An Uncertain Future in A 5G Enabled World

Dec 24, 2021

An Uncertain Future in A 5G Enabled World

In the age of IoT, privacy is of increasing concern. In the U.S., 5G may create additional issues, with widespread deployment. As more devices, sensors, and applications connect to the Internet, the potential for massive amounts of data is also growing exponentially. The implications for the privacy of individuals and organizations are potentially extreme. With the increased use of 5G technology, more and more data, such as financial transactions, health records, and personal information, may fall into the wrong hands. Many have warned of the risk of identity theft due to this massive increase in data, potentially.

To truly understand 5G, you need to understand the way the Internet moves information. The growing number of Internet of things (IoT) devices capable of communicating with each other (e.g., cars, smart appliances, and other IoT devices) will now have greater capabilities of communicating with a large numbers of other devices. This will make the Internet faster and more reliable. It will also change the way people communicate with each other. 5G has been the subject of much discussion, from industry expert discussions to coronavirus conspiracy theories.

In a post-COVID-19 world, artificial intelligence, machine vision, and big data can improve every aspect of our lives. However, industry experts will need to continue helping the Government design a robust 5G spectrum management strategy, deliver new privacy plans that provide clarity in order to encourage investment, drive competition, and ensure the responsible use of 5G. 

The federal government’s regulation and continued support of 5G R&D is essential for our nation’s prosperity and security. Senior officials at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp) are leading multiple strategic efforts across government that promote innovation, entrepreneurial activity throughout the private and public sectors and ensure national security. The prioritization of 5G R&D in areas where it enhances domestic skills and capabilities will help establish a dominant position globally, help ensure security and will lower costs to U.S. businesses and consumers. Investments that support both economic and human capital development are critical. At this point, the federal government should undertake additional prioritization efforts that support the use of emerging technologies in areas where they are needed most, in health care and education. There is a pressing need to elevate population health and train the skills of tomorrow’s workforce.

Breakthrough technological advancements in 5G are creating opportunities for a new class of intelligent devices. As installations significantly increase bandwidth and speeds of data transmission, 5G will allow for greater applications of augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (AI). Advancements will pave the way for greater accessibility and increased productivity. In the next 5 years, AR will be one of the fastest growing platforms in use. A diverse collection of firms are invested in 5G advancements and are working to to unlock the full benefits of the entire Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.

The broad range of stakeholders in the 5G ecosystem includes Internet service providers, mobile device, wireless operators, Internet of Things (IoT) equipment manufacturers, data center providers and cable operators. From the perspective of talent acquisition and retention of 5G skills, leading firms include: Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, Qualcomm, Verizon, Intel Corporation, AT&T, and Samsung. The demand for technologists capable of building and installing next generation 5G platforms is growing. Desirable 5G skills and knowledge include experience with:

  • Radio frequency (RF) principles and fundamentals
  • Network functional virtualization
  • Software-defined networks
  • Edge computing

Still, many questions will need to be answered. What skills and roles will be required as we transition to the next waves of 5G as it becomes more accessible? What new services will 5G will bring to customers? How fast will IoT grow when powered by 5G? How does 5G impact our national security?

What we do know is that 5G is the next-generation standard that will unlock the full benefits of Internet of Things into becoming a reality. Hopefully, a 5G powered “new normal” will arrive quickly and drive great innovation in areas of imminent need, including telehealth, telemedicine robots, and remote health care. Today, we are just getting started with 5G. It will be a critical driver of the future of technology and will change the world for the better.

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About

David McInnis

President & Founding Partner

David has two decades of global recruitment experience and is Founding Partner of Willard Powell. Prior to founding Willard Powell, David worked with Leathwaite International, a global executive search firm. Before his employment with Leathwaite, David worked for Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo Securities) supporting the firm’s Investment Banking & Capital Markets Technology group. David is a graduate of Lasell College in Newton, MA, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Management Information Systems. David also serves as a Trustee on Lasell’s Board.