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5G Wireless: Capabilities and Challenges for an Evolving Network

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Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date Nov. 24, 2020
Release Date Nov. 24, 2020
Report No. GAO-21-26SP
Summary:

Fifth-generation (5G) wireless promises not just to increase speeds but to enable new applications like automated cars and smart factories.

We reviewed U.S. 5G development. It's still early, with efforts focusing on increasing speed and connecting more devices. Technologies that enable 5G's full potential are expected within the next decade.

We also highlight key challenges to 5G and present policy options to address them. For example, 5G is expected to greatly increase data transmission, which would require more radio frequency spectrum—a scarce resource. To help, policymakers could promote research into more efficient use of radio spectrum.

Forecast of total worldwide mobile data usage

Graph showing historical data uploaded and downloaded from fiscal years 2011 to 2019 as well as forecasted data from 2020 to 2025.

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