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The future of 5G connected vehicles in Canada

5G is poised to offer significant improvements in connectivity, reliability and innovation. As such, the new standard of mobile networking technology is piquing the interest of the automotive industry. With a clear trajectory towards automation, 5G is expected to play a heavy role in new advancements.

Several manufacturers are looking into the possibilities of self-driving cars. However, to fully realize a future where vehicles function independently, a lot of considerations must be taken. Maintaining safety, functionality, and connectivity are all cornerstones in vehicle automation. Area X.O is a not-for-profit Ottawa-based innovation company that is researching breakthroughs in this field.

The company has established a 1,866-acre “smart city” in Ottawa. Here, Area X.O operates numerous GPS systems, 4G, private LTE, and its own 5G wireless network. Within its smart city, Area X.O tests autonomous vehicles against traffic, hazards, and other real-world simulations. MobileSyrup sat down with Kelly Daize, Area X.O’s strategic market director and one of the founders to discuss the impact of 5G on vehicle autonomy as well as what may come in the future.

Question: For those that may not know, what is Area X.O and what does the company specialize in?

Kelly Daize: Area X.O is a partnership, I would say, with industry at the forefront. We’re not for profit. We’re very open and collaborative in the work that we do. We will operate projects in private, but in general, most of the projects we operate include multiple Canadian companies and regulators. We’re very open and forthcoming in sharing the information that we gather.

Kelly Daize

Image credit: Area X.O

We run one of the most advanced communication infrastructures in the world, with numerous GPS systems, 4G, private LTE, Wi-Fi, LoRa, and TV White Space. We work in 5G, including millimetre wave (mmWave) standalone, and non-standalone with Ericsson and Nokia. We recently partnered with Telesat, to bring on their satellite backhaul. All of that is running on our own spectrum. We have our own spectrum licenses from the federal government. We do all of that at our private test facility, which is 1,866 acres fenced and gated. So it really gives companies an opportunity to do things while running in private. We can do really cool things like hackathons, which we did with the federal government a few weeks ago.

Q: With vehicle autonomy becoming more advanced, how is the company continually keeping up with new infrastructures and systems?

Daize: We are working on projects directly with an industry focus on the next step for connected autonomous vehicles (CAV) – when the cars can communicate with each other and with infrastructure to be able to navigate seamlessly and safely in the most complex of situations. A recent study by Deloitte cited that by 2022, approximately 70 percent – 95 percent of new cars in Canada will have vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), and other telecommunications capabilities. The Area X.O private and public test facilities are the perfect locations to test and validate company technology that will help make roads safer.

An example of an asset that was identified as important to companies was access to a CAV, the Area X.O connected and autonomous’ vehicle was developed with Autonomous Stuff. It was designed as a next-generation vehicle and a platform for SMEs. [This allows it] to share the data from the autonomous systems and enable the easy addition of the company’s technology to the vehicle. It has the ability to communicate and receive information over dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), cellular and 5G. It has integrated V2X software, safety enhancements and capabilities that enable a new level of real-world testing and validation. This includes the ability to receive, process and takes immediate action on safety messages such as ‘stop the vehicle.’ The vehicle is also fitted with a spectrum analyzer from ThinkRF so it can measure RF range packet loss etc.

Image credit: Area X.O

We are working with Canadian companies and Transport Canada on smart infrastructure projects that will protect Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs).  We have deployed a suite of machine vision and company technology at the traffic and rail intersections, first at the Area X.O private test facility and then in the AreaX.O public test area. The findings from the project will be used to help create policy and regulation and will also be shared with the World Economic Forums Open data pool.  We continually are working with companies to ensure our assets and infrastructure are relevant and align with what is being deployed in the real world.

Q: How is 5G playing its part in Area X.O currently with vehicle autonomy and AI in mind?

Daize: It’s really critical in my opinion, it’s the missing piece to really explore the promise of what a smart city and smart community could be. For us here at Area X.O, with our own infrastructure, our own assets, including our own connected autonomous car, we’re exploring what that new world could really look like. A huge part of that is what 5G will enable. [This includes] low latency, unimaginable numbers of devices connected at the same time, and a whole new opportunity to do things that are unimaginable today. Looking at AI and analytics, [they can] compute and share that information pretty much in real-time back to vehicles and other infrastructure. It’s the missing linchpin, I think for the promise of what a smart city and smart mobility can really be.

Q: In Canada, 5G is still in its infancy. As its full potential becomes more accessible, how do you foresee it impacting company innovations in the future?

Daize: We’re running that next generation of what [5G] is going to look like in the real world.  We’re doing exactly what we expect the capabilities will be in the future on our network. So it’s really important [to ask] why do we do what we do? It’s really to advance and help commercialize Ottawa, Ontario, and Canadian companies. So, we’ve partnered with some of the world leaders to add them with the infrastructure and assets they need to lead in the next generation.

Image credit: Area X.O

I would say in the real world, you see varying deployments of 5G in different ways. Some of it’s writing on top of the older infrastructure, etc. We will run that same configuration but we also run standalone 5G, which is where everything is going.

Q: From your perspective, what are some qualities of 5G that you see going under the radar in regards to vehicle autonomy?

