The Ericsson Mobility Report is a global leader in the analysis of mobile network traffic. In order words, the report provides basic information on the global mobile trends as regards internet traffic. It is provided from time to time by Ericsson, the global multi lingual communications technology providers.
In the November edition of the report, the studies show mobile subscription in Africa would reach a staggering one 1 billion in the last quarter of 2015 and 5G mobile subscription would hit the 150 million mark by the end of 2021.
Japan, China, South Korea and the USA are the countries predicted in the report to have the highest and fastest 5G subscription uptakes. But with a population of nearly 1.5 billion people and mobile internet subscription of 1 billion, Africa is expected to follow closely behind in the 5G mobile subscription rush.
5G mobile network is expected to have 1,000 times the mobile data value, 100 times faster download speed and lower power consumption for connected devices. And all these would be conditions favoring the average African internet user.
The 5G internet revolution would bring unprecedented growth to the economy by opening up new industries relating to ICT and fostering the pre existing ones. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of objects or "things" connected over the internet and having the ability to communicate with one another over an exisitng internet network. Africa is currently lagging behind or somewhat non-existent in the usage of the IoT and it is expected that with the coming of 5G internet, there would be an increase in driverless cars, robotic surgeons, remotely monitored traffic monitors and a host of other IoT enabled devices.
Some of the challenges of the 5G mobile network would be setting a global standard to enable interoperability and the more home grow challenge would be setting up and managing infrastructure. Telecommunication companies, vendors and regulators would have to agree on a standard and work out operable module to make for smooth sailing of the 5G mobile network when the time is right.
