5G: Advantages and Disadvantages You Must Know

Understanding 5G Technology

If you’re keeping up with tech news, you may have heard that 5G internet has emerged as the latest advancement in mobile networking technology. Defined as the fifth generation of cellular networks, 5G internet utilizes high-frequency radio waves, smaller cell towers and nodes and other new kinds of technology to wirelessly connect more devices over faster speeds compared to older forms of mobile networking and home internet. According to IBM, 5G is poised to support transformative communication technologies like enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity—including “smart” or “connected” devices—smart cities and corridors, improved streaming and artificial intelligence (AI).

While 5G carriers promise to deliver faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity, this type of home internet has several limitations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top advantages and disadvantages of 5G to help you understand its capabilities. From faster data speeds to potential security concerns, you’ll find everything you need to decide if 5G is right for you.

Real-world applications are already achieving speeds around 1 Gbps, making 5G satisfactory for activities that demand more bandwidth, like 4K streaming, low-latency online gaming, video conferencing and powering many devices at the same time. In comparison, fiber optic internet can reach upload and download speeds up to 25 Gbps.

For individual users, more speed means seamless streaming, faster downloads and low-latency online gaming. According to the CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), you can download a high-definition 3-Gig movie in as little as 35 seconds on a 5G network, compared to 40 minutes on 4G and 10 seconds on 2.5-Gig fiber optic internet. This upgrade also benefits video calls, smart home or connected devices and remote work since these activities require fast, stable connections.

5G’s faster speeds also empower businesses to adopt bandwidth-intensive technologies like virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), which require fast data flow for immersive experiences. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing and entertainment are leveraging 5G to improve services, from remote surgeries to real-time data analytics.

• Enhanced Gaming and Augmented Reality (AR): Lower latency makes gaming and AR experiences more immersive. When your latency is higher, there is a big delay between pressing a button and seeing the action reflected in the game. With lower latency, your actions are instantly reflected, leading to a seamless, less frustrating gaming experience.
• Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communications: Reduced latency is critical for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. With low-latency 5G, connected and autonomous vehicles can exchange data almost instantly, helping to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and support advanced driver-assistance systems.
  
• Real-Time Applications and Services: For industries like healthcare and manufacturing, reduced latency enables real-time technologies such as remote surgeries, precise robotics and smart factories. These applications rely on a stable, low-latency connection to operate smoothly and safely. In telemedicine, for example, a 1-millisecond response time can mean life-saving precision in remote surgeries.

3. Greater Capacity:

5G networks are designed to handle more connected devices at once, which is an improvement over previous generations. While 4G can connect up to 2,000 devices per square kilometer, 5G can connect up to a million devices per square kilometer, enabling large-scale connectivity for Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, machines, objects, users, businesses and devices.

In comparison, fiber optic networks offer a different kind of advantage in capacity. Although fiber connections are not wireless like 5G, they provide high-capacity, low-latency connections to support large-scale data needs in stationary or fixed-location networks, such as homes, offices and data centers.

Fiber’s virtually unlimited bandwidth potential can support massive amounts of data flow, making it ideal for connecting entire buildings, smart infrastructure and other applications that require continuous, high-speed connectivity without interference.

Together, 5G and fiber optic networks can complement each other, with fiber acting as the backbone for high-speed data transmission and 5G providing flexible, widespread connectivity. As cities expand their smart infrastructure, this combination enables seamless, efficient communication for both mobile and stationary devices, supporting everything from smart street lighting to traffic management and public safety systems.

4. Increased Bandwidth:

Another 5G vs. 4G enhancement is its increased bandwidth, which enables the network to handle and transmit much larger amounts of data at once (however, fiber optic internet still leads in bandwidth potential, as it can deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 25 Gbps). 5G’s increased capacity allows 5G networks to support a broader range of services and applications, enhancing the quality of everything from streaming to data-heavy business operations.

• Remote-controlled robotics
• Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR)
• Real-time analytics
• Predictive modeling and simulations
• Remote manufacturing and 3D printing
• Interconnected IoT ecosystems
• Smart building automation
• AI-driven applications
• Autonomous vehicle communication
• High-definition video conferencing
• Precision agriculture sensors and monitoring
• Smart grid management

From increased speeds and low latency to improved capacity and bandwidth, 5G can bring transformative upgrades that enable innovations that were once out of reach to communities where fiber optics are not available, paving the way for smarter cities, immersive technologies and advanced industrial applications.

Carriers and internet service providers (ISPs) may bear a significant portion of these expenses. In the United States, federal and local government funding is also expected to help pay for 5G expansion, especially in rural or underserved areas. To offset these upgrades and investments, carriers and ISPs may pass along some of the cost to customers through higher data plan prices or additional fees.