Daize: We’re working on a number of projects. [5G enabled] cars can communicate with each other and the infrastructure. It’s great to have vehicles with cameras on them that can see as good as people or maybe a bit better because there are more cameras around the vehicle.

I believe that the true promise will be seen when vehicles are better at driving than humans. That means they need to work with each other and be able to receive secure information from infrastructures so that they can make decisions well in advance of when a human could make them.

So we’re working on a number of projects with Transport Canada. We’re looking at how Canadian technology, and machine vision, protect vulnerable road users. That’s [across] traffic, intersection and rail crossings. That’s a lot of the work that we’re doing today. They would call it vehicle to everything (V2X.) That’s when I think we’re really going to see the promise. I mean, maybe there’s no need for traffic lights. Maybe it’s one lane of traffic or the vehicles are talking to each other and they’re moving in and out of traffic at the right pace. I think that’s when we’re really going to see the advantage.

Q: How do you foresee the next 5 years of 5G panning out in Canada?

Daize: 5G is the key enabler to accelerating development and recognizing the true promise of a connected city. I’d say the large-scale deployment is coming quickly. We all see the marketing and the wonderful things that our service providers are doing. 5G is going to be up to 100 times faster than the existing networks. I think, in the next five years, we’re going to start to really see the networks expand and take off.

I’d say one of the things that a lot of people were thinking is that it’s faster, it’s good, [and can] enable a lot of things. But, the signals don’t go as far. So there’s going to need to be additional infrastructure put in place. I think cities will, you know, enjoy the enablement of 5G first, and then it’ll move out into more of the rural settings as we go.

This interview has been edited for language and clarity.

This article is part of our The Future with 5G Series. A full-length documentary on 5G airs on BBC Earth Canada August 26th. 

This story is sponsored by Bell. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

Image credit: Area X.O

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5G and the future of drones

Along with mobile internet connectivity, autonomous cars, shopping and more, 5G is set to change the way drones operate. Find out more in the video above.

This video is part of our The Future with 5G Series. A full-length documentary on 5G airs on BBC Earth Canada and MobileSyrup on August 26th.

This story is sponsored by Bell. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

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5 innovative ways 5G is being used in Canada

We’re in the early stages of 5G, the fifth generation of mobile network technology. In Canada, the 5G deployment is slowly but surely expanding to reach new users. Although the technology is still in its infancy, there are new innovations taking advantage of 5G every day.

While network technology seen in 3G or 4G LTE was primarily designated for mobile devices and smartphones, more segments in tech are utilizing 5G. For a smartphone, 5G’s lower latency and increased performance look promising. However, it doesn’t stop there.

Here are five innovative ways 5G technology is being used in Canada:

Gaming

Although mobile gaming really kicked off during the 4G LTE generation, 5G offers many benefits to gaming, including increased access and even deeper immersion. Carriers have already begun discussing plans to utilize 3500MHz spectrum in Canada. This could theoretically decrease latency by nearly 10x once fully implemented. Therefore, as online and cloud gaming initiatives from companies like Google, Nvidia and Microsoft ramp up, players may gain access to a better mobile gaming experience. Reducing the latency can decrease render and response times to a matter of milliseconds. Reduced lag and increased reliability are among the key benefits 5G can offer.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

On top of that, 5G is being used to elevate virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. With decreased latency and more bandwidth, developers will be able to create more immersive experiences. Using 5G, graphics rendering via the cloud versus a mobile device can become more of a reality and standard. This can help cut down on demanding hardware on the user end without a direct loss in quality. VR and AR experiences could become more accessible to users as well  through these initiatives.

Drones

Drone tech sees constant innovation, and 5G will continue to push the tech forward. Drone autonomy is becoming a more realistic possibility thanks to 5G’s capabilities. Additionally, 5G networking can enable better scanning and detection. Drones may be able to better detect buildings or obstructions while en route. London, Ontario’s Western University is already testing new ways of controlling drones through the use of a base station and AI.

When programmed accordingly, drones could offer the autonomous delivery of products to your home. In theory, delivery via drones could be faster and more efficient than cars. With the connective capabilities offered by 5G, an autonomous drone fleet could be used in a search and rescue effort.

Image credit: Area X.O

Smart Homes

5G is enabling a future where smart homes can become a part of “smart communities.” As smart home innovations continue to provide new ways to interact with our home through a smartphone, 5G can expand that to a broader network. For example, someone returning home to their condo might have, the parking garage security camera read their license plate and let them in, increasing security. Moreover, the same system could theoretically turn the lights on in the person’s condo while setting their desired temperature. At the same time, the system may automatically call the building’s elevator for the person. This greater connectivity can be realized through 5G advancements.

The University Health Network (UHN) is also looking into ways 5G’s connectivity can help people with needs live a more independent life. The public research network is testing new innovations in monitoring. For example, a smart shirt that’s being tested can read a subject’s ECG, heart rate, and whether they had a fall. These readings are connected to a smart home monitoring system through the use of 5G and can be shared with family.

Autonomous Vehicles

It’s likely you’ve noticed that vehicle autonomy is becoming more and more popular. 5G is central to this becoming a larger part of our future. As automotive companies continue to test autonomy, 5G is an essential tool. For instance, the Area X.O facility in Ottawa tests various weather conditions and perception technology with its autonomous vehicle.

