When data is accessed and stored in future from the cloud faster than on a smartphone, the new telecommunications standard 5G will be in use. 5G stands for the fifth generation of the mobile network and boasts higher speeds, lower latency, improved network coverage and enhanced energy efficiency. The focus of the new telecommunications standard, however, is no longer on connecting seven billion people for communication purposes but on controlling 200 billion Web of Things devices in real time. Only on the basis of 5G will it be possible to run complex traffic systems in which vehicles can interact and doctors can perform medical operations from anywhere via remote control.

Companies from all around the world in the telecommunications industry have been working since 2012 on the technical basics for 5G. Major trade fairs have regularly featured tests on prototypes to demonstrate the potential of the new technologies. In the meantime, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has developed the most important requirements for the standardization of the 5G network. However, the launch of 5G is not expected before 2020 to 2022. The high costs facing mobile providers for expanding the network and for licenses could lead to some unforeseen delays. According to comments by experts, the introduction of 5G will involve a smooth transition rather than a sharp change of systems.

The telecommunications providers regard 5G as a service rather than as a piece of technology. For this reason, the first applications, such as sensor-assisted machine maintenance and autonomous container transports, can be expected to be in the B2B sector. Consumers can also look forward to new applications in HD video telephony and 360-degree virtual reality. But as with the launch of LTE, 5G will initially be limited to urban areas.