If there’s any place in the world that could use faster internet, it’s the Philippines. Even though we’re one of the heaviest users of social media in the world, we’re still slugging it along at a subpar rate of 19.51 MBps, which is 38 MBs slower than the global average. Only 3,000 kilometers away, Japan is enjoying internet speeds of 2GBs—and that’s not even the fastest one. You can see why we have some gripes about our country’s current state of the internet.
We obviously have a lot of catching up to do. Can our new internet contender—the shiny new 5G internet— be our country’s savior? The new tech courtesy of Globe is a home set-up dubbed as Air Fiber, and it’s geared to bring us speeds that are 10 to 20 times faster than what we currently have.
Now, if the potentials of 5G can be met, Air Fiber won’t be just about being able to load your YouTube videos faster. It can make your home or your dorm the ultimate study hub. Forget having to go to the library to research then to a computer shop to play low latency games—you can do that all from the comfort of your bed.
Don’t quite see it yet? Allow us to paint a picture:
On study time
We tried out the Air Fiber at Globe’s Glass House at Bonifacio High Street. study music? Ask your virtual voice-activated assistant, Alexa.
School libraries are always your best bet for good internet, right? With the possibilities that 5G offers, we can get the library’s heavy duty internet speeds without the curfew or the noise ban. (I myself enjoy some Kendrick Lamar for concentration.)
5G also reportedly has enhanced Cloud features, which would make switching from gadget to gadget seamless. In an alien future (which could possibly be a few years from now), we might even be able to have virtual classes using Cloud VR, which 5G can potentially support.
If you also want to trick out your condo to become a hi-tech study crib, 5G can allow you to install gadgets and gizmos that are powered by the Internet of Things. You can install automated locks (studious kids shall not be disturbed!) or use voice-activated smart TVs and appliances so you never have to stand from your study desk.
On play time
We played Counter Strike online with players around the globe. You can try out this gaming pod yourself at the Glass House until Sep. 6.
Gamers, we’re looking at you. Lagging sometimes means the literal end of the world if you’re on an MMORPG game. Ever died on a crucial quest because your PC suddenly hanged? Exactly. If you’re on 5G though, low latency is on your side. Save yourself a rage-quit tantrum because of slow internet and be the virtual hero you’ve always wanted to be.
If you’re more of a casual gamer, 5G, the Cloud, and VR capacity can open crazy new possibilities. Imagine playing virtual reality bowling on Cloud VR with your friends on the other side of the world.
On personal time
The 5G Air Fiber At Home essentials: The modem, cables, and your trusty phone.
Talking to a giant pixel block on FaceTime is a common problem for all of us. Video calls become more like those awkward TV news segments where the field reporter lags for five seconds before answering the anchor. In other words, it’s not conducive to a conversation. With 5G internet, we can enjoy real time interaction online. For college students studying far away from their families, this is an absolute necessity.
Another necessity? A Netflix-friendly connection, of course. 5G is supposed to be over 10 times faster than the current average, which would mean that we can enjoy hours on hours of uninterrupted HD goodness.
If you have a favorite vlogger, you can also enjoy their mukbang live streams without the awkward lagging. This also gives you a better chance to be noticed during a live Q&A on Instagram. Y’all know the struggle, stans.
Excited for the potentials of 5G yet? I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a decked out Tony Stark-esque home.
Watch out for more news on Globe’s Air Fiber 5G on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Interested to apply for a plan? You can also visit https://bb.globe.com.ph/5g/ or call Globe customer care at (02) 730-1000 to learn more.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBE
Photo by Tamarcus Brown on Unsplash