Of course, 5G is more than just about streaming. 5G will also see the growth of immersive media formats like AR and VR. This is because 5G will offer the necessary resources for better user experience. This growth will reflect on a number of industry use cases ranging from AR/VR enabled gaming to conducting surgeries.

Additionally, the technology opens up better avenues for many other industries as well.

Take for instance the automotive industry. Companies like Google and Uber have been working on autonomous vehicles for years. But 5G will add a much-needed ingredient to the formula in the form of high-speed communication. The high bit rate offered by 5G would enable more effective communication of data such as 3D mapping data. Additionally, the ability to exchange sensory data would enhance situational awareness, an important consideration in going autonomous.

Of course, the opportunities extend to public transport as well. As Qualcomm puts it, “Imagine if buses had flexible routes, depending on traffic patterns, or how requesting rides could change with autonomous vehicles.”

Drones are another interesting segment that will get more than a facelift from 5G. Think 5G-enabled disaster recovery drones. Faster communication and the ability to share real-time data translates to increased effectiveness in disaster recovery operations. Another promising use case would be delivery. Autonomous drones could very well play a bigger role in the delivery game, particularly in the backdrop of COVID-19.

These are only some of the potential beneficiaries of 5G hitting the commercial market. But how far are we really away from seeing this potential realized? That depends on how fast the actual technology is moving forward. With the current pandemic topped off with the global politics in play, that might be a tricky question to answer.