INTRODUCING

We are living in a time of rapid change. A time where digitalisation is touching every aspect of our lives. But what’s powering this dramatic change? In this new series from Vodafone, we shine a light on the tech behind the innovation.  Welcome to the first edition of Spotlight Stories. Here, we take a look at 5G, the next generation mobile network that is starting to revolutionise how we connect with people, places and machines.

JOHAN WIBERGH, CTO, VODAFONE

“The potential of 5G goes far beyond ultra-fast connectivity. 5G will sit at the heart of new technologies – transforming consumer experiences, powering the future of business and Industry 4.0, connecting billions of IoT devices in sectors like healthcare, agriculture and automotive – and we are only starting to unlock its full capabilities.”

Mechanics are using augmented reality to maintain aircraft remotely.

First responders know exactly what a patient’s injuries are before the ambulance reaches the scene.

And all this is done without pictures dropping, or videos buffering, or audio being lost.

The connection? 5G.

Blind and visually impaired people are accessing new experiences - guided in real-time.

5G  faɪvˈdʒiː  noun 

Fifth generation network with greater bandwidth, better connectivity and lower latency than 4G. 

THREE MINUTES.

HD films are downloaded in

ANYWHERE TO ANYONE.

Connections are faster and more stable on a 5G network.

Video calls are made from

5G can handle thousands more devices on the same network at the same time.

NO BANDWIDTH PROBLEMS.

5G uses higher radio frequencies than older generations.  This means there’s less traffic, so 5G networks can carry more information faster.

They also use a variety of antennas and transmitters to boost the network's signal and its capacity, which means 5G can connect significantly more devices than older networks.

HOW DOES

5G WORK?

HOW DOES

This means we can deliver the right slice to customers based on how it is being used, and no one will suffer from networks being overloaded. Businesses could also have their own 5G networks, protecting their traffic and connectivity, and ensuring services don’t drop.

5G WORK?

Networks can be sliced by 5G, so that multiple virtual networks can be created from a physical one.

Yes. Exposure to the radio frequency waves 5G uses is very low relative to international exposure limits. 

Is 5G safe to use?

5G handsets, as with all devices, have to comply with strict testing standards that cover both the frequencies they operate on and their maximum power settings. This ensures that owners are never exposed to harmful levels of radiation.

What about 5G handsets? 

No. 5G is held to the same high safety standards as 4G and 3G, with independent studies and scientific research concluding that the radio exposure from 5G is no different to 4G and 3G.

Are 5G masts harmful?

Building on our leading 4G technology, our 5G rollout is delivering improved coverage, reliability, and real-time information sharing to better device support, giving both businesses and consumers an improved connected experience.

We’ve even launched Europe’s largest standalone 5G network in Germany.

Vodafone is providing 5G in 12 countries, and our network is expanding.

are just some of the ways in which Vodafone and our customers are changing lives through 5G.  

improved emergency coverage, and more immersive entertainment moments 

Faster and more accurate aircraft maintenance

Tap below to read stories from our markets about how we're innovating and creating new possibilities through 5G.

These examples are just some of the ways Vodafone is helping our customers to improve people’s lives through 5G. And that’s the key. All this is happening now. 5G is making what might seem like futuristic innovations a reality today.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

Connect with friends and family, anywhere, through holographic video calls and augmented and virtual reality.

Travel in autonomous vehicles, navigating smart cities that send you personalised updates on pollution, traffic congestion and other issues.  

Buy devices, clothes and goods from businesses using supply chains built on autonomous factories, where robots pick, pack and deliver goods directly to your door.

We’ll be looking at the Internet of Things (IoT) and how – in combination with 5G – it’s creating the future of agriculture and bringing next-generation technologies to farmers around the world.

In the next edition of

Tap below to read stories from our markets about how we're innovating and creating new possibilities through 5G.