In contrast, fiber optic internet, which relies on an established wired network, often involves a one-time installation cost followed by stable monthly rates, potentially offering a more cost-effective and predictable option for consumers, especially in areas where fiber infrastructure is already established. The high costs of 5G infrastructure have an impact on both providers and consumers, making it a less accessible option in some areas compared to already-installed fiber optic networks.

• Gaps in Urban and Rural Areas: In cities, tall buildings and narrow streets can interfere with 5G signals. And in rural areas, it’s often too costly to build enough 5G towers to cover large areas, since 5G signals can’t travel as far as lower-frequency signals. This means communities that are spread out over large distances might not get 5G as quickly as densely populated communities.
  

While 5G offers the potential for faster, more reliable connections, providing strong, consistent coverage will require major investments in new equipment to deal with challenges around range and signal strength.

3. Security and Privacy Issues:

While 5G technology brings exciting improvements, it also comes with new security and privacy challenges. With more devices connected to the network, the chances of cyberattacks increase. Hackers could target these devices to steal data, disrupt services or gain unauthorized access.

• More Devices, More Risks: 5G’s ability to connect millions of devices means there are more entry points for cybercriminals. Each device, whether it’s a smartphone, a smart home gadget or an industrial machine, could be a target for hackers to perform malicious activities, including data breaches and unauthorized access. According to the FCC, the expansion of 5G creates a “broader attack surface” for cyber events and would benefit from robust security measures.
  
• Complex Networks, New Vulnerabilities: 5G networks are more complex than earlier ones, which can lead to security gaps if not carefully managed. And according to the European Agency for Cybersecurity, 5G technology could lead to a new era of security threats.
  
• Testing and Security Concerns: Experts from the FCC and European Commission have pointed out that 5G technology is still new and hasn’t been fully tested for security. This makes it even more important to address potential weaknesses as soon as possible.
  

To protect against these risks, advanced security measures like encryption, strong passwords and regular updates are critical. While 5G offers incredible benefits, it’s vital to address these challenges to keep data and privacy safe in a connected world.

4. Perceived Health Concerns May Lead to Decreased Support: Fact Vs. Fiction

As 5G technology becomes more widespread, some communities have expressed concerns about possible health risks from increased exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The deployment of 5G requires many more small cell towers and antennas to provide consistent coverage. This has led to anxiety over the potential impact on public health.

While these concerns have gained attention in recent years, extensive studies have evaluated the health effects of RF exposure. As of November 2024, current scientific research has found no definitive evidence that 5G poses a health risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, public apprehension could deter some individuals or communities from fully embracing 5G technology. WHO has expressed ongoing support for further research into possible long-term health impacts of wireless telecommunications.

To protect public health, regulatory agencies, including the FCC, have set strict safety limits for RF energy from wireless devices and infrastructure. These limits are based on decades of scientific research and are designed to keep exposure levels far below those associated with known health risks.

• Engage in Community Planning:
  Take an active role in shaping how 5G infrastructure is deployed in your area. Attend local meetings, participate in community discussions and stay informed about your city’s plans for 5G deployment. Your involvement ensures that the rollout aligns with the needs and priorities of your community.
• Strengthen Regulatory Oversight:
  Policymakers can enforce regulations that protect public health and privacy. This includes setting strict security standards for data and requiring transparency from companies deploying 5G networks.
  
• Promote Partnerships:
  Collaboration between technology companies, city planners and public health experts can lead to innovations that maximize benefits while minimizing downsides. For example, smart city initiatives can leverage 5G for efficiency while ensuring public safety remains a priority.
  
• Adopt Security Best Practices:
  Businesses and consumers can implement strong passwords, encryption and regular software updates to protect devices connected to 5G networks from cyber threats.
  

By taking these proactive steps, communities can embrace the speed and connectivity of 5G while ensuring a responsible and inclusive rollout.

To navigate these changes successfully, stay involved by engaging in discussions about how 5G and fiber technologies can work together to meet your community’s needs. Encourage policymakers and tech leaders to balance cutting-edge advancements with public trust and safety. A collaborative approach—where businesses, governments, and citizens work together—ensures equitable access to these transformative technologies.

If you live in Chattanooga or in EPB’s service territory, you can benefit from the fastest, most reliable internet available today—without the disadvantages of 5G internet. With symmetrical speeds up to 25 Gigs, Chattanooga’s only 100% fiber optic network offers a strong foundation for innovation, smart city technology and seamless connectivity so you can flawlessly power all your devices at once. Compare fiber optic internet plans for your home or business.

By balancing ambition with responsibility and embracing complementary technologies like fiber optics, we can ensure a more connected, innovative and equitable world for everyone.