With 5G deployments rolling out across the world, the next
generation of mobile technology promises myriad benefits to
consumers, especially those who enjoy streaming videos. Recall that
when 4G LTE first launched, mobile operators partnered with pay-TV
providers and streaming services such as Netflix to showcase that
LTE allowed consumers to stream videos with their mobile devices.
While LTE provided a strong foundation for video streaming, 5G is
poised to enhance the consumer streaming experience even further
while also opening new revenue opportunities for enterprises.
LTE currently supports $40 billion in consumer revenues in the
online video market. With 5G, however, IHS Markit forecasts that
number to jump to $100 billion in the next five years. 5G will
offer countless opportunities for improved streaming experiences,
thanks to faster speeds, lower latency, stronger reliability,
higher capacity, and better mobility. Given such vast improvements,
IHS Markit predicts that there will be 1 billion 5G mobile
subscriptions by 2023.
The gaming industry in particular should benefit from the new
opportunities that 5G presents. Because online gaming requires low
latency and fast speeds for an optimal user experience, 5G will
deliver a vastly improved gaming experience. IHS Markit predicts
that revenue from mobile gaming will jump to $83 billion in the
next five years. Moreover, cloud gaming will also benefit since 5G
removes the need for high-cost hardware.
While streaming video and gaming will improve in the short term
because of the faster speeds and lower latency that 5G offers, the
long-term possibilities are perhaps even more compelling. For
example, immersive, “choose your own adventure” experiences and AR
stand to benefit a great deal from 5G. Augmented reality in
particular should show continued improvement on 5G because AR has
the entire smartphone footprint at its disposal. IHS Markit
predicts AR revenue to grow to over $3 billion in the next five
years.
While LTE generally provides a solid streaming experience, 5G
will make it easier for consumers to enjoy a host of streaming
options, such as binge-watching TV shows in 4K or playing online
games whenever they want and anywhere they go.
Sarah Henschel is senior research analyst for
media at IHS Markit
Posted 18 June 2019