, Hungary will have an important role to play in ensuring that the 5G network is rolled out as quickly and efficiently as possible.

DS Smith’s Global Electronics Centre in Budapest, Hungary will have an important role to play in ensuring that the 5G network is rolled out as quickly and efficiently as possible. With 5G dropping a phone signal is not a mere inconvenience – it could be a disaster with thousands of autonomous vehicles on the move. Our electronics packaging experts, using all available packaging materials, can ensure that fragile electronics arrive where and when they are needed and without damage. And after the enormous sums spent on rolling out 4G it will be important to ensure no more material than necessary is used for protecting the equipment thereby ensuring a cost-effective roll-out.