5G technology has arrived and promises to transform the way we live, work and connect with the world. Much more than a simple upgrade of the mobile network, this technology brings with it a set of innovations that go beyond internet speed, opening doors to new opportunities in countless sectors of society.

What is 5G?

5G, or the fifth generation of mobile communications, is the latest evolution in telecommunications networks. With speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G and very low latency, this technology has a density (connectivity) capacity of up to one million connected devices per square kilometre - which means more speed and volume of simultaneous data transmission.

As well as being a major advance for the day-to-day lives of millions of users, it will boost other technological advances, such as autonomous cars, virtual and augmented reality, remote surgery and even artificial intelligence mechanisms.

What impacts will 5G have on different sectors?

In areas where connectivity is still a challenge, 5G is emerging as a solution capable of transforming everyday life and promoting regional development:

• Health: improving patient support through remote monitoring, such as doctor's appointments and diagnoses via video call.
• Education: reliable connectivity for schools and training centres, bringing new learning content to virtual classrooms with the use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.
• Agriculture: increased efficiency in monitoring harvest conditions and applying pesticides (via drone), as well as monitoring livestock in real time.
• Art and culture: new possibilities for remote curation and artistic co-creation in various formats, allowing art and culture to reach more isolated places.
• Tourism: development of applications and platforms to support local tourism, promoting themed itineraries with advanced multimedia content.
• Energy: promoting energy efficiency in buildings by implementing energy production and sharing mechanisms through renewable energy communities.

What impact will 5G have on people's daily lives?

The biggest impact on day-to-day life will be browsing speed. Users will now have access to speeds of more than 1 gig per second, which will allow them to watch 4K videos on a smartphone without breaks or even mobile gaming with a performance similar to using fixed networks.

To enjoy the potential of this technology, you need a smartphone compatible with the 5G network and be in an area covered by it.

A technological revolution within everyone's reach

The arrival of 5G promises to transform the digital world, ensuring that no-one is left behind. Aware of the profound impact this technology can have on Portugal's most isolated regions, dstelecom is leading a consortium that aims to bring 5G to 70,000 people in remote areas of the Alentejo by 2026.

The project, entitled ‘5G.RURAL - 5G for Rural Smart Communities of Tomorrow’, has the collaboration of NOS, Innovation Point and IrRadiare. This initiative aims to address the lack of digital access in rural areas, creating opportunities for economic development and providing local populations with access to services and opportunities that, until now, have been limited.

By ensuring that no-one is left behind, this project is contributing to a more cohesive country, where the benefits of technology reach everyone, regardless of their location.

We are witnessing the dawn of a new era, where technology can be a catalyst for a fairer and more connected future. With 5G, it's possible to overcome geographical barriers and open doors to new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, culture, tourism and energy.

Are you ready to be part of this transformation?