Mobile network: How tradespeople benefit from 5G

Trades 4.0: The next-generation mobile network promises significantly faster internet access and real-time data exchange. Is the switch already worthwhile for tradespeople? And how much do the new plans cost?

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

Fast internet speeds and the delay-free transmission of data, the new 5G mobile network which launched in Germany in the summer of 2019. According to official figures, almost 90 percent of Germans can now use the technology. However, those who log into the new turbo network are often disappointed by the speeds: instead of the promised 1.000 megabits per second (Mbit/s) is the real transmission speed on average often only a tenthSo why should tradespeople choose a 5G plan?

5G recommended in larger cities

A 5G tariff is currently recommended especially for companies in larger cities where Mobile operators use 5G technology based on 3,6 GHz frequency bands. Only these enable rapid speeds of up to 1.000 Mbps. To achieve greater coverage, however, Telekom and Vodafone are using in many regions on additional frequencies, the data Transfer at a maximum of 4G speed (max. 500 Mbps). O2 relies exclusively on fast 3,6 GHz frequency bands, but consistently slows down its customers to 500 Mbit/s – half the possible maximum speed. But even these reduced values Craftsmen only reach, if they near a transmission tower If companies are interested in a 5G tariff, they should ask the mobile phone providerswhich technology is used in your own region.

Another big advantage of 5G is the reaction time – the so-called latencyThis measures in milliseconds how quickly a small data packet travels from your device to an Internet server and back. 4G technology This time is often between 60 and 100 milliseconds, With 5G are under the best possible conditions two to five milliseconds possible – so near real time. If craftsmen on the go for specific applications require continuous data transmission in real time, 5G is currently the best choice.

5G range of providers currently still very small

want to use 5G technology, needs a 5G tariff with a 5G-capable smartphone (from about 200 euros) or Tablet (from approximately 550 euros). Older 4G devices cannot be upgraded. To use the new technology, you must register with your Keep your mobile device near a 5G cell siteThe switch to the better network is fully automatic.

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Anyone looking for a 5G plan will quickly notice that the range of providers is currently very small. The reason: The large Mobile operators keep 5G technology exclusively for themselves. There are virtually no corresponding offers from discounters – or they are so expensive in comparison that customers can get significantly cheaper deals with the original tariffs. The good news: A large price increase, which has always existed in recent years when tariffs with new technologies were introduced, was absent this timeInstead, Vodafone, O2 and Telekom are using their 5G technology to Upgrade your own tariffs with 5G free of chargeto differentiate themselves from the discounters. Vodafone and Telekom have now even 5G prepaid tariffs in the program, so customers don't have to commit to a contract. Only O2 has so far completely excluded the use of 5G in prepaid plans.

Conclusion

The benefits of 5G will especially utilise craftsmen, the rely on low latency or want to transfer a lot of data in a short time - for example Videos, extensive CAD/CAM data or Photo collectionsIf you only use your smartphone for Mail, surfing and for Sending smaller files uses, will hardly notice any increase in speed. In addition, currently especially companies in larger cities benefit from the advantages of 5G technology.

For everyone else, the technology is not yet a must. Anyone who buys a new smartphone or tablet, however, already pay attention to 5G capability, as the networks will be expanded further in the coming months and years. By then, For some trades, the "Internet of Things" is also interestingwhen cars, machines, smart home and mobile devices Exchange all data almost in real time via 5G.

5G: The expansion plans of mobile operators

Photo: © Thomas Busch

1 & 1
Currently building 1 & 1 is building its own 5G network, which is scheduled to launch by early 2023 at the latest. Until then, the provider will use O2's 5G network. By the end of 2025, 1&1 aims to provide its own 5G network to at least 25 percent of German households, after which network coverage is expected to double by the end of 2030.

O2
Currently, the 5G network of O2 available in more than 115 German cities. While the company relies on 3,6 GHz frequencies for high speeds, it limits customers to a maximum of 500 Mbps. The network is expected to be available to more than 30 percent of Germans by the end of 2021, and nationwide by 2025.

Telecom
The Telecom Telekom currently has over 55.000 5G antennas in operation. This means that around 90 percent of Germans should be able to use the mobile communications standard by the end of 2021. However, Telekom is also using frequencies that transmit data at a maximum speed of 4G. 5G on the fast 3,6 GHz frequency bands is currently available in over 60 cities.

Vodafone
Vodafone is currently deploying over 3.100 5G stations in Germany, which are expected to serve more than 30 million people by the end of 2021. In 2022, 3.000 5G projects are planned to be implemented, promising 9.000 additional antennas for the fifth generation of mobile communications nationwide.

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