Technology advances at such a breakneck pace that it can sometimes be hard to keep up. One technological advancement that has been a topic of discussion and anticipation for many years is 5G.

What is 5G?

The wireless technology experts at Qualcomm note that “5G” is the term used to refer to the fifth generation mobile network. The excitement surrounding 5G stems from promises that this network will be able to handle more connected devices than any previous network, giving it the potential to change the way people live and work.

Why is the arrival of 5G so highly anticipated?

The anticipation surrounding 5G wireless technology is related to its potential. PCMag.com notes that bigger channels, which speed up the transmission of data; lower latency, which is associated with vastly superior, more responsive user experiences; and greater network capacity are three calling cards of 5G networks. Faster downloads, near-instant access to multiplayer cloud gaming and more uniform user experiences are just some of the ways that Qualcomm expects fully realized 5G networks to benefit users.

Isn’t 5G already here?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. While wireless carriers have already rolled out their 5G networks, the user experience on those networks is not yet all that different from their experiences on 4G net works. That’s because existing 5G networks currently have very little coverage. In the past, it’s taken years before users benefitted fully from previous transitions from one network to another, and the transition from 4G to 5G figures to follow that same trajectory. However, according to estimates from the GSM Association, an industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators across the globe, by 2025 around half of all mobile connections will be 5G.

The excitement surrounding 5G is warranted. Consumers anxiously anticipating the widespread availability of 5G likely won’t have to wait much longer before 5G accessibility improves their mobile experiences.