1G to 5G: The Evolution of Wireless Connectivity

Mobile connectivity has evolved at a rapid pace since the late 1970s due to the ongoing demand for high-speed communications across the globe. In telecommunications, Fifth Generation (5G) is the latest technology standard for broadband cellular networks. But before exploring the vast field of technological advancements that 5G opens us up to, we thought it would be worth looking back at the technologies that paved the way to this new era. Here’s a retrospective look at what the past network generations had to offer.

First Generation (1G) Features

• Provided an information transfer speed of up to 2.4 kilobytes (KB) per second

• Powered the first mobile telephones using analog radio signals

• Conversation security was poor due to limited technology, which meant that calls were susceptible to unwanted eavesdropping

• Voice quality was poor due to signal interference (lots of static)

Second Generation (2G) Features

• Provided an information transfer speed of up to 50 kilobytes (KB) per second

• Powered mobile telephones using digital signals

• Enabled Short Message Service (SMS) or text messaging and Multimedia Message Service (MMS)

• Enabled users to make phone calls outside the geographic coverage area of a network (also known as roaming)

• Provided a clearer voice transmission with less static

• Enabled encrypted voice transmission, making calls more secure

Third Generation (3G) Features

• Provided an information transfer speed of up to 3 megabytes (MB) per second

• Enabled mobile applications and video calls, paving the way for Apple iPhone 4’s FaceTime

• Location tracking support began, making map applications possible

Fourth Generation (4G) Features

• Provided an information transfer speed of up to 36 MB per second

• High definition video streaming and gaming

• Enhanced voice call quality thanks to Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology

With 5G being deployed across the U.S., this next-generation wireless network technology is expected to transform the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.

5G Features

• Provides a theoretical maximum information transfer speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) 

• Is distributed through new technology like small cells to improve transfer efficiency

• Low to zero latency, empowering cloud-based infrastructures for many industries

With Atlanta being one of the first cities to have 5G networks live from all four major carriers starting in 2019, what do you think is next for our city’s connectivity? What advances in technology and applications do you foresee from this next-generation network? Let us know in the comments below.