5G technology does not rely on satellites. Previous communication standards (such as 3G) only revolve around a single communication platform. Each new mobile communication standard only focuses on improving the efficiency of spectrum utilization. 5G is different. 5G no longer relies on a single communication platform. The introduction of new air interface standards and the improvement of spectrum utilization efficiency are only one aspect of 5G. More importantly, it is to improve the comprehensive communication service capabilities. In the 5G era, wireless communication, wired communication, IP network services, etc. will be integrated into a whole, and the platforms will work together to achieve more effective, comprehensive, faster and safer communication services.
However, in actual use, there are still many shortcomings:
- Limited coverage.
The development of mobile Internet is commercial-oriented and profitable. This makes it impossible for its base station layout to cover every corner. It is estimated that about 3 billion people in the world cannot access the Internet. In some special areas, such as deserts, oceans, mountains, etc., operators will not build base stations because it is difficult to make profits, and the network coverage in these places has become blank. I believe everyone has had similar experiences. When walking on a long bridge, the mobile phone signal will suddenly disappear. This is caused by the imperfect layout of the base station.
- Insufficient support for the low-altitude economy.
Current ground-based 5G antennas primarily provide ground coverage, significantly inadequate for low-altitude devices like aircraft and drones. While 5GA (version 5.5 of the 5G system), currently under development and promotion, aims to address the network needs of the low-altitude economy, its coverage capabilities are limited. Furthermore, upgrading from 5G to 5GA is costly.
- The vulnerability of terrestrial internet in emergency response.
In the event of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, terrestrial internet access is easily disrupted and difficult to restore quickly.
