The Face of 5G

Until recently, 5G networks were typically built with a 5G radio access network that uses a 4G core – the part that connects to the wider internet. Doing this meant 5G could be rolled out without the need for completely new network infrastructures, which was a necessary first step.

Now we are starting to roll out 5G SA. This uses a 5G core, meaning the entire network is built specifically for 5G applications – bringing better speeds, reliability, responsiveness and more. 5G SA will supercharge innovation, creating inclusive and immersive experiences which bring human life and technology together more closely than ever.

The shoots of change are already emerging, but there's still a lot of work to do.

5G is creating more interactive sport experiences, allowing people to access match data in real-time, see the action through new camera angles and watch matches on demand. Manufacturers are using 5G to bring mixed reality headsets to their production lines. And hospital patients are increasingly receiving treatments from the comfort and convenience of their own homes, which is extremely beneficial when you consider people living in remote areas, or those who are less able such as the elderly or people with disabilities.

And this is only scratching the surface. Read on for insights into how 5G is transforming our industries and our cities, and what might come next. To start, Tom Griffiths, Head of Innovation and Future Business Models at Vodafone Group, reveals the exciting ways in which 5G will transform the way we interact with the world.