Latest news with #4G
Time Business News
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Transforming Healthcare with 5G Technology
5G, the fifth generation of wireless network technology, builds upon the speed-centric foundation established by its predecessor, 4G. Each successive generation has significantly enhanced performance, with 1G initially focusing on voice quality, followed by 2G, which improved voice clarity and introduced text messaging. The advent of 3G not only refined calling and texting but also integrated internet access into mobile devices, while 4G revolutionized data sharing with much faster wireless connectivity. Now, 5G offers remarkable advancements, including ultra-fast connectivity, minimal latency, and extensive coverage. Relevance of 5G in Healthcare The value derived from patient outcomes relative to healthcare costs has been steadily declining, leading to escalating expenses within the healthcare sector. This decline raises significant concerns about the unequal distribution of medical resources, ineffective management of healthcare systems, and suboptimal patient experiences. To address these issues, emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence are being harnessed to enhance patient experiences and improve the quality of healthcare services while reducing overall costs. However, challenges like network congestion and slow internet speeds can hinder efficiency, particularly for providers managing numerous patients daily. 5G technology is poised to significantly transform the healthcare landscape due to its high bandwidth, low latency, and cost-effectiveness. The healthcare industry is expected to undergo substantial changes as it embraces connected-care applications, although previous attempts at widespread implementation have been limited by the constraints of older communication technologies. As healthcare systems evolve towards a cloud-native architecture, reliable and high-speed connectivity will become crucial. 5G can address these challenges by providing essential features such as rapid data transfer rates, minimal latency, enhanced connectivity and capacity, and robust performance per unit area. This technology presents vast opportunities for healthcare stakeholders to innovate, transition to data-driven personalized care, optimize resource utilization, improve care delivery, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Healthcare industry trends driving the adoption of 5G · Shift in Demographics An aging global population, with seniors outnumbering children under 5 for the first time in 2018, is increasing demand for chronic disease management. This trend drives the need for remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems enabled by 5G for home-based care. · Shift to Value-Based and Patient-Centric Care Healthcare providers are moving from fee-for-service to outcome-based models, rewarding effective patient care. 5G supports this shift by enabling continuous remote monitoring and real-time sharing of vital signs through connected devices. · Big Data Analytics Wearables and smartphones are generating large volumes of patient-specific health data. 5G facilitates rapid, secure transmission of this data, enhancing predictive analytics in areas like cardiology, neurology, and oncology. · Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) IoMT devices, such as connected wearables and monitors, improve real-time chronic disease management. 5G enhances IoMT by supporting fast, uninterrupted data flow for continuous remote monitoring. · Advances in Wearable Medical Technology Wearables track vital signs and transmit health data, offering doctors valuable insights even outside clinical settings. 5G ensures seamless, real-time communication between wearable devices and healthcare providers for timely interventions. · Remote Monitoring Systems in Hospitals and eHealth Modern hospitals use electronic systems to manage real-time patient data like heart rate, BP, and oxygen levels. 5G strengthens these systems, enabling concepts like 'ICU without walls' and reducing unnecessary readmissions. Healthcare Use Cases Powered by 5G The new era of 5G will bring together higher bandwidth with ultra-low latency and ultra-reliability, increased adoption of cloud-based storage, and various connected devices. Advanced digital networks will intelligently distribute resources between various applications to enable seamless connectivity and user experience. · Enhanced Mobile Broadband 5G enables healthcare professionals to conduct real-time virtual consultations and remote ward rounds with the same effectiveness as in-person care. Medical records, imaging, and test results can be transmitted instantly, improving specialist access and emergency care. Paramedics can access patient data en route, allowing hospitals to prepare in advance. · Massive Communication With 100x more capacity than 4G, 5G supports large-scale connectivity of wearables and IoT devices for continuous remote patient monitoring. It enhances clinical decision-making, enables real-time tracking in clinical trials, and allows predictive maintenance of medical equipment to prevent malfunctions. · Critical Communication 5G's ultra-low latency and reliability enable high-stakes applications like remote and robotic surgery. Surgeons can guide or perform procedures remotely, and network slicing ensures dedicated bandwidth for these mission-critical tasks. Industry Insights: Navigating the 5G Healthcare Landscape In October 2024, AT&T is set to redefine business networking by introducing a groundbreaking device that merges fiber and 5G technology into a single solution. This innovative approach positions AT&T as a market leader in converged connectivity, offering businesses a seamless integration of AT&T Business Fiber with 5G wireless capabilities. The new device ensures continuous and reliable connectivity by combining both fiber and wireless infrastructure, allowing for automatic failover to the fast wireless network in the unlikely event of an internet or fiber disruption. This integrated gateway represents a significant advancement in providing businesses with uninterrupted service and enhanced operational efficiency. In October 2024, Verizon