Image credit: Area X.O

Using 5G and its low latency, autonomous vehicles are able to react quickly. Within milliseconds, vehicles can communicate and respond to their infrastructure in the event of a hazard or obstruction. When fully realized, 5G’s latency may be quicker than a human’s reaction on the road. This could lead to safer roads down the line. As more self-driving vehicles are available on the road, they may act as a network, creating a better traffic flow between lights and highways.

Regulations on self-driving vehicles are still changing and evolving. Perhaps as 5G’s integration serves as a proven success, conditions will change over the coming years.

Retail

Finally, as an extension of vehicle autonomy, retail will see benefits of 5G as well. As self-driving vehicles become more accessible, retail distribution chains can begin utilizing this technology. While autonomous distribution is already being used, 5G can provide increased benefits.

Whereas human drivers need breaks, retail distribution chains can lean on autonomy for products to be shipped as needed without disruptions or other hiccups. Having a fleet of self-driving trucks can help maintain steady supply deliveries, keeping products on store shelves for the consumer. Additionally, the benefits retailers may receive touch on the aforementioned note of drone autonomy. Drones could be used to fulfill orders using 5G.

These are just a few core examples of how tech companies can use 5G to improve experiences and devices around us. That said, it will still be a few years until 5G is fully realized in Canada. Though, as developers and creatives are able to become more comfortable working within a 5G space, the more innovations we’re likely to see.

This article is part of our The Future with 5G Series. A full-length documentary on 5G airs on BBC Earth Canada August 26th. 

This story is sponsored by Bell. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

Image credit: Bell

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5G network deployment: How a holistic approach to deployment can keep energy usage and costs down

Ericsson has solutions for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to help manage usage across network deployments, breaking the mobile network energy consumption curve.

The deployment of each new generation of mobile broadband has historically come with an increase in energy usage. However, from 2011 to 2021 data traffic has increased by a factory of 287 while mobile network energy consumption has only increased by a factor of 1.6. This indicates there is strong correlation between increased network energy consumption and the deployment of additional hardware and frequency bands, rather than data consumption.

Canadian communication service providers (CSPs) are facing increasing pressure from governing bodies and consumers to meet sustainability goals while rolling out the latest generation in 5G, which will boost the economy and digitize industries. The Canadian government has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, and introduced the ‘2030 Emissions Reduction Plan,’ targeting the reduction of emissions by 40-45 percent over the next eight years. The mobile industry is setting goals – according to the GSMA, 80 percent of the industry (by revenue) currently disclose their climate impact and 65 percent have committed to science-based carbon reduction targets. Thirty-six percent of the industry by revenue are aligned to the UN’s “Race to Zero” pledge.

As we deploy 5G and work towards Net Zero emissions, two urgent and concurrent actions are required: switching to renewables and deploying network energy efficiency measures.

Image credit: Ericsson

To continue meeting expectations around sustainability, it’s imperative that CSPs identify the ways they can meet traffic demand and provide robust network coverage while avoiding a drastic increase in power consumption. Simply adding renewables to the energy mix won’t be enough.

Ericsson’s ‘Breaking the Energy Curve’ report outlines the company’s approach to helping CSPs reduce energy consumption and Co2 emissions during network deployments by taking a holistic approach, looking at all aspects of the network.

There are four elements in Ericsson’s holistic approach to break the increasing energy consumption curve of mobile networks.

  • Prepare the network
  • Activate energy-saving software
  • Build 5G with precision
  • Operate site infrastructure intelligently

  • Image credit: Ericsson

Prepare the network

  • Modernization of mobile networks with the latest technology and replace old equipment, even in low-traffic areas.
  • Ericsson Radio System will immediately lower energy consumption by about 30% in like-for-like modernization.
  • Modernization in low-traffic areas can yield a payback period of fewer than three years of energy savings alone.

Activate energy-saving software

  • Energy-saving software that turns off radio equipment during times of low traffic demand, reducing overall power consumption.
  • Machine learning (ML) technology can be utilized to bring further savings, analyzing energy use in real-time and providing important insights for service providers to understand, diagnose and identify opportunities to improve network energy performance.
  • Ericsson’s Micro Sleep Tx (MSTx) and Low Energy Scheduler Solution (LESS) can reduce radio equipment energy consumption by up to 15 percent.

Image credit: Ericsson

Build 5G with precision

  • Creating a network with the optimal radio solution for every site type will avoid over-dimensioning hardware, resulting in unnecessary CAPEX and OPEX.
  • Stabilize the 5G rollout without tacking on heavy energy-consuming hardware.
  • Ericsson’s Self-Organizing Network Optimization Manager (SON) can maintain end-user experience while optimizing energy performance, providing almost 20 percent better distribution of traffic load in a network.
  • Unique solutions include Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core (5GC), Ericsson Radio System (ERS) and Ericsson Spectrum Sharing (ESS), providing CSPs with better flexibility in deploying 5G.

  • Image credit: Ericsson

Operate site infrastructure intelligently

  • Utilize Artificial Intelligence to operate site infrastructure efficiently.
  • Service providers have reduced site energy consumption by up to 15 percent through the use of intelligent site control solutions.
  • Ericsson’s portfolio offers tools to control passive equipment as well as predictive maintenance and no-touch problem-solving.
  • Can be used to reduce overall costs, site usage, and site visits.

