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5G has the potential to radically change the ways in which some industries operate, unlocking not only new performance levels, but also enabling profound changes to working practices – potentially increasing access to labour while enhancing safety.

“Spending like the Jetsons, living like the Flintstones.” That was the key quote from one of the most clear-sighted keynote discussions at the recent Smart City Expo World Congress 2019 in Barcelona. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe cut right through the 5G hyperbole with his warning that if 5G rollout is handled incorrectly, it could carve open a 5G-driven social divide within our cities.

The latest figures regarding the number of commercially launched 5G services suggest that the technology has already gained some impressive momentum. According to new research from independent telecoms/mobile consultant Alan Hadden a total of 58 network operators have now commercially launched 5G services, in 32 countries – an increase of 75 per cent since July 2019 alone.

5G investments are gathering pace, but while there is uncertainty regarding future standardisation-  and clear gaps remain - there is growing recognition that the industry needs a sustainable future and that carbon consumption has become a key concern.