*Per Marcelo Eduardo Cosentino
The arrival of the 5G network is a significant milestone in the communications scenario and an exponential advance for the technological sector, and Brazil has made significant advances in preparing for the full adoption of the new mobile network. While frequency auctions have been held, laying the foundation for the deployment of this technology, large telecommunications companies have also invested in infrastructure and development of 5G networks in urban centers, providing greater connectivity and faster communication speeds for urban and suburban areas.
And this all makes a lot of sense. The impact and financial return that the 5G network can bring to the economy is gigantic – and this across the most different sectors. We observe that intelligent manufacturing, the famous Industry 4.0, for example, will benefit from low network latency to expand communication between machines and enhance performance; while Logistics can be optimized, with routes and cargo tracking in real time. An important driver of our economy, Agribusiness tends to grow even more with the adoption of technologies on more remote properties, with active crop monitoring, intelligent irrigation, automated herd management, and so on.
Looking also at the Education sector, we hope that the 5G network has the power to, in fact, democratize teaching, but we know that in this segment we have other obstacles related to inequalities between public and private institutions. Ultimately, there are several scenarios that can be transformed for the better with 5G.
Challenges of the 5G journey in Brazil
However, at the same time that we are already seeing progress on this agenda here in the country, the journey towards the effective popularization of 5G faces multifaceted challenges, especially considering the continental dimensions of our territory and the need for adequate infrastructure to guarantee its accessibility in all areas of the country. , including remote regions not currently reached by connectivity. This is because network infrastructure requires massive investments in transmission towers, optical fiber, network equipment, as well as regulation and acquisition of licenses.
Parallel to this scenario, the regulatory environment can also be complex and slow, which could end up delaying the full implementation of the 5G network in the country. Issues related to licensing, rights of way and cybersecurity standards need to be developed and approved to facilitate the expansion of technology and guarantee quality services; Another challenge is the high cost of making the new connection available, which could end up being passed on to consumers.
Collaboration and collective effort
Amid this enormous potential to be explored, it is important to be aware that digital inequality is also a latent challenge in Brazil, and the implementation of 5G could worsen this disparity. Therefore, without a doubt, overcoming a challenge like this requires a highly collaborative approach between government, the private sector and society. Digital inclusion programs, such as the creation of public Wi-Fi access points in urban and rural areas, and distribution or subsidies for the purchase of cell phones or computers for low-income populations can reduce this digital gap. Another important measure is investment in education and technological training, with the implementation of school curricula that include basic digital skills, as well as training for adults. Preparing the population to effectively use technology is essential to ensure that Brazilians can fully enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity, in addition to also impacting qualifications for entering the job market in a more competitive way.
The country is facing a unique opportunity to boost innovation, competitiveness and socioeconomic development through the implementation of the 5G network. It is still necessary, of course, to pay attention and ensure that the challenges mentioned, and many others that exist, are overcome in their entirety. But continued investment in infrastructure and regulation will certainly ensure maximum use of the benefits of 5G, meeting the needs of an increasingly connected and digitalized world.
*Marcelo Eduardo Cosentino, Vice President of Business for Segments at TOTVS
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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