There are questions lingering around the phasing out of the 4G network sooner or later. According to the tech giants the introduction of 5G is more focused on facilitating advanced network service.
With the introduction of 5G, the mobile service providers are more interested in enhancing the LTE service connectivity and to figure out ways to reach out to a larger portion of their users and audience.
This implies to the fact that the LTE which is an abbreviation for “Long term evolution” is certainly going to stick around for a while and transition through all its phases.
When Will 4G Be Phased Out?
A number of mobile service providers across the globe are already on the brink of phasing out the 2G and 3G network services by the end of the year 2022.
Companies from the continents of America, Europe, Africa and Asia have made the official declaration for this transition. Some of those prominent companies include- AT&T, Vodafone, and Telkom etc.
Since the world has just started navigating the prospects of the 5G network we will definitely not be able to announce the sunset of the 4G network just yet.
The tech companies are constantly working towards designing gadgets and devices which can accustom both 4G and 5G network for establishing better online connectivity.
In terms of efficiency and cost the 4G VolTE network still remains a lucrative option hence the demand for it is staggering day by day.
As per general overview and calculations it is pretty clear that the phasing out of the 4G network is certainly not around the corner for at least the next 8-10 years.
How Many Years Will 4G Be Around?
Since the earlier phases of the M2M and IoT devices were reliant on the 2G and 3G network, this year they are experiencing a serious hit due to the closure of these services.
Nonetheless the tech companies are orienting their focus on creating IoT based devices which can work better with the 4G VolTE / 5G connectivity.
5G is currently at a substantial rise but due to fact that the microwaves of the 5G network cannot transfer to a greater distance than 500 meters, the reach of the network connection is still questionable.
Let’s pan out a few pointers where the 4G and 5G networks can be put to test against each other:
- Robotics: One of the greatest pros of the 5G network is the latency. While the 4G network poses a latency of 20 seconds the 5G has dramatically reduced the latency to 1 second. This is a massive factor which can play out in the long run for seamlessly monitoring the robots at a massive scale. But, currently the 4G VoLTE network is carrying out the process smoothly if not more efficiently.
- Traffic: This is a sector which definitely requires an upgrade with the introduction of the 5G network. This is again a part where the latency comes into play. For the purpose of recording the speed and carrying out other traffic related operations the 4G network is delivering efficient results. But, the introduction of 5G will potentially open new doors and possibilities in this sector.
Essentially the impact of 4G cannot be nullified only due to the fact that we are slowly transitioning to a better network connection.
As we discover new possibilities in the field of network connectivity we will certainly be capable of incorporating the aspects of the older generations of network connection and tap into a world of better connectivity.
Will 4G Phones Still Work After 5G?
Yes. There are a range of IoT devices available in the market which will support the use of 4G as well as 5G in a greater sense. This is due to the fact that 5G is currently not largely available.
It goes without saying that at least for the next decade the 4G will definitely be sticking around if not for longer. In the present scenario 5G is not the ultimate replacement for the 4G network.
Mobile companies are testing out and launching 5G phones and devices in the market which also support 4G and other generations of network services.
Here’s a list of global mobile brands that have successfully launched 5G phones in the market:
- Xiaomi
- Samsung
- Oppo
- Huawei
- OnePlus
- iPhone
- Motorola
- LG
Several IoT devices and gadgets that are available in the market still use the 4G network to initially connect to 5G. This proves that both the networks can co-exist within the same device.
Will 5G Make Older Phones Obsolete?
No. You can certainly hold on to your 4G VolTE supportive devices and phones for longer even after the introduction of 5G. It is not necessary to go out and purchase the 5G phones yet.
Due to the buzz it is apparent that people are questioning the due time our trusted 4G network will still be relevant. But it is not until the next decade that we will be able to observe a drastic transition.
Until then it is wise to not discard your 4G devices and mobiles in the trash. Also keep in mind that the 5G mobiles being launched in the market do support both network connections.
Here are a few reasons why 5G has not yet been able to take over the 4G network:
- The high-frequency waves can only travel a distance of 500 meters.
- The 5G millimetre waves cannot travel through obstacles like glass or a wall.
- Due to the lack of reach the 5G towers have to be installed within a reach of 500 meters which is unscalable from health and environment perspective.
- These factors directly imply the higher cost of installation of the 5G cell towers.
Will 4G Phones be Obsolete?
No. Even though there is a hike in the purchase of 5G mobiles and phones, the demand for the 4G network service is still not obsolete.
5G network coverage is limited as of the present world scenario which is basically the reason why 4G phones will still be in demand for at least the next 10 years.
Moreover the 5G network is here to provide an upgrade to the LTE service. It is being estimated that by the year 2025 nearly 15% of the world will have 5G network coverage.
Conclusion
So to wrap this up, we would like you to know that the 4G network is sticking around for longer until the buzz around the 5G network gains proper scalability and momentum.
We are still at the very early phase of exploring the prospects of the 5G network, and by the time 5G becomes available to a larger portion of the globe it might be more than a decade. Until then 4G is not phasing out or becoming obsolete.