Global leap to 4G and 5G would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.

  • Telecom companies aim to profit from the 2G-to-5G transition as governments worldwide face pressure to free up mobile spectrum.
  • Vietnam is the latest country to shut down 2G by offering free 4G phones to the poor.
  • India and South Africa have expressed concern that the strategy would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.
    • TeaOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      811 days ago

      [Not Serious] 3 numbers more.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      310 days ago

      The “g” stands for generation. So it’s the 5th iteration of the technology versus the 2nd iteration. Whilst there are many improvements (speed, capacity, security etc) there are some negatives. (I believe mainly to do with signal penetration - i.e. getting a signal in basements, stone wall houses, being behind objects etc.)

      Where I’m currently staying I have: 2G, edge, 4G and 5G signals available.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      2
      edit-2
      10 days ago

      Obviously Internet speed and call quality, plus there are many good technical changes under the hood, such as proper isolation of calls etc.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        English
        210 days ago

        I think it handles congestion better and saves energy for the cell tower. It’s a good choice for crowded city centres, near university campuses and train stations where many people frequent