With the widespread launch of 5G technology in New Zealand fast approaching, 1 NEWS takes a look at how it will affect our everyday lives.
The most visible example may end up being driverless cars.
While the big auto companies have been trialling autonomous vehicles for a while now, the ultra-fast, near-instantaneous data speeds of 5G is the gamebreaker that makes them viable.
Sensors on self-driving cars will connect to other vehicles, road sensors, traffic lights in a bid to mimic human reflexes.
Many experts consider them safer than human-controlled cars.
The next generation of communication isn’t just for phones.
Moving to the operating theatre and 5G is set to have a big impact on healthcare.
High-quality video streaming and other real-time data means a doctor will be able to use monitoring technology to give you a detailed check-up without leaving the office.
The technology will also give us access to medical specialists from around the world.
For instance, a surgeon in the US could control robotic equipment to operate on someone here in New Zealand.
The procedure is more cost-effective and is already taking place in other parts of the world.
New Zealand’s 5G roll-out isn’t expected to be completed for several years yet.
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