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5G is expected to be rolled out in Ghana by September per the communique released by the National Communication Authority (NCA). Ghana will join the few African countries running the latest generation of mobile networks as it strives to push its digitalisation agenda.
The 4th generation of mobile networks(4G) was launched in Ghana in 2016 and close to a decade of its operations, only 30% of Ghanaians use 4G which raises questions about the usage and target for 5G. The problem isn’t availability but accessibility, simply put, the majority of Ghanaians use devices that support 2G and 3G only a few make use of 4G compatible devices. If this is the case, what is 5G usage going to be like? This must be a concern for a country that wants to build its economy around digitalisation.
It is possible that despite owning a 5G compatible device, you may not be aware of it. This article aims to provide guidance on determining the compatibility of your device with 5G networks and the key considerations when procuring a 5G compatible device.
Understanding 5G Technology
The next generation of mobile networks (5G) makes use of a technology called Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) and also higher radio frequencies to send digital signals and information faster.
It promises an overall improvement in performance over the 4G mobile network. It comes with a faster speed which in theory can reach 20 Gigabytes per second, a lower latency which cuts delays over data transmission and a vast network capacity for handling multiple devices while maintaining performance.
What impact is 5G bringing globally? It will improve our digital experience with faster download and upload speeds, and accelerate real-time interactions such as telemedicine, gaming etc.
You may want to check the difference between 4G and 5G.
5G Deployment in Ghana
Ghana is set to experience 5G in September 2024. AirtelTigo (AT), Vodafone, and MTN will provide this network to their customers.
The 5G infrastructure of Ghana is public and shared among seven companies Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana with MTN expected to join soon.
Each company listed has a key role in the deploying and maintaining of Ghana’s 5G infrastructure led by NextGen InfraCo.
According to the Minister of Communications and Digitilisation, Ursula Owusu, 5G is expected to cover 80% of Ghana within the next 3 years.
The question now is, “Is your device compatible with 5G, and are you ready for it?”
How to check if device is compatible with 5G
Most smartphones are backwards compatible with subsequent generations of mobile networks. So if your device supports 4G, it automatically supports 2G and 3G.
Only a few smartphones may be designed to support upcoming generations of mobile networks, such as 5G.
You can check if your device is compatible which 5G by following the steps below (Android users): Open Settings > Connections/ Mobile network/ Sim and network > preferred network type. If you should see 5G as a network type, congratulations your phone is 5G compatible.
For iPhone users, 5G compatible devices range from iPhone 12 and above. So if you own any model of iPhone from 12 to 15 you are set to use 5G.
What can I do if my device is not compatible with 5G? The answer is buying a compatible 5G phone, but before doing that, certain factors need to be checked.
Factors to Consider Before Upgrading to a 5G device
- Network coverage
Ghana’s 5G network will first be accessible in key areas of the country before expanding its coverage. Accra and Kumasi will be the two main cities where this network will be available when it goes live. Please make sure that you are in an area where you can access this network before upgrading.
- Cost
Before upgrading, you need to ask yourself certain questions to gain clarity. Do I really need a 5G-compatible device? What will a 5G-compatible device do for me? If you find your answers convincing, paying for a new phone just to access 5G wouldn’t hurt much.
It’s crucial to consider the reason for the upgrade and the status of your network connectivity in your area. Other factors are secondary in comparison.
Conclusion
The fifth generation of mobile networks is now available and we should embrace and utilize it to our advantage. While Ghana has not yet reached its 4G target, integrating with 5G will help to boost our economy and attract investors. Get ready to experience an improvement in your digital activities as we gear towards 5G in Ghana!
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