5G Wireless: Capabilities and Challenges for an Evolving Network |
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5G Wireless: Capabilities and Challenges for an Evolving Network, Report no. GAO-21-26SP, Nov 2020 |
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.
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