The bandwagon rollout of fifth generation (5G) wireless technology has paved the way for a new era of connectivity in the digital landscape. While the earlier generations like 2G up to 4G have advanced network connectivity and ushered in groundbreaking HD streaming and video conferencing capabilities, the advent of 5G, by far, a monumental leap forward.
Compared to its 4G predecessor, 5G is indeed 20 times faster and 100x better in capacity and reliability. 5G allows for faster speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps), reduces latency, and provides better network reliability and capacity. 5G has radically changed the game from speed to reliability and has become the new golden standard in the telecom industry across the globe.
In the 5G spectrum, there are two types of networking systems which operators can run with- a basic 5G Non-Standalone Network (NSA), and then there’s the more advanced 5G Standalone Network (SA). 5G NSA can be found in the early deployments of 5G, wherein operators used their existing 4G and LTE towers as springboards for 5G technology. 5G NSA is deemed as the most basic and more affordable way to roll out 5G; however, this NSA architecture doesn’t truly capture the full promise and potential of the 5G spectrum.
On the other hand, 5G standalone (SA) systems are dedicated infrastructures or towers built specifically for 5G, unlocking the full potential and capabilities that 5G can offer, such as high speed, lower latency, increased capacity, and maximum reliability. Essentially, 5G SA is the “true 5G” experience.
In the Philippines, DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco provider in the country, prides itself on being the only telecom operator at this time to have the more advanced 5G SA technology bringing to our shores the real power of “true 5G.”
During the recently concluded 5G Core Summit in the United Arab Emirates, DITO also received the “Best Network 5G SA Core Network Construction Award” by Informa, recognizing the young telco’s outstanding contribution to 5G Core construction ideas and execution.
DITO now has over 7,000 cell sites covering over 830 cities and network coverage at 84 percent.
“Our strength lies in our standalone 5G technology that brings forth greater capacity, wider coverage, and internet connection speeds that are 20 times faster than 4G. This allows us to deliver minimum average broadband speeds (MABS) of 639 Mbps for 5G for all sites,” said Retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago, DITO Chief Technology Officer.
“I believe we are on track in targeting around 87 percent network coverage before the year ends, strengthening our current coverage, providing more reliability, and capacity,” Santiago added.
DITO Home’s wireless broadband: The standard of true 5G.
As mentioned, not all 5Gs are created equal. Powered by true 5G, DITO Home launched into the market with wireless broadband offerings for prepaid and postpaid, boasting speeds of up to 500 megabits per second (Mbps). In today’s fast-paced world, DITO’s wireless broadband advantage is a big step up from wired connections, offering faster speeds and greater reliability versus Fiber, which is prone to rampant fiber cuts and prolonged downtimes.
Globally, the demand for wireless broadband is also on the rise due to its high speed, flexibility, and mobility. Data from Credence Research, a worldwide market research and counseling firm, showed that the 5G wireless broadband market is projected to grow from USD 30,128.47 million in 2023 to USD 224,474.59 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the fastest growth rate due to the increasing technological adoption of 5G technology.
This positive trend in 5G wireless broadband’s growth rate can be associated with the increasing demand for faster, more convenient, and more reliable broadband internet systems, especially in underserved rural areas,
5G wireless broadband provides fiber-like speeds or even faster in some instances, without messy wires and heavy installation – cut the cord, again, just plug and play! Such connections make a better choice for densely populated urban areas where wired connections are no longer feasible, and going wireless presents itself as the most practical and hassle-free connectivity solution, given its plug-and-play advantage.
5G wireless modems are also very resilient, especially in disasters and physical calamities, eliminating the fear of disconnection due to damaged wires or cables and fiber cuts that take hours and even days to fix.
With DITO Home, Filipino households can now enjoy affordable, high-speed true 5G connectivity with greater convenience, allowing faster uploads and downloads, more gaming, streaming, and browsing- without interruptions- paving the way for a more connected and empowered future for the Filipino people.