The Internet of Things is rapidly finding its way into society. Nowadays almost everything can be hooked up to the web. Broadband providers are struggling to keep updated with the demands of the latest innovations. These 5 Internet predictions will give you an insight into where the industry is heading.
5G Will Be Phased-In
One of the most logical Internet predictions will be the implementation of the next generation of wireless networks. When 5G is utilized on a broader scale the 4G phase-out will begin. This is because it will require a brand new network of antennas, capable of supporting the ultra-high frequency (millimeter) wave bands.
Smart Cities Will Be Developed
Five years ago Kansas City started offering residents Google Fiber and free public Wi-Fi. In addition, 125 smart LED street lights and a streetcar route (complete with kiosks at regular intervals) were installed. It has now gained the title of the world’s most connected Smart City. While the results of the experiment are still in their infancy, other cities are gearing up to follow suit. Now many regional governments in the United States are investing in ICT and IoT technologies.
Machine Learning Will Gain Prominence
We keep on hearing about “big data” and how it’s changing the world. However, the manpower required to process the information is truly staggering. Web-based systems are currently in development that will synthesize the data automatically — a process called machine learning. This will make it easier for humans (and computers) to pinpoint problems with broadband connections.
Fiber Optic Will Become a Worldwide Standard
Fiber optic broadband provides an average speed of 38 mbps in the UK. However, in some areas it can provide up to 1 gbps. That said, even in the most technologically advanced cities in the world ultra-fast broadband is still not possible. If things carry on going this way a standard 38 mbps connection won’t cut the mustard. With the increasing demands of the Internet of Things cable companies will have to start thinking about upgrading their current systems.
Mobile Broadband Will Get Cheaper
This is perhaps one of the biggest bonuses of all. According to Broadband Company Numbers SIM-only mobile broadband packages with rolling contracts are becoming increasingly popular. This is because more people are using the Internet as their sole method of communication. Data charges have, therefore, become more important than the amount of texts and minutes one receives.
Many don’t realize it, but we are at the beginning of a massive technological breakthrough. The Internet has already changed our lives, and now it’s starting to find a foothold beyond computer screens. Should any of these Internet predictions come true it’ll be just a matter of time before we truly comprehend just how far the technology can take us.