Ofcom lays foundations for 5G networking in the UK

[HEXUS]

5G networks expected to enable real-time holographic video.

Read more.

[peterb]

Hmm, well when I see holographic projects on sale at realistic prices, I'll see the need for mobile 5G networks for public use.

That said, for outside broadcast use by small operators, %G with suitable upload speeds will offer some benefits.

[crossy]

While most people in the UK only receive fleeting access to 4G services right now, dependent upon provider and location, the telecoms regular thinks it is important to be a leader in the next generation of wireless communications, reports the FT.

I'd agree with this quote, especially that last bit. However, they're supposedly upgrading the local towers to support 4G and the only upshot I've noticed is that I lose my 3G connection, and when it is present it's at reduced signal strength. So not impressed.

It is thought that the first commercial 5G services will appear from around 2020. It is Ofcom's hope that the UK becomes a leader in laying the foundations of 5G and that 5G must represent a step beyond anything offered by 4G in speeds and in giving users the 'impression of infinite capacity'.

And giving the operators the "impression of infinite bills". Bet EE launches a 5G service with sub-1G data limits.

Sniping at the teleco's aside, I'd be interested to hear if Ofcom are doing anything to prevent the overusage of the service, the same way that many have complained has already happened to 4G - to the extent that I've seen some people commenting that they had faster 3G!

Said this before, but I'll repeat myself. Having incredible "headlines" speeds is all well and good, but it's no good for man nor beast if those speeds aren't achievable widely, and especially outside of heavily urbanised locations.

[explicitlyrics]

Agreed, 4G is so fast already I just cant possibly see a benefit from 5G. I know you may say the future will require it, but to be honest with it evolving faster than home broadband already Id suggest it would be better to properly roll out 3G/4G as opposed to polarising the UK further and jumping to 5G... IMHO! (Im even in London and dont get 4G more than 1hour a day on Vodafone).

[LSG501]

oh... another #g I won't be able to receive... call me when I finally receive 3g in my home.

Honestly instead of focusing on the next #G which will likely be restricted to such stupidly small amounts of data how about ofcom deals with the black spots for 3G (or heaven forbid 4G) and the overpriced charges for using data.

I'd also prefer to see improvements to landline speeds over mobile speeds... seriously we should be able to get gigabit connections for reasonable prices by now but because bt wanted to live in the dark ages we still stuck on copper restricting any real developments in landline internet.

[crossy]

oh... another #g I won't be able to receive... call me when I finally receive 3g in my home. Honestly instead of focusing on the next #G which will likely be restricted to such stupidly small amounts of data how about ofcom deals with the black spots for 3G (or heaven forbid 4G) and the overpriced charges for using data.

+1 to all of this. It still "amuses" me that Voda, O2, etc still seem to be stuck in the era of making long calls and sending endless texts, but with only a smattering of mobile data. Three, imho, is the only operator that gets the balance right. And the 4G products from Voda/EE only make that worse - with generous call allowances but niggardly data caps ... unless you want to spend a LOT of money with them per month of course.

I'd also prefer to see improvements to landline speeds over mobile speeds... seriously we should be able to get gigabit connections for reasonable prices by now but because bt wanted to live in the dark ages we still stuck on copper restricting any real developments in landline internet.

I'm going to disagree here - I'm firmly of the opinion that BT are the problem, not the solution. It's probably horribly "socialist" of me, but given the strategic nature of WAN provision these days (for businesses and delivery of government services) I'd be quite happy with the idea that BT loses the responsibility for the backbone and that goes to some dedicated org ... eTrack? Especially if managers of said quango are paid solely on results, so no delivery, no fat bonus.

But you've got a point though - if we get this "marvellous" 5G wireless then why the heck do we need scrappy old ADSL? (Says the guy using Virgin's cable broadband).

[Jonj1611]

Yes indeed, this reminds me I should dig out my holographic projector......Oh wait.