You’ve likely heard all about 3G, 4G, and 5G in discussions about cell phones. These terms refer to the third, fourth, and fifth generations of cellular technology. What does that mean in general, and what does that mean for fleets? This article will answer all your questions about these generations of technology and help guide you in choosing technology for your fleet.
What is the Difference Between 3G, 4G, and 5G?
Let’s start with 3G. 3G came out as the new cellular generation in 2001. This network can reach speeds of 7.2 Mbps or megabits per second. The first cellular-connected home security systems ran on 3G, as before, they went through landlines. If you’re using a 3G device today, you can still video call and access the internet. However, your connection will be slow, and you’ll also notice that your network slows down at certain times of the day.
Meanwhile, 4G can reach network speeds of 150 Mbps. This makes it much easier to enjoy online games and high-quality videos. 4G can also be used for streaming. It was adopted in 2009 to make room for many of the cellular technologies we enjoy today. However, you may still notice that your connection slows down at peak times.
5G is the current generation of cellular technology. It can reach speeds above 1 Gbps or gigabit per second. Some estimate that it can even reach 20 Gpbs. 5G opens the door for all kinds of options when it comes to cellular technology. Think of autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, and high-definition streaming. 5G also won’t give you problems at any time of day.
Is a 5G GPS Tracker Necessary for Fleets?
The short answer is no (for now).
5G is excellent for online gaming, high-definition streaming, and video conferencing. That’s because it’s meant to transmit a lot of data in a short amount of time. However, modern GPS devices are data-efficient. This means that implementing 5G may be overkill right now. Not to mention, 5G coverage doesn’t exist everywhere yet.
However, this does not mean a 5G tracker won’t be beneficial in the future. The networks are expanding, and new GPS technology may be right around the corner.
Get the Best GPS Tracker on the Market
Your fleet needs the best when it comes to GPS technology; after all, these trackers are the backbone of fleet management as a whole. Azuga’s state-of-the-art fleet tracker is only part of a comprehensive fleet management solution covering all aspects of the business. This tracker installs in just 20 seconds and operates in real-time, meaning you’ll always have up-to-date data on your vehicles’ location, telematics, and more. Our fleet tracking solution can help you achieve your goals, no matter what they are. Schedule a demo with one of our experts to discuss how we can accomplish your goals with Azuga’s fleet management solution.
