Mobile technology has continuously evolved from voice-only devices to smartphones that function as phones, internet browsers, banking devices, and streaming platforms. Here are some of the important developments in recent mobile technology.
As mobile operators expand their infrastructure, we will see a wider area of the country being provided with 5G coverage. This will mean that it will be possible to access 5G coverage in more parts of the country, and not just in certain locations.
Likewise, with more 5G-enabled devices entering the market, within the next few years as older phones are upgraded, more and more of us will be able to utilise the benefits of this faster and more reliable mobile technology.
The benefit of this will not only be seen in general consumer mobile usage but also in the world of connected devices. With expanded coverage and connectivity, more smart devices and other devices connected to the internet will help to improve our day-to-day lives. This will extend to smart devices within vehicles, smart appliances in our homes, and smart devices used by hospitals and medical services.
5G was introduced in 2019 and experts believe that the 6th generation of mobile connectivity could be available in 2030. Each generation of this technology brings advancements in what we can do. This includes increased speed when it comes to internet browsing and the speed at which our mobile applications run. We are also likely to see further advances in the technology of devices used to connect to 6G.
While eSIMs have been on the market for some years, we can expect to see a rise in their popularity over the coming years. The key difference between a regular SIM card and an eSIM is the physical SIM card itself. An eSIM is a digital SIM integrated on a user’s device which enables a new approach in switching between operators, such as simply requiring a user to scan a QR code to connect to a mobile operator and begin using their service.
This means increased functionality and flexibility for users. Switching will be easier as you will not have to wait for a physical SIM to switch from one provider to another. Likewise, it will be easier to use dual-SIM-enabled phones. In this case, there could be less need to have two devices, such as a work phone and a personal phone, as two different SIMs will allow users to use different numbers on the same device.
Additionally, when traveling in a foreign country – be that in Europe or further afield, using a local SIM card to access local data plans may help to avoid roaming costs and improve connectivity.
Mobile service providers are gradually phasing out their 3G network services and will continue to do so in the coming months and years. This allows providers to focus on increasing the deployment of more advanced technologies, 4G and 5G.
For more information on 3G retirement, visit our dedicated webpage.
As the technology aimed at benefiting every one of us continues to develop, so too does technology used by hackers and fraudsters.
We advise you to be careful when using your mobile, especially when it comes to potential scam communications.
We have more information for those looking for advice on scams here.
The recent boom in internet-connected devices is expected to continue with the rollout of 5G. These range from smart devices in our homes (smart appliances, thermostats, security systems, etc.) to fitness and health trackers (smartwatches, health monitors, etc.). Essentially, IoT devices are those that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet.
As existing 5G service providers continue to expand their coverage, and other retailers begin offering 5G, we can expect to see more advanced IoT devices entering the marketplace.