The digital economy aims to make end-to-end communication and transactions faster for individuals and corporations. Achieving this requires integrating the newest generation of mobile network technology—5G. This article explores how the rollout of 5G technology is crucial to Canada’s digital infrastructure, driving development and growth while bridging the digital divide.

5G and the digital economy

The dawn of 5G technology presents a transformative shift in the digital economy, improving connectivity and driving innovation that will lead to economic growth across various sectors. A PwC report stated that adopting 5G could add over $1.3tn to the global GDP by 2030, with healthcare, smart utilities and consumer media contributing the most. 5G, which in theory is 10 to 50 times faster than 4G, is expected to facilitate real-time data transfer for applications used in autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and digital/smart manufacturing.

Digital entertainment is also expected to benefit from 5G, especially online gaming and interaction. Online casino gaming, for instance, requires high-speed internet connectivity and stability, ensuring that players on Royal Panda and other platforms can explore them with minimal latency. Online casinos typically host thousands of players and require stable digital infrastructure for efficient operations, especially for live casino gaming.

The key features of 5G that make this possible are:

• Speed and reliability: 5G will deliver speeds far surpassing those that 4G can offer, providing internet connectivity at the fastest rate.
  
• Bandwidth and capacity: 5G can carry up to 100 times the traffic capacity of 4G and has a higher bandwidth than previous technologies. This is crucial for digital applications that serve a huge client base to ensure they are always accessible. 5G’s higher bandwidth also makes it easier to scale business operations that rely on internet connectivity.
  
• Latency: 5G typically has a latency of one millisecond. This ultra-low latency in 5G connectivity ensures seamless real-time, end-to-end communication.
  

Massive device connectivity, higher data rates, enhanced security, network slicing, and energy efficiency are other important features of 5G.

Why the continued rollout of 5G is key

Canada ranked at number nine of countries with well-developed digital infrastructure and ranked among the countries with the most digital competitiveness in 2023. These results are due to deliberate and strategic actions to achieve the goals of the digital economy program.

Economic growth potential

The economic potential of 5G adoption for various industries is massive. The continued rollout of 5G and supporting infrastructure creates more job opportunities for engineers and other professionals while unlocking new markets. The resulting speed and stability can help individuals, organizations and the government reduce waste and losses, becoming more efficient and saving resources. 5G will also enhance Canada’s position as a global digital hub for creators and investors, increasing its global competitiveness in international trade, innovation, and politics. Locally, the government may see an increase in revenue from new markets and businesses that thrive thanks to 5G.

Bridging the digital divide

Canada is years behind its 5G infrastructure and spectrum allocations compared to other advanced countries. This is important because the adoption of 5G can bridge digital infrastructure gaps, especially in Canada’s remote regions with underserved populations. Providing high-speed internet with 5G unlocks digital banking, economic opportunities and social inclusivity, which are important for the digital economy too. The immediate and long-term benefits for Canada’s economy include unlocking new markets and bringing regulatory oversight to underregulated and unregulated markets.

Transforming industries

Smart cities, IoT integration, and healthcare innovations are important ways that 5G is transforming industries in Canada. Adopting autonomous vehicles and clean energy could even become mainstream. 5G provides the connectivity for smart cities and IoT communication and will be key to transforming how humans interact with one another and the digital world.

Canada’s healthcare industry is being transformed to meet growing needs and dynamic challenges with technologies like telemedicine and mobile clinics that will help people access quality healthcare despite geographical limitations. 5G will enhance connectivity for telemedicine, data transfer and communication in mobile clinics and enable the future use of remote surgery and industrial operations too.

Challenges with 5G adoption in Canada

Despite the government’s investment in advancing 5G technology and partnerships with private companies, several challenges persist. Regulatory frameworks, lack of investment, security, and privacy are among these challenges. Spectrum availability, policies and public health concerns are also key challenges facing the adoption of 5G in the country. To overcome these, the government must develop long-term solutions that address these issues and make the technology safe and affordable for both private and public use.