5G is the 5th generation of the mobile network which replaces 4G and can deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, better network reliability, massive network capacity in areas with poor connectivity, and higher performance coupled with improved efficiency. While this will be a game-changer for mobile phones, its integration with other frontier technologies moves the connected world towards more enhanced user experiences, more connected devices and newer services. The reduced latency time will be beneficial to many industries like healthcare and aviation which need such real-time data and response. With 5G, up to 100 times more users and devices can be connected than with 4G, without network saturation or failures.
Oppo mobile, an early believer in the power of 5G, is a brand aggressively driving the adoption of 5G in India. It launched its first 5G handset- Reno 5 Pro 5G in the mid-range price segment in 2020 and has swiftly added more 5G mobiles to its product portfolio since then. It is all set to release the Oppo A53 5G shortly at a starting price of Rs 14990 and will overtake Realme Narzo 30 Pro to become the cheapest 5G phone in India. In Fact it has established a 5G innovation lab in Hyderabad which is the first R&D centre outside China to intensify it efforts and the company seems extremely bullish about the 5G adoption in India.
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Impact of 5G technology on the environment
While 5G deployment is still in progress and yet to be tested in India, there are certain anticipated impacts to the environment cited by the global community as below:
1. Energy Usage
Energy usage is one of the top contributors to climate change today and an increase in energy usage would further augment the existing climate change issues. The whole objective of the new 5G network is to allow for more devices to be used by the consumer at faster rates than ever before which will inevitably lead to an increase in energy usage globally. Moreover the technology itself is energy-demanding and will require more towers and energy to function properly.
2. Impact on ecosystem
5G uses high frequency millimeter waves that range between 30 GHz to 300GHz. Due to the high frequency characteristics, the waves do not travel long distances like 4G. Hence, towers must be erected closer to each other to provide clear 5G reception.
There is past scientific evidence to support that the proximity of these mobile towers does impact sensitive parts of the ecosystem like birds and bees. Hence the 5G technology can serve to amplify this impact with the need for increased towers.
3. Health impact
As with previous cellular technologies, the 5G network will rely on signals carried by radio waves – part of the electromagnetic spectrum. 5G uses higher frequency waves than earlier mobile networks and requires more transmitter masts than previous technologies. The WHO together with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified all radio frequency radiation (of which mobile signals are a part) as “possibly carcinogenic” however there isn’t enough evidence to prove the health consequences of 5G in particular.
4. Higher waste generation
While some 5G-enabled devices are already in the market, most current cell phones which are not 5G compatible will not be able to access the 5G network. Since speed is an important aspect of mobile browsing, many users will immediately want to upgrade to 5G compatible devices. This means plenty of phones will become obsolete making its way into landfills and ultimately electronic waste.
At the same time, 5G will provide many opportunities to protect and preserve the environment. 5G technology with IoT will be able to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable more use of renewable energy. It can also help reduce air and water pollution, minimize water and food waste, and protect wildlife. It can also expand our understanding of and hence improve decision-making about weather, agriculture, pests, industry, waste reduction and much more.
Purchase a 5G phone at the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store
While there are some environmental impacts predicted due to adoption of 5G technology, there is no denying that 5G is the future of our world. And so a good way to future-proof your handset would be to upgrade to a 5G compatible device which gives you the flexibility to easily use a 4G SIM card in the absence of 5G and seamlessly switch over to it.
And with the Oppo A53 now available in the under 15000 segment, there is little reason to defer your purchase on account of cost. You can simply log into the Bajaj Finserv EMI store and browse through the widest collection of 5G mobiles and use the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network card at checkout. The purchase cost will be divided into easy EMI at no additional cost for a maximum tenure of 24 months. You can also foreclose the loan at no additional cost.