Fast internet is not just a luxury, but a necessity in today’s digital age, and South Africa is no exception. The introduction of 5G technology is not just a possibility, but an urgent need that could revolutionize connectivity worldwide, offering faster speeds and lower latency. This advancement is crucial for enabling remote work, expanding access to education, and fostering technological innovation as we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Vishal Barapatre, our CTO believes there are complexities, pros and cons, and some concerns about health issues related to radiofrequency radiation. Here is an overview of how he sees the pros and cons and the current status of 5G in South Africa.

Why do we need 5G?

As we move forward, bandwidth is becoming paramount. The fast internet has become commonplace, and many everyday applications rely on it. Bandwidth is also critical for new applications such as connected cars, which require a fair amount of bandwidth to connect, and 5G would ensure connectivity while reducing latency. There are numerous applications for 5G, both at the business and personal levels.

Moreover, with an increase in smart devices, connected homes, and IoT-based solutions, the demand for faster, more reliable connectivity is higher than ever. South Africa’s businesses are looking to leverage smart factories, telemedicine, and AI-based applications, all of which require the infrastructure 5G can provide. The transition to a truly digital economy relies heavily on these advancements.

The pros

The fundamental advantage of 5G is higher bandwidth speed and lower latency. Every industry can benefit from this, with connected devices that improve everyday digital business processes.

New industries are springing up on the back of fast internet, like the content streaming sector, which did not exist a decade ago and was only made possible by connectivity and bandwidth.

New industries and applications are constantly innovating, critical for economic growth and stability. Fast, ubiquitous Internet access is the foundation for this.

Another significant benefit of 5G is its potential to bridge the urban-rural divide in South Africa. While cities benefit from modern infrastructure, rural areas often need to catch up. With 5G deployment, even the most remote regions could gain access to services like remote healthcare, online education, and e-governance, empowering these communities and ensuring equitable growth across South Africa.

The cons

The biggest challenge is the need for additional infrastructure, which can be costly. 5G uses short-range frequencies and is powered by new millimeter wave (mmWave) technology. Widespread coverage is essential for leveraging 5G applications, but these mmWave cover a much shorter distance than 4G wavelengths. This, in turn, means that repeaters need to be closer together, and more of them are required, so it is a challenging technology to implement.

This leads to another challenge: cost. More infrastructure, which is expensive and requires complex implementation, makes 5G rollout expensive, placing a burden on telcos and infrastructure providers.

Additionally, while 5G offers enhanced security protocols, decentralizing data storage and processing at the edge poses challenges. This introduces new risks, including vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and data breaches. With robust security measures, businesses and individuals could avoid significant consequences. Moreover, misinformation about 5 G’s potential health risks has contributed to hesitancy among some communities, creating further resistance to adoption.

What about health risks?

There are concerns that the proximity of towers to each other and residential and commercial areas will pose health risks due to the radiation emitted from the tower, which is currently being investigated in studies. There have also been studies on 5 G’s predecessors, and people living near base stations have confirmed an increase in cancer diagnoses. However, the studies have not confirmed and/or categorically stated that these networks are the cause. Therefore, research is essential as we move into the subsequent phases of 5G implementation.

Experts stress the need for transparent communication and evidence-based policymaking. Governments and industry leaders must collaborate to ensure the 5G rollout meets stringent safety guidelines. This commitment to transparency and safety would address public concerns, foster trust, and accelerate adoption, providing reassurance to the public about the safety of 5G technology.

Regulatory Challenges and Government Initiatives

Implementing 5G in South Africa has its challenges. Regulatory challenges, such as spectrum allocation and licensing, have delayed widespread deployment. The government and regulatory bodies like ICASA are working to auction off spectrum bands suitable for 5G, aiming to facilitate rollout while ensuring fair competition among service providers. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are essential to overcome these barriers and accelerate 5G adoption.

Furthermore, policies aimed at reducing the cost of infrastructure deployment, such as incentivizing private investments and encouraging shared infrastructure models, could play a pivotal role in overcoming financial constraints. Tax benefits and grants for companies investing in rural connectivity can ensure that the benefits of 5G extend beyond urban centers.

South Africa’s 5G future

South Africa is still in the early stages of pervasive and ubiquitous connectivity. While our major cities are well-connected, much of the country still needs connectivity, especially in rural areas. This is a massive disadvantage as we move further into 4IR and a digital world. These areas are also home to farms and mines, and these businesses would benefit immensely from connected technology.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another area that needs fast connectivity to operate, and this network of sensors and edge devices could completely change the game for South Africa from a business and personal point of view.

Agriculture is one such sector where 5G-enabled IoT can revolutionize operations. With connected sensors, farmers could monitor soil quality, optimize irrigation, and predict weather patterns more accurately, leading to higher yields and lower costs. Similarly, 5G connectivity could enable autonomous machinery and real-time monitoring in mining, improving efficiency and safety. These possibilities are just a glimpse of the exciting potential of 5 G technology.

In addition, connectivity will enable improved healthcare and educational opportunities. The widespread deployment of 5G can help to improve health, safety, and security in previously disconnected and underserved areas and make the benefits of technology available to all. Although more research is needed on potential health issues, the benefits of the 5G rollout will help South Africa move forward and remain economically viable on a global scale.

While there are complexities and concerns surrounding 5G implementation, the potential benefits for South Africa are significant. From boosting economic growth to bridging the digital divide, 5G technology could play a pivotal role in the nation’s future. Addressing the challenges head-on and investing in research and infrastructure will be key to unlocking these opportunities and ensuring a connected and prosperous South Africa. The journey to a 5G-enabled society is complex, but with the right policies, collaboration, and innovation, the possibilities for South Africa are boundless.

Vishal Barapatre – CTO

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