Read the ‘Breaking the Energy Curve’ report to learn more about how CSPs can reduce energy consumption and meet sustainability goals while deploying the latest 5G networks.


Image credit: Shutterstock

This story is sponsored by Ericsson. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

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The history of network connectivity in Canada

With 5G rolling out across nearly all corners of Canada, now is a great time to look back at the history of cellular standards in the country. Going back all the way to 1G, these standards have significantly impacted the way we’re able to connect with friends, family and colleagues.

Over more than 40 years, wireless cellular technology has evolved and innovated. This brief history will look at the ways each generation impacted mobile phones and smartphones. Historically, each decade introduces a new wireless standard, ushering in better services and practices for Canadians.

1G

The first generation of wireless cellular technology is the first and only true analog standard.

At the time, 1G was revolutionary for connectivity. It was primarily utilized for voice communications. Download speeds, when applicable, are said to have been as low as 2.4Kbp. However, users faced a number of issues during the 80s and 90s, including limited coverage and low sound quality. Additionally, 1G didn’t support encryption, allowing radio scanners to listen in on calls.

While not surprising, it’s worth noting that 1G is not supported any longer in Canada. The switch to digital telecommunications impacted the ongoing support of 1G around the world. Russia is one of the few remaining countries to still use 1G today.

2G

2G marked the transition from analog to digital, entering a new era for security and connectivity.

  • Launched in 1991 in Finland. Introduced the Global System for Mobile (GSM) network.
  • Arrived in Canada in 1992.
  • Brought digital encryption into the fold, increasing security for calls.
  • Offered data services, SMS text messaging, and multimedia messaging.

As expected, 2G was a fairly sustainable upgrade over its predecessor. 2G improved on sound quality while introducing speeds of roughly 40Kbps. 2.75G Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network made it possible for maximum speeds of 384 Kbps. Due to its ability to transfer data and send text, 2G is what set the course for basic smartphone functions we still use today.

In 2017, Code-division multiple access (CDMA) began to shut down in remote areas. In 2018, carriers began announcing that 2G would face a wider shutdown in Canada. As of late 2021, carriers such as Bell and Rogers no longer support 2G.

3G

3G superseded 2G in several ways, leveraging data transferring capabilities and streaming. Although it pales in comparison to today’s connectivity standards, 3G marked a new age of wireless for Canadians.

  • Launched in 2001 in Japan by NTT DoCoMo, using the GSM/EDGE network.
  • Standardized vendor network protocols, introducing international roaming.
  • The launch of the iPhone 3G helped adoption within Canada in 2008.
  • Transfer capabilities increased roughly four times of 2G.

Blackberry and Apple were key players using  3G during the early to mid-2000s. 3G helped make many smartphone innovations possible. Internet browsing and music streaming became mainstays thanks to data transferring speeds of ~2Mbps. It was during the age of the 3G standard that emails on mobile devices became possible and popularized. Keeping up with traditions, voice quality and standardized communications improved too.

3G is still supported in Canada. However, carriers are expected to begin sunsetting the standard by the end of 2025. 3G is also used in other regions such as the UK, Austria, and Australia.

4G LTE

The dawn of 4G marked the introduction of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) and later Long Term Evolution (LTE). 4G LTE leverages increased bandwidth speeds and capacities to support modern smartphone usage seen around the world.

  • First commercial use was in South Korea in 2006.
  • In 2011, Rogers launched the first LTE wireless network in Canada, with Bell quickly following the same year.
  • Adoption was propelled thanks to Apple’s iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy S4.
  • HD Video streaming became possible and a widely used feature.

Originally, 4G did not meet the International Telecommunication Union-Radio communications sector (ITU-R) requirements for speed. Therefore, the ITU-R allowed LTE to fall under 4G as it was able to provide a minimum of 12.5Mbps. Over time, these speeds increased to what we see today, which in Canada is around 55.5Mbps.

4G LTE was a more invested transition than its predecessors. Smartphone manufacturers had to develop and release devices specifically made to support 4G. LTE opened up the doors to online and cloud-based gaming on smartphones. More users can also utilize a network in populated areas without a major decrease in performance.

Many areas in Canada continue supporting 4G LTE to this day. Though, advancements under this standard have reached their ceiling.

5G

5G is the current form of mobile telecommunication used across Canada, providing improvements to bandwidth and latency. This standard is still in its infancy, therefore, many areas of Canada are awaiting access to the technology.

  • First adopted by South Korea in 2019.
  • Split into three categories: low-, mid- and high-band 5G.
  • Was brought to Canada in 2020.
  • 5G is already available in major Canadian cities ie: Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, etc.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and iPhone 12 are among the first smartphones to utilize 5G.

As demand for better performance and efficiency rises, 5G aims to better the mobile networking experience. The technology is still new and it remains to be seen what impact the new standard will have. However, 5G is already proving to provide faster speeds, with upwards of 169Mbps on average.

Most recently, select carriers began supporting mid-band 3500MHz spectrum. Once deployed, 3500MHz spectrum will make more 5G benefits available to Canadians, such as decreased latency when streaming content or playing games. Additionally, 5G will enable more reliable coverage in populated areas such as sporting arenas and music venues. Vehicle autonomy, drones, and other emerging sectors in technology will also be able to tap into the potential of 5G.

