Contxto – We are waiting for the global implementation of 5G networks, but it looks like this technology will make its debut in Latin America sooner than we expected. In fact, Uruguay and El Salvador are already blazing a trail in their respective regions.
In summary
Earlier this week, Uruguay’s national telecommunications company ANTEL rolled out its first 5G commercial network in partnership with Nokia. This group was the first to upgrade not only in Uruguay but also in Latin America. Therefore, the regional race to establish the coveted communications software has officially begun.
But let’s not forget about other players like El Salvador. Back in February, SALNET Telecommunications, the country’s largest telecommunications network provider, partnered with New Orbit Technologies Central America (NOTCA), the Latin American joint venture of TPT Global Tech. Like Uruguay, they also wanted to be the first to deploy his 5G infrastructure in the region.
“By signing this agreement with SALNET owner Antonio Safi, a well-known figure in Central America, TPT Global Tech, NOTCA and SALNET become the first companies to deploy 5G technology in Latin America.” said Stephen J. Thomas III, CEO of the company. TPT Global Tech “At the same time, this validates our business model and demonstrates how our multiple technology sectors are vertically integrated to help our domestic and international technology partners compete in any market around the world.” To do.”
However, based on this statement, many believed that El Salvador would be the first Latin American country to debut 5G technology. Apparently, Uruguay took the lead without much fuss.
“5G is already a reality in Latin America,” said José Otero, vice president of 5G Americas and Latin America. “Following the example of Uruguay, the region will soon see new announcements of 5G networks, bringing further benefits to users in Latin America, including faster connection speeds and reduced latency for data and internet services. I guess.”
detail
There appear to be two front-runners to lead Latin America’s 5G technology race.
Uruguay
According to the Uruguayan government, ANTEL has installed a 5G commercial network in the departments of Maldonado and Colonia. The agency reportedly plans to add the network to other municipalities in the coming weeks. Furthermore, the nation’s citizens should be able to be equipped with devices equipped with 5G technology within the next month.
Again, ANTEL introduced the first 28 GHz frequency bandwidth with support from Nokia. The Finnish company provided the 5G infrastructure, RAN radio access network, optical transmission, and support services.
José Otero, vice president of 5G Americas for Latin America, emphasized the importance of public and private sectors working together around the world to obtain this new technology. Furthermore, ANTEL and Nokia have a long history, and this initiative will strengthen the relationship between the two companies.
el salvador
In Central America, El Salvador is eager to introduce the long-awaited product. On February 14th, Globe Newswire issued a press release announcing the imminent arrival of 5G technology. This was a collaboration between New Orbit Technologies Central America (NOTCA) and Antonio Safie, owner of his SALNET Telecommunications El Salvador.
Together, the two partners planned to launch Latin America’s first 5G network, ahead of Uruguay. Although no specific date has been disclosed, the new investment is expected to transmit data faster, reduce latency, save energy, increase system capacity, and connect devices among Internet users in El Salvador. . It’s true that 5G hasn’t officially hit the market, but this is big news.
Although 5G networks are mostly wireless, they still require power cables to connect rural and urban power grids. But the reality is that this cable is very expensive, so this is what’s going on in El Salvador. Developers are still figuring out how to make this connection wireless to achieve optimal results.
Otherwise, the process of rolling out 5G connectivity will be slow as molasses. This means rural areas will still suffer from slow internet speeds. However, once the infrastructure is established, both SALNET and NOTCA plan to offer unlimited packages to their customers. Bundles include TV, landline, data, and mobile services.
Why is 5G technology so important?
Believe it or not, some sources consider the invention of 5G to be the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” As an extension of 3G and 4G networks, 5G networks ensure a strong signal that can avoid transmissions from other towers. No matter how you look at it, more powerful transmissions mean faster speeds.
“The application of 5G technology will bring about significant changes for both consumers and businesses,” said Jeff Weisbein, CEO of digital media company Best Techie.
“5G networks will provide consumers with incredible broadband speeds of up to 20Gbs per second in their homes.”
– Jeff Weisbein, Best Techie CEO
It will also enable companies to make technological advances in areas such as smart cars and medical technology.
That said, the investment effort can be exhaustive, especially in uneven terrain like Brazil. Fiber optic cables are probably the material of choice for 5G networks, but they are not always cost-effective to install. Therefore, other options may need to be considered, such as microwave technology or satellites.
Potential uses of 5G technology
Self-driving car: The Internet of Things (IoT) will greatly benefit from 5G networks as “things” (such as smart gadgets) will be able to communicate with each other faster. In the case of self-driving cars, cars will be interconnected and able to transmit signals and data at high speeds.
For example, if a car suddenly stops due to something blocking its path, other vehicles coming from behind will react almost immediately. Add to this the power of enhanced computer vision and machine learning, and the result is automated traffic control. Additionally, this could provide an efficient driverless urban transportation system.
Identification: 5G also enables hyper-geolocalization. This means that your current position can be known with virtually no calculation errors or approximations. This will also support new technologies such as payment verification based on physical location.
e-health: Telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular. Based on this new format in which specialized doctors visit patients’ homes through virtual communication, more people can now access their basic medical needs. 5G makes this even more practical by reducing wait times, eliminating hospital commutes, 24/7 availability, and lightning-fast cloud storage of medical records.
Faster internet speeds mean information is available at the speed of light, all in the palm of your hand. There are other benefits besides the above. However, these are just a few examples of what the world has in store for the new generation of communication technologies.
conclusion
According to some sources, all countries will eventually be able to deploy 5G technology by 2020. Nevertheless, it is assumed that Latin America will be one of the last recipients. In that regard, the gradual rollout of 5G technology in Uruguay and El Salvador will definitely increase their competitiveness in the global economy.
Additionally, improvements in technology can improve the quality of life for residents. In some respects. It is expected to particularly benefit people who wish to participate in the gig economy.
The only question here is: How much does it cost? Have we ever stopped to think about the impact of this new technology? 5G represents new possibilities and brings hope to many, but all the excitement about the new technology has led to some potential downsides. Maybe I couldn’t think about it. We will keep you informed.
Author: Victor Cortez, Jacob Atkins
-VC&JA
