How 5G Will Change Television and Streaming Services: The Future of Communication and Content (with Real Data and Tables)

In addition, 5G has much greater bandwidth. This means that networks will be able to simultaneously support many more connected devices without reducing performance. According to forecasts by Ericsson, by 2026, the average user in developed countries will consume an average of 18.9 GB of mobile traffic per month, with a significant portion of this traffic coming from high-resolution streaming video. 5G, with its increased bandwidth, will be able to handle this growing demand.

Finally, ultra-low latency, which is only 1-10 milliseconds, is another key advantage of 5G. According to Statista, the average latency in 4G networks in 2023 was about 60 milliseconds. The reduction in latency in 5G is critical for interactive applications such as online games and video conferencing, but it will also have a significant impact on streaming television, providing a smoother and more responsive interaction.
 

Transformation of Traditional Television: New Opportunities for Broadcasters (with Examples)

Although many predict the decline of traditional television, 5G can breathe new life into it by providing broadcasters with the tools for innovation and audience engagement.

• High-Quality Wireless Broadcasting: Companies like BT Sport in the UK are already conducting trials of live broadcasts of sporting events in 8K format over 5G networks. This eliminates the need for complex and expensive cable infrastructure, especially when filming in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
• Personalized Content: Broadcasters are exploring the possibilities of using 5G to provide personalized advertisements and alternative camera angles during live broadcasts. For example, during a football match broadcast, viewers will be able to choose which team or player they want to follow.
• Integration with Interactive Technologies: Ericsson, together with partners, has demonstrated the possibilities of using 5G to create immersive VR broadcasts of sporting events, where viewers can feel like they are in the stadium while at home.
• Improved Image and Sound Quality: The development of 5G networks is contributing to the spread of content in 4K and 8K formats. According to Deloitte, the number of households with 8K televisions will reach 33 million by 2025, and 5G will be a key technology for delivering such content.
   

Revolution in Streaming Services: Limitless Possibilities for Subscribers (with Data and Examples)

Streaming services have long changed the way we consume video content, and 5G will take them to a whole new level.

• Ultra-High-Resolution Streaming Without Buffering: According to a Nokia report, 5G network users consume 3 times more mobile traffic compared to 4G users, with the majority of this traffic being streaming video. This indicates consumers' readiness for higher quality content when the appropriate network infrastructure is available.
• Improved Mobile Viewing: Mobile operators such as Verizon in the USA are actively promoting their 5G services as the ideal solution for watching streaming video on mobile devices, emphasizing the absence of buffering and high image quality even in a congested network.
• New Content Formats: Platforms like NextVR (acquired by Apple) have used 5G networks to stream sporting events and concerts in VR format, offering viewers a sense of presence.
• Development of Cloud Gaming Services: Cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now rely on the low latency and high bandwidth of 5G to provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience on various devices. According to Newzoo, the cloud gaming market will reach $6.5 billion by 2024, and 5G will play a key role in its further growth.
• Integration with AR and VR: Companies like Magic Leap are developing AR headsets that will be able to use 5G networks to stream immersive content and interact with virtual objects in the real world.

Potential Applications of 5G in Television and Streaming Services

New Content Formats and Experiences: Beyond Traditional Viewing

The impact of 5G on television and streaming services will not be limited to improving the quality of existing formats. This technology will create the foundation for the emergence of completely new types of content and ways of consuming it.

• Immersive VR/AR Experiences: According to IDC, global spending on AR/VR technologies will reach $143 billion by 2023, and 5G will be a key factor driving this growth by providing the necessary bandwidth and low latency for wireless VR/AR headsets.
• Interactive Content: Platforms are beginning to experiment with interactive formats, allowing viewers to choose the ending of a movie or influence the course of a broadcast. 5G, with its real-time two-way communication capabilities, will make such formats even more appealing.
• Holographic Television: Although holographic television technology is still in the early stages of development, some companies are already demonstrating prototypes using 5G networks to transmit holographic images. For example, Holo-Light has developed a solution that allows real-time streaming of 3D holograms over 5G networks.
   

The Role of 5G in Content Creation and Distribution: Changes on the Industry Side

The impact of 5G will not be limited to just the consumer side. This technology will also have a significant impact on how content is created and distributed.

• Remote Production and Collaboration: With the development of 5G networks, more and more media companies will be able to use remote workflows for content creation. This will reduce equipment and personnel costs, as well as attract specialists from around the world.
• Fast Transfer of Large Files: Mobile operators are offering special 5G-based solutions for media companies that allow for the fast and secure transfer of large video files, significantly speeding up the post-production process.
• New Opportunities for Journalism and News Reporting: TV channels and news agencies are already using 5G for live high-quality broadcasts from disaster zones and other hard-to-reach locations, ensuring the timeliness and reliability of information.
   

Challenges and Opportunities: Towards a New Media Landscape

Despite the enormous potential, the implementation of 5G in the field of television and streaming services is associated with certain challenges. According to OpenSignal, the average availability of 5G networks worldwide in 2023 was about 15%, indicating the need for further infrastructure development. In addition, the cost of 5G smartphones and tariff plans remains relatively high for now, although it is expected to decrease over time.

Nevertheless, the opportunities that 5G opens up for television and streaming services far outweigh these challenges. According to forecasts by PwC, the global media and entertainment market, supported by 5G technology, will reach $750 billion by 2025.

The Future is Already Here: How We Will Watch TV and Stream Content in a 5G World

In the near future, we can expect the following changes in how we consume television and streaming content thanks to 5G:

• Widespread Adoption of Ultra-High-Resolution Video: Analysts predict a significant increase in the consumption of 4K and 8K content on mobile devices and televisions as 5G networks spread.
• More Interactive and Personalized Experiences: Streaming services will actively implement interactive features and use user data to provide more personalized content.
• The Rise of VR/AR Entertainment: New VR/AR platforms and content are expected to emerge, leveraging the capabilities of 5G to create more realistic and immersive experiences.
• Development of Cloud Gaming Services: Cloud gaming services will become more popular due to improved performance and reduced latency in 5G networks.
• More Flexible and Affordable Subscription Options: Competition in the streaming service market will lead to the emergence of more flexible and affordable subscription plans.
• Integration with Other Technologies: 5G will further facilitate the integration of television and streaming services with other smart devices and services in our homes.
   

Conclusion: 5G as a Catalyst for Change

5G is not just an evolution of mobile communication; it is a true catalyst for change that will fundamentally alter many aspects of our lives, including how we watch television and consume streaming content. Promising unprecedented speed, ultra-low latency, and enormous bandwidth, 5G opens the door to completely new possibilities and experiences that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. As 5G networks are deployed around the world, we will witness a true revolution in the media industry that will forever change our perception of television and streaming services. The future of communication and content is already on the horizon, and it looks incredibly exciting.