Beyond 5G

While much of Canada and the world is still in the midst of adopting 5G, 6G is already in the works. A lot of discussion around 6G is conjecture at this point. However, China and Japan are currently in the throws of testing what could become 6G networking in the future.

This article is part of our The Future with 5G Series. A full-length documentary on 5G airs on BBC Earth Canada August 26th. 

The story is sponsored by Bell. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

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What is 5G?

5G smart mobile telephone radio network antenna base station on the telecommunication mast radiating signal

Canadian carriers have successfully made the transition over to 5G networks. But what does it all mean for you? The term 5G is tossed around and can seem a bit daunting. As Canada increases its adoption of the new standard, you might be wondering how it impacts connectivity and smartphone usage.

By now, it’s likely you’ve heard of 5G in at least a tangential way. In 2022, we’re far removed from it being a buzzword used to propel emerging technology. Canadian carriers are proving that 5G can make meaningful improvements to the ways we use our smartphones. For that reason, it’s important to have a grasp on 5G and the standards now in place.

5G is the fifth-generation mobile network technology and is an umbrella term that encompasses several facets of mobile technology. As a successor of 3G and 4G, which span across the past two decades, the 5G standards don’t just build off what’s come before but are built from the ground up for a new generation.

We’re finally getting a sense of how Canadian carriers can take advantage of the networking improvements. From a high level, 5G is split into three categories: low-, mid- and high-band 5G.

When looking at low-band 5G, the radio wave spectrum generally falls below one gigahertz (GHz) or 1,000 megahertz (MHz). Low-band 5G is the most common of the 5G networks currently available in Canada. However, 3G and 4G networks also use low-band spectrum. With this in mind, current speeds are increased by upwards of 200 percent. Though, there is still room for 5G to grow, making the gap between 4G LTE and 5G greater.

However, 5G’s ceiling is much higher. Mid-band, otherwise known as Sub-6 5G, could be an exciting future for mobile connectivity. As more carriers are able to utilize the tech, Canadians will gain access to sub 6GHz (spectrum below 6,000MHz). That includes the 3,500MHz spectrum auctioned off by the Canadian government. Bell and other carriers combined paid over $8.9 billion to acquire spectrum licenses in the band. Mid-band offers higher speeds to users and better performance over low-band.

Finally, there’s high-band, otherwise known as mmWave. This relative term covers the 25-39GHz spectrum, offering exceptional speeds. mmWave is able to offer significant boosts in speeds where the range isn’t a huge factor. However, these radio waves don’t have the highest coverage. In fact, mmWaves can only travel upwards of a few hundred metres. Currently, mmWave isn’t currently available in Canada. However, if the government auctions the mmWave spectrum as it did with sub 6GHz, mmWave may be available across the country. Though phones in Canada will need to have the mmWave enabled, the iPhone 13, for example, doesn’t support mmWave 5G in Canada, though it does in the United States.

Canada’s expansion of 5G networking spans major metro cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. However, from coast to coast, more cities and rural areas are accessing this technology, especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

A general way of identifying if your device is connected to the network is if it shows the 5G symbol. This is an effective notifier that your device is using 5G to obtain faster speeds, lower latency, and heightened reliability. If you find yourself travelling outside of the range for 5G, your device will simply transition back down to 4G LTE without any disturbance to your activity.

It’s worth noting that a mobile device capable of utilizing 5G is required. Contemporary devices like the iPhone 13 series, Samsung Galaxy S22 series, and Google Pixel 6/6 Pro all support the new wireless spectrum. Many devices from 2021 and previous years do not support the frequency bands needed.

If you have an eligible device set up by a supporting carrier in Canada, what can you expect? From a speed-focused perspective, 5G can theoretically support up to 1.7Gbps download speeds. However, current averages in Canada land in the realm of 169Mbps. Comparatively, 4G LTE can generally support download speeds of roughly 55Mbps. However, given that the new technology is still in its infancy, projections indicate that 5G can reach an even higher threshold when fully realized. From a user’s perspective, that means streaming video content in the highest resolution is entirely possible. Downloading larger files can also be done in seconds.

Lower latency is another notable focal point for 5G. Accessing content while on the 5G network can be done much faster. When 5G is fully deployed, it’s expected that devices can support up to three times lower latency than previous frequency bands. This not only plays a role in the consumption of web content but also in cloud gaming innovations. With projects like Xbox Cloud Gaming emerging on mobile devices, lower latency is becoming increasingly important. Reducing response time and inputs to mere milliseconds can bring major quality of life improvements to users. As further virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) innovations make their way to mobile, 5G’s latency will enable creators to develop even more immersive experiences.

Another broad cornerstone for 5G is reliability and capacity. As advanced as 4G LTE is, there were limitations when obtaining fast speeds during peak times or while in crowded event spaces. 5G aims to mitigate that. As the technology deploys further, carriers can support more users in densely populated areas without a decrease in performance. 5G technology enables a device to use multiple streams of data in order to provide reliable usage, event if at a stadium or concert venue.

5G is still a new technology. In Canada, there are limits to carrier coverage in major metropolitan cities and locales. However, the new frequency bands and standards have a bright future. We’re already seeing how the first steps of this emerging technology are improving the way we interact with our mobile devices each day.

