Feb 5, 2019

As 3G begins to phase out and 4G begins taking over, 5G won’t be far behind. With faster speeds than ever before, 5G will mean greater capabilities for digital signage, among other applications.
With so much digital signage around us, it all starts to blend together. However, 5G will enable digital signage to stand out with more tailored and focused content. Those with traditional digital signage content will now be able to take it even further.
With speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second, 5G will be as much as 1,000 times faster than 4G (Raconteur). The extra speed is also accompanied by lower latency, aiming for 1ms or less to fulfill a request (Gemalto).
These benefits open up many opportunities for the signage space, including higher quality content and more real-time updates. This is because the greater speed reduces the need to compress video, which will allow signage to pull and display higher quality content without having to host it locally.
The higher speed will also enable greater opportunities for augmented and virtual realities. This will allow digital signage to allow for a more immersive, interactive content experience.
With the overall increase of speed when 5G hits, an increase in response time will require state-of-the-art equipment. A fast response will improve data processing which will result in the suggestion of proper content. This means that streaming options will be optimized for better understanding and perception by the customer.
This means that displays will be able to interact with mobile devices, applications, and cameras, the sensors of which will process the personal data to achieve the maximum satisfaction of the customer (Digital Signage Today).
For example, when visiting a restaurant, you might be offered a special menu in accordance with your diet goals and health condition. The key here is that such information will be provided to you as soon as you enter the restaurant, i.e. the data will be processed and displayed faster than you could read the standard menu.
5G will be improving many areas of technology and the signage space is just one of them. There's a lot to look forward to when it comes to 5G so make sure you have a connectivity provider that will be able to upgrade you when the time comes.
To learn more about OptConnect's digital signage connectivity, click here.