After years of hype about gigabit speeds that will let you download full-length movies in mere seconds, 5G is close to becoming a reality.

Normally, it takes about 26 hours to download a 2 hour film on 3G, about 6 minutes on 4G but with 5G you’ll be ready to watch your film in just 3.6 seconds.

So what is 5G?

Call it the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering increased capacity, lower latency, faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before.

5G is a software defined network; that means it could easily replace the need for cables by largely operating on the cloud.

What should we expect?

• 100 times more capacity than 4G which means faster internet speed.
• Faster Response time. 4G currently responds to our commands in just under 50 milliseconds, with 5G it’ll take around 1 millisecond – 400 times faster than the blink of the eye.
• Smartphone users will enjoy a more streamlined experience

The promise is that 5G technology will indeed increase data transfer speeds on your phone or tablet. Yet 5G’s potential extends far beyond faster film downloads and streaming. Telecom companies are investing great deals of money into overhauling wireless broadband to bring this next-generation network infrastructure to the masses.

When is it coming?

Verizon launched its 5G mobile service in April, beginning in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis, ahead of its competitors. Customers will have to pay an extra $10 a month to access it. Verizon’s first 5G smartphone will be the Moto Z3. The Z3’s 5G Moto Mod is currently available for preorder.

However, 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020, working alongside existing 3G and 4G technology to provide speedier connections that stay online no matter where you are.

Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G is stated to be the first true 5G phone (i.e. not retrofitted) out of the gate, but other phone makers, including LG, Huawei and ZTE have announced 5G devices of their own.