Once 5G is able to reach its true potential, connectivity may expand beyond smartphones and into autonomous vehicles, remote-piloted drones, and even into the metaverse. Plus, by leveraging 5G networks, content consumption can become even better with higher resolution and lowered latency.

These are just a few core examples of how tech companies can use 5G to improve experiences and devices around us. That said, it will still be a few years until 5G is fully realized in Canada. Though, as developers and creatives are able to become more comfortable working within a 5G space, the more innovations we’re likely to see.

Image credit: Shutterstock

This story is sponsored by Bell. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

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Eastlink Smart Home and Security helped me simplify my life

There comes a time when you notice a shift in your priorities. Whether that’s because you’ve started a family or you’ve invested in your first home, it’s a good time to protect the things that are most important — and simplify your life in the process.

That’s where smart home and security comes in, such as this one offered by Eastlink. For me, it’s not just about keeping my home and family safe; it’s about removing the stress from everyday situations. In addition to offering cameras for the interior and exterior of your home, the system can be fully customized to include everything from smart locks to smart plugs. You can tailor it to your needs, saving time, money, and sleep.

With HD cameras, smart locks, video doorbells, and plenty of other smart devices, it’s not an exaggeration to say that this is the future I pictured when I would watch cartoons as a kid. This system takes a lot of the stress out of home ownership, giving you the power to control everything from a single app on your phone. It’s not a flying car, but it’s a lot more useful. If that’s not living in the future, I don’t know what is.

Cameras for every situation

Eastlink offers a wide array of tech options as part of its smart home and security system, so let’s look at what’s available, starting with the cameras.

There are currently four cameras available. Each one has a specific purpose, but all of them work together to create a complete experience.

Both the indoor and outdoor night vision cameras offer 1080p video and a wide field of view to clearly capture what’s happening in and around your home at all hours. Where they differ is in their design. The outdoor camera is weather-resistant, so you’ll still be able to see if it’s safe to let your pets out during those cold, dark winter mornings. The indoor camera is designed to let you check on your home, and you can even communicate through the camera from your smartphone. Together, the two cameras give you full access to your home.

If you’ve been battling the pesky raccoons in your neighbourhood for control of the garbage bins, the outdoor night vision camera could be just what you need. And if you’re battling your desire to see your pets while you’re at work, the indoor camera allows you to check in on them from your smartphone.

My partner and I are in the process of adopting a dog, but one of our concerns is that the Finnish Lapphund breed we want suffers from separation anxiety. Having a camera that has two-way audio means we’ll be able to talk to our new puppy to calm it until it’s comfortable being alone.

The HomeView camera is another indoor camera with two-way audio, but it has a couple of premium features that set it apart. It has a 180-degree field of view so that you can see everything in your space, and that’s paired with a 6-megapixel zoom. This is the camera you’ll want in your main living space.

To round out the collection, we have the video doorbell. As you might expect, the doorbell captures live video and audio when its motion sensor is triggered. On its own, that’s great for seeing who’s at your door, but it goes much further. Being able to check that your kids made it home after school — or late at night after a party — is an easy way to reduce your stress. And for those who don’t have kids, you’ll love having the smart doorbell for package deliveries. Knowing you’ll be notified if anyone approaches your door to check out your package is a comfort in and of itself, but it’s also easy to communicate with the delivery person in real-time thanks to the two-way audio to make sure that they place the package out of sight.

If you’re worried about being bombarded with notifications, fear not. You’re able to customize your notification settings. The outdoor camera and indoor cameras offer advanced analytics to distinguish between humans, animals, and vehicles, meaning you won’t get a buzz every time a car uses your driveway to turn around. Unless that’s your thing. Then, by all means, buzz away.

Unlock your home’s potential

I’ve written about smart locks a few times, and I’ll continue to evangelize the technology. Years ago, when I lived with four other guys during university, we’d regularly lock ourselves out of rooms because we forgot our keys. It turns out that when your landlord charges you $100 to unlock your door, you become really good at picking your own lock. You know what we never forgot though? Our phones. There was no such thing as smart locks back then — or smartphones for that matter — but now that I have one, I can’t look back.

Having a smart lock is beneficial in ways that most people don’t consider. I’m the type of person who wakes up in the middle of the night wondering if I locked the door when I got home. It used to mean that I’d have to get out of bed to go check. Now I just reach over, grab my phone, and lock them if needed.

Smart locks also give you the ability to try unique passcodes for people who need access to your home. I had a pipe burst a few weeks ago in my kitchen, and while I thought I’d fixed it on my own, it turns out that my degree in film and communications didn’t adequately teach me the skills to be a plumber. I couldn’t be home at the time the actual plumber was available, so I just gave him a passcode that was different from the one that my partner and I use, and I erased it after he was gone.

If you have a babysitter, or parents who regularly drop by, giving them a passcode lets you see who was using the door and when. The smart lock lets you know who’s coming and going, and you’ll be able to open the doors, even at a distance.

Smart technology can be cool or hot

Beyond cameras and smart locks, Eastlink offers a range of smart home technology to improve your everyday life, ranging from smart thermostats to smart dimmers. These devices allow you to control the most important features in your home all from a single application on your phone.

