Globe Telecom believes that making 5G technology available and accessible to more customers all over the Philippines will spur further the evolution of the Filipino digital lifestyle especially in the areas of education, health, and entertainment sectors.
Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential benefits of 5G technology have been expected to change how people communicate, conduct business, and transform lifestyles, including delivery of services from e-business to e-government.
Nine months into the global pandemic has pushed people to adopt and even trust technology today as an enabler of life choices. 5G is expected to revolutionize distance learning by having more interactive ways of teaching, and in future, using artificial intelligence for continuous learning. With 5G, education is expected to take another turn in the new normal with more than 27 million students and teachers facing the challenges of online learning for the first time in the country’s history.
5G technology has huge benefits for students and teachers to help them overcome the challenges of not being physically present in classrooms due to the pandemic.
For starters, 5G is expected to speed up the download process and even the quality and quantity of video content needed by teachers and students in e-learning. Faster speed means better digital experience for both teachers and students. 5G likewise solves the limitation of the available Wifi technology due to bandwidth concerns.
Moreover, 5G enables near-future possibilities including Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) executions that can be used for teaching, especially useful in the field of medical science and arts, interactive consultations, presentations and other related concerns.
“Today's preferred method for education and experience is video. This is evident from the explosion of various video platforms, from streaming, to virtual reality tours, and even with augmented reality that makes people do their jobs better. It is also a big support to teachers and instructors who create and show video based content in teaching their students, especially now that learning is made more challenging at this time,” said Gil Genio, Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer.
A 2018 Pearson study found out that almost 60% of Generation Z students cite YouTube as their preferred learning source and since video isg also a popular medium of choice by students here in the country when it comes to learning, 5G is the key to make distance learning more effective.
Due to increased speed, 5G will give seamless experience when it comes to video conferencing. For teachers and students, they will have more time to discuss the lesson rather than waiting for video materials to be downloaded or to deal with connectivity concerns. More time for interaction is always a plus in distance learning.
“5G will also make it possible for teachers and students to search for new content and even explore the potentials of virtual reality to make learning more interesting, more promising, and more interactive,” Coco Domingo, Globe VP for Postpaid and International Business, said.
In more advanced economies, the use of 5G in the field of medicine and healthcare is another bright spot to encourage adoption.
“5G has shown encouraging proof of concept especially in the area of advanced medicine and its impact on the medical practice. Just imagine doctors now can get immediate access to information or advice from their colleagues in Manila while they are conducting an emergency operation in another area, for example. It's incredible to think of the possibilities in using this technology to save lives,” Domingo added.
Local hospitals have been using information and communications technology, especially the internet, to observe and promote social distancing among their front liners, medical staff and patients. Through the internet, doctors and patients can communicate through various mobile apps without the need of having face to face consultations.
Even emergency responders in times of disasters, natural calamities, and other life and death situations can benefit greatly from 5G. With the technology they can easily have information on the terrain, accessibility, and other pertinent information on the place or area they are being deployed in an instant.
In entertainment, 5G will provide Globe customers a more seamless experience in downloading their favorite movies, videos, music, and online games and upload video content faster, better with zero or minimal latency. 5G is expected to boost further the rapidly growing esports industry in the country as internet speed and accessibility are further enhanced.
Globe believes that 5G technology will also benefit other sectors such as finance, government service, labor and commerce, to name a few. 5G is a great innovation and an opportunity for the country to give the public better, easier and more convenient ways to hurdle the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Globe is expanding its 5G coverage in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and other key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao until the end of the year. Globe envisions to be at par with other countries in using the most advanced technologies for better connectivity.
To know more about 5G possibilities and benefits in education, healthcare, entertainment and more, please listen to Globe’s podcast on Spotify: glbe.co/PossibilitiesPodcast or visit: globe.com.ph/5g.
Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UNSDG No. 9 which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