Business participated in the HLTH Event in Las Vegas at booth #3028, where it presented its latest innovations in 5G healthcare solutions. The company aims to enhance connectivity and security while showcasing partnerships that empower healthcare providers with the necessary technology to revolutionize patient care. In August 2024, Maxis, a Malaysian telecommunications company, announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Mobile International (CMI) to jointly explore and develop private 5G applications and solutions tailored for enterprises. The Malaysian government is actively promoting the advancement of private 5G technology for various industrial applications, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and aquaculture, as part of its initiative to launch the nation's second 5G network. In April 2024, China Mobile, a prominent telecommunications provider in China, announced to roll out 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology across more than 300 cities nationwide. As a significant contributor to the establishment of 5G-A standards, the company also plans to introduce over 20 smartphones that are compatible with this advanced technology within the same year. Thus, 5G has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector significantly. The recent pandemic highlighted the urgent need for technologies that serve diverse populations across various socio-economic backgrounds. With its promise of enhanced network reliability, speed, and scalability, 5G facilitates the widespread adoption of advanced technologies such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things, all of which can lead to better clinical outcomes. To harness the full benefits of 5G, healthcare organizations must develop, test, and implement applications that leverage its ultra-fast bandwidth, exceptional reliability, low latency, and extensive machine connectivity. Despite facing challenges related to privacy, security, infrastructure, device compatibility, and coverage limitations, it is crucial for healthcare companies to prioritize investments in applications that address the most pressing needs of patients and users. About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies, by offering services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Stuff.tv
12 hours ago
- Stuff.tv
EE expands 5G standalone – is your phone already ready for it?
EE recently started to switch on its shiny new 5G Standalone network, which doesn't piggyback off 4G. Currently, it's only available in certain locations across the UK. But now, EE is expanding it, with 5G Standalone set to cover more than 34 million people by the end of August. That means over half the UK will be able to use it, and you probably don't need a new smartphone to use it. Read more: Everything you need to know about 5G Unlike the 5G you've had so far (which often feels just like 4G), 5G Standalone is the real deal. It doesn't lean on 4G in the background. Rather, it delivers faster uploads, smoother video calls, proper gaming responsiveness, and better indoor signal. It's also got enough capacity to handle you and everyone else livestreaming the same gig, all without descending into buffering chaos. EE's flipping the switch across the country – not just in central London or Manchester city centre. Places like Aberdeen, Ipswich, Loughborough and even Windsor are joining the list, with more than 45 new towns and cities getting turned on this summer. You can check out the full list of supported locations here. Which smartphones support EE's 5G Standalone? What really seals the deal is just how many smartphones are already good to go. That Galaxy S24 or iPhone 15 in your pocket are both ready. There's a long and growing list of compatible phones, tablets and even laptops from the likes of Apple, Samsung, Google, Honor, and more. You don't need to fork out for some handset you've never heard of, yours is probably ready to go. Here's a full list of supported smartphones: Apple iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max & 16e) Apple iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max) Google Pixel 9 series (9, 9Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold) HMD Fusion Honor (Magic7 Lite, Magic 7 Pro, Magic V3, 400 Lite, 400 Pro) Moto G 35, G54 5G, G75 & G85 Motorola Edge 50 Neo Motorola RAZR (50 Ultra & 60 Ultra) Nothing 3a and 3a Pro Oppo Reno13 (Pro & FS) Samsung Galaxy A Series (A15, A16, A26, A36 & A56) Samsung Galaxy Flip (5 & 6) Samsung Galaxy Fold (5 & 6) Samsung Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+ & S25 Ultra) Samsung Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+ & S24 Ultra) Samsung Galaxy S23 series (S23, S23+ & S23 Ultra) Samsung Galaxy Xcover7 Pro Sony Xperia 1 VI & 10VI TCL 50R & 50 PRO nxt paper 5G If you've got the right device and a 5G Standalon-ready EE plan or SIM, you might already be on it. New and upgrading customers on any EE pay monthly handset plan get access automatically. That includes Voice over 5G too, which means faster call set-up. There's no extra charge for 5G Standalone itself if you're on one of EE's current monthly handset plans. Coverage is rolling out rapidly, with more than 45 new locations getting lit up this summer, and EE's aiming to reach over 41 million people by spring 2026.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major mobile provider reveals FREE upgrade for thousands of customers hours after major service is shut down