The smart home system is powered by the sophisticated alarm.com app. The app gives you access to all of the smart devices I’ve covered above, as well as your security panel, and any other smart devices you have through Eastlink, such as a smart garage door opener, as well as many devices you may already own..

Without a doubt, my favourite part of the system is the app’s ability to create what they refer to as “scenes.” Scenes are essentially commands for multiple devices that are triggered all at once. I have scenes for everything. I’ve scheduled night-time routines that make sure the doors are locked and the lights are off. When the family is going on a weekend getaway, I just tap the scene called “Getaway,” and it arms the security panel and lowers the thermostat. And I can also schedule lights to turn on or music to play at specific hours so that neighbours never know we’re gone.

I didn’t realize how handy it would be until I got my hands on it. But having all of the power in the palm of my hand means that I can enjoy my time both at and away from home without worrying. And saving money by scheduling the hours that I’m running my AC and heat isn’t a bad thing either.

Security is still the key

A security system still needs to be about security, and the Smart Home and Security System provided by Eastlink is top tier. I’ve already covered a lot of ways that smart devices can increase your security, but let’s examine how the system directly keeps you and your family safe.

The touchscreen panel is your main access point for the security in your home. You can arm and disarm the system, set the level of strictness, and set how long you have to disarm the system when it’s triggered. You can have it trigger when a door is opened, when the system detects motion, and other safety hazards.

The system has sensors designed to detect flooding, smoke, glass breaking, and carbon monoxide, among other threats. Depending on your preferences, you can set your system to immediately call emergency services if it detects carbon monoxide, and even shut off the air conditioning to prevent the spread of harmful fumes. And if you aren’t near your touchscreen panel, you can do it from the alarm.com app, giving you complete control over the system and your safety. And of course, you’re protected through 24-hour monitoring by a team of professionals to keep you safe at all times.

Eastlink has you covered

Smart home and security technology has come leaps and bounds over the last few years. Thanks to some great products you can easily keep track of what’s happening around your home, make sure that your family is safe, and stop worrying about the small things like whether you remembered to lock your door at night. Installing Eastlink Smart Home and Security provides peace of mind.

I’ll take that over a flying car any day.

For more information about Eastlink Smart Home and Security, visit their website.

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Upgrade your Pela case with a MagSafe ring

If you have an iPhone 13 series device, you likely want to take advantage of Apple’s MagSafe technology to charge or attach accessories to your new smartphone. The issue is not all cases support the new Apple accessory standard.

Priced at $7.95, Pela sells a modular case upgrade called the ‘MagSafe Module’ compatible with all standard Pela iPhone 13 cases.

It’s effortless to use since all you need to do is remove the plastic coating, then stick the magnetic side to the back of the case. Next, put the case on your iPhone 13, and you’re good to go.

This little ring helps fill in some of the space inside the back of an iPhone 13 Pela case, as there’s a space in the back of the case if you don’t have the MagSafe ring. And in my experience, it works almost as well as MagSafe magnets actually built into a case.

Technically, the MagSafe ring will only stick to one phone case, but there are some ways around it as the feature is quite versatile.

You can purchase a new MagSafe module ring from Pela for $7.95, and if you’re interested in getting a new case for your existing phone, head over to Pelacase.ca. The Canadian company offers several options for both Android and iPhone users.

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Pela’s compostable iPhone 13 case is still stellar one month later

If you have a new phone and you’re looking to protect it with a trendy-looking case that’s also good for the environment, then you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve been testing 0ut the Lavender iPhone 13 Pro case from a Canadian company Pela, and it’s my new favourite case for two main reasons.

One is the soft-touch feel. Above all else, a case needs to feel good in my hand, and the combination of flax shive and plant-based biopolymers that the company uses is incredibly soft. Imagine the smooth back of the Nexus 5x, but better, with more cushion and in tons of eye-pleasing colours.

That leads to my second favourite point. The cases come in a huge array of designs, but the pleasing pastel-inspired hues that the company uses as its standard colours are fantastic. I’ve been testing out the Lavender colourway, and the flax inside of it gives it a bit of a speckled effect that looks really nice. If it’s not for you, there are cases with graphics, other colours and even clear cases with compostable bumpers.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a good case without protection, and the Pela’s iPhone 13 case holds up there too. The model I’m using is quite rubbery, so it offers a decent amount of impact resistance. The case also fits snuggly onto my iPhone and doesn’t add too much bulk to it either. If you opt to use a standard Pela case and a Pela liquid screen protector, the company even offers a guarantee that it’ll fix your screen if it breaks.

I’ve been using this case on my phone for about a month now and it’s held up like a trooper. There was even a day when it got packed tightly in my bag and ended up getting some black scuffs on the edges, but after a few more days of use, they washed away.

My favourite thing about the case has to be its colour, but the company’s green mission is a close second. As a tech reviewer, I go through a lot of plastic waste and specifically, a lot of phone cases. Having a case that I know isn’t going to end up in a landfill offers peace of mind, and having it be as stylish as a Pela case is a huge plus on top of that.

If you’re interested in learning about how these cases are made the company has a great video on it that you can watch below.

You can buy your own case at Pelacase.ca and the iPhone 13 Pro model featured here retails for $48.95.

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The MSI Modern 14 is the laptop I wish I’d had when I was in school

I’ve had the chance to work with a lot of laptops over the past few years. Because of this, I’ve come to appreciate a laptop that knows exactly what it’s meant to be.

