Telemedicine is remote doctor-patient consultation through a mobile device. This 5G use case moves simple consultations to be over the internet, through video calls. Indeed, these video calls will often take place over the 5G network.
Wearable devices allow for users to monitor, diagnose, and treat chronic diseases. Devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit will be increasingly connected to the 5G network. By being connected, these devices can collect and analyze broader sets of data about the user. In turn, this allows healthcare to shift from being treatment-based to precautionary.
The emerging technologies of 5G have the potential to fundamentally alter the role of wireless networks. 5G networks can increase connectivity from 300+ million people in the United States to connect billions of devices in the future. Therefore, as 5G develops and wireless networks expand from connecting everyone, to connecting everything, new use cases will develop. This will generate significant long-term demand for Crown Castle’s infrastructure, with towers remaining at the core of the wireless networks.
Over the last 20 years, there have been significant advances in the broader wireless industry. These advances include the rapid deployment of technology that has meaningfully moved the industry. For example, mobile penetration rates and voice minutes were tracked in 1G technology. Moving to 4G standards, where measurements are taken using unlimited data plans that feed an insatiable demand for data from consumers.
With the deployment of 5G during 2020, the industry is in the early stages of what is the next decade-long investment cycle. 5G will bring a step function change in the role that wireless networks play in supporting the digital economy going forward.