THOUSANDS of mobile customers are set to benefit from a free network boost – just hours after a major service was switched off. O2 (Virgin Media) revealed it has upgraded its 4G and 5G coverage across more than 2,000 postcodes in Coventry, West Midlands. The improvements are part of the company's £700million Mobile Transformation Plan, aimed at future-proofing the network and keeping pace with soaring demand. O2 says the upgrades will give users better connectivity and faster mobile data at no extra cost. Free boost A spokesperson said the plan ensures the network is 'fit for the future and can keep up with increasing customer demand.' The free upgrade comes as mobile providers, including O2, continue to phase out older 3G services across the UK. The switch-off is making way for more advanced and efficient 4G and 5G services. Mobile usage has skyrocketed in recent years, with data traffic more than doubling over the past five years – making upgrades like this increasingly essential. And O2 isn't the only one dishing out freebies. Earlier this year, EE handed thousands of customers a free 5G upgrade, even for those on older 4G plans. Vodafone also rolled out free speed boosts to eligible users, increasing data allowances and offering better access to 5G where available. Meanwhile, Three UK recently gave select customers free roaming perks across Europe and upgraded network speeds in several major cities – all without charging a penny more. These giveaways come as mobile giants try to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market – and soften the blow of 3G shutdowns and rising bills for millions. So if you're with one of the big networks, it's worth checking if a free upgrade is already waiting for you. Is the 3G switch off that big of a deal? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun It's unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off. There wasn't much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G. So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small. Just because it may be a small figure doesn't mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they're not very tech-savvy or vulnerable. So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support. 2
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
UK's biggest mobile provider is shutting service TODAY leaving thousands of Brits with no internet in huge shake-up
THE UK'S largest mobile provider is continuing its shut down of a major service today, which could leave customers without internet. Britain's major mobile providers have been gradually switching off a key service over the past few years, following an agreement with the Government made in 2021. 1 EE, Vodafone and Three have all shut off their 3G services, with Virgin Media O2 the last to follow suit. The telecoms giant said that the switch off is so that it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks." The 3G switch off began in Durham on April 2, and is continuing today, July 16, in Norwich, Telford and Guildford. Torquay's 3G network will then be switched off on August 4. The mobile provider has confirmed that the rest of the UK will have its 3G networks turned off by the end of the year. The switch off will also affect Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile users as they all use Virgin Media O2's network. "We're switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience", Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said. 'Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this year, we will be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year." Virgin Media O2 customers living in the affected areas have been urged to upgrade to a device which supports 4G or 5G before the switch off takes place. Anyone who's device is only capable of supporting 3G will be left without mobile data, but will still be able to text, take phone calls, and access WiFi. WhatsApp is closing down on three mobile devices in hours with users blocked from sending and receiving messages Martin Lewis ' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explained: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider – you'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks. "You'll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network." Virgin Media O2 has said that the "vast majority" of its customers already have a device which supports 4G or 5G, so will be completely unaffected by the switch off. It added that any customers still using a 3G device who are known to be vulnerable have been offered a 4G device free of charge. Which mobile networks are affected by the 3G switch off? Mobile networks affected by O2's 3G switch off: -O2 - Tesco Mobile - Sky Mobile - GiffGaff Networks which have already switched off 3G: - Vodafone - Asda Mobile - Lebara - Talk Mobile - Voxi - EE - 1pMobile - Ecotalk - IQ Mobile - Lycamobile - Mozillion - RWG Mobile - Spusi - Talk Home - Utility Warehouse - Your Co-op - Three - iD Mobile, Smarty - Honest Mobile - Superdrug All other customers who do not currently have a device compatible with 4G or 5G have been offered a new device at a reduced cost. Jeanie York added: "While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it. "That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. "It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.' Customers wishing to dispose of their old 3G devices should recycle them through O2 recycle, which could see them get cash for the old handsets. How to check if your device is affected Smartphone users who have purchased their device in the last 10 years are unlikely to be affected by the switch off. However, if you are still unsure, you can do a simple trick to check. Click on the settings page on your phone and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network. If you spot 4G or 5G listed, then you will be unaffected by the switch off.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Guildford, Telford and Norwich see 3G switched off
A leading mobile provider is switching off its 3G coverage in three areas of England from Media O2 is withdrawing the service in Guildford in Surrey, Telford in Shropshire and Norwich in Norfolk, as 4G and 5G replace older company said only a small number of customers will be affected, with vulnerable customers having been offered a 4G-ready device free of next area in which Virgin will switch off 3G is due to be Torquay in Devon on 4 August. Anyone in those areas who has not upgraded from 3G will still be able to make phone calls and send text messages, but will not be able to use mobile York, Virgin Media O2's chief technology officer, said: "While we know the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it."That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps."It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off."The 3G network, launched two decades ago, now carries only 3% of all network data, and will be switched off completely by Virgin by the end of 2025.