More than any other laptop brand I’ve used, MSI designs its laptops with the end user in mind. Sure, the hardware is first-rate, but the true magic behind the brand’s devices is the way that it tailors everything from the chassis to the software to benefit the user.

The Modern 14 is a perfect example. It’s an attractive device that does away with the frivolous features of other laptops in its price range to deliver excellent build quality and performance. If you’re in the market for a laptop that can keep up with your everyday life, the Modern 14 is an excellent option. It’s the laptop I wish I’d had when I was going through school—and the one I’d recommend to users who need a commuting machine.

Designed for students and professionals

The Modern 14 isn’t meant to be your all-in-one workstation like the Creator Z series. This is a laptop that’s designed to increase your productivity, assist with your tasks, and enhance your media experience.

In recent years, MSI has delivered modern aesthetics across its lineup of business laptops that go toe-to-toe with the best-looking products on the market. The Modern 14 comes in a range of colours, from a steel blue to a soft beige and your classic carbon grey. The understated colours are appreciated. It easily blends into a professional environment. Despite being an entry-level product, the Modern 14 feels sturdy, has clean lines, and offers several unexpected features.

Looking at the sides of the chassis, you’ll notice that it has two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a micro-SD card slot. Not only did I not expect an HDMI-out port on an ultralight laptop of this size, but an SD card slot is an excellent addition.

For students and content creators, these two features alone make it stand out. There’s nothing worse than trying to set up a presentation when you’re already nervous. Being able to upload content through the micro-SD card slot and easily present it via the built-in HDMI port will eliminate the need for an adapter or having to cast your screen.

And that’s not even mentioning the true hero of the piece: the quick charging. As someone who loses track of time when I work, I appreciate a fast-charging device. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had the battery warning flash on my screen just as I’m about to head into a meeting. Being able to quickly top up the battery is a life saver. You can charge the battery of the laptop up to 60% in under an hour, and you can charge your other devices quickly using the included USB-C port as well.

Which brings us to two features that your classmates and coworkers will love as much as you do.

It just clicks

The keyboard on the Modern 14 feels very similar to keyboards on MSI’s other business-oriented notebooks. I’ve spoken at length about its keyboards before, so just know that I’m a fan. They won’t replace your custom mechanical keyboard, but as far as laptop keyboards go, they’re best-in-class. They have a pleasant spring to them, don’t require too much weight, and the travel distance is just right. And best of all, they’re quiet. The people around you won’t need noise-cancelling headphones every time you put your fingers on the keys.

However, if you’re the one with a noisy neighbour, the Modern 14 has you covered. Taking a call with others around is a challenge at the best of times, so MSI has included AI noise cancellation that adapts to your situation. Not only does the AI eliminate background noise when it’s quiet, it lowers the noise while you’re speaking. This is the same tech that’s used in the brand’s high-end laptops. And it’s a feature that’s definitely welcome here. Whether you’re taking a personal call in a noisy dorm or delivering an important pitch to a client online, noise cancellation can make all the difference.

And that same smart application of artificial intelligence is applied to the Modern 14’s hardware as well. MSI has been steadily building out its onboard hardware management software. MSI Center Pro is the latest iteration and it delivers on the promise of intelligent software enhancing the performance of hardware to match your needs.

For example, the Modern 14 can detect the audible noise in your surroundings and adjust its fan speed and performance output to be quieter than your environment. So if you’re working in a common area, you can have the AI automatically increase your performance without disturbing anybody. And if you prefer to determine your performance needs yourself, you can choose one of several performance profiles in MSI Center Pro.

For those who are back in the office or on campus, this laptop is built with teams in mind. Sharing a screen can be awkward when several people have to squeeze around it. Instead, the Modern 14 allows you to tilt the screen a full 180 degrees so that it’s level. You can then flip the screen with the press of a button—F12 for those wondering—so that your team members on the other side of the table can view the display in the proper orientation. It might not seem like a major addition, but these features add up to make this a laptop that delivers well beyond its specs.

Performance where it counts

That’s not to say the Modern 14 doesn’t deliver though. On the contrary, the Modern 14 is a leader in the entry-level laptop space when it comes to performance.

The Modern 14 has the latest 12th Gen Intel Core and Intel XE graphics. With the adaptive hybrid architecture, this build is able to assign tasks to the different cores depending on your needs. The P-core handles your heavy tasks, while the E-core manages your multitasking, everyday tasks, and background services. And just like PE class, this P&E combination is ready to keep you running all day.

Despite being an ultralight device, the Modern 14 has handled my daily tasks with ease. I’m currently running YouTube, Discord, Google Suite, and WordPress without any hiccups. And not to encourage watching Netflix during the workday, but it’s a perfect size for those nights when you just want to climb in bed and put on a Kdrama.

Designed for you

MSI hasn’t built the Modern 14 for everyone. It isn’t a gaming device, nor is it the flashiest performer in the company’s portfolio. What it delivers is an attractive, intelligently designed laptop that performs where you need it most. It’s a perfect option for people who need a laptop for their everyday lives. Students and professionals alike should give the Modern 14 some serious consideration as the best entry-level laptop on the market.

You can buy the MSI Modern 14 at Best Buy Canada.

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