Downloading a movie within seconds directly on a smartphone will soon be possible in London. By 2020, the city is expected to have access to 5G Internet connectivity.
The super fast mobile Internet was promised by London Mayor Boris Johnson. It won't be available until 2020 but it's nice to have something to look forward to. The Londoners especially, should be excited with this development even if there is a six-year wait from today.
Major Johnson is currently working with professionals from the University of Surrey. It's a technological collaboration that aims to start a "permanent technological revolution" in United Kingdom as Johnson shared earlier this year at the CeBIT event.
The upcoming 5G Internet is ultra-fast. It still is being developed but it is expected to be 250 times faster than 4G/LTE, the fastest mobile Internet standard today.
"London is earning a reputation for being the tech capital of Europe and that is why we need to ensure every Londoner is able to access the very best digital connectivity. Rapidly improving the connectivity of this great city is a key part of the Infrastructure Plan for London," Mayor was quoted saying.
This 5G expansion is only one part of Major Johnson's infrastructure improvement plans from now until the year 2050. Officially called as the Infrastructure Plan for London, this project aims to support growth and maintain the city's competitiveness across the main aspects of infrastructure (transport, energy, water, waste, ICT and social infrastructure) according to the city government.
Mayor Johnson also promised to provide more information about the individual properties and Internet speeds in London. These series of information will be endorsed to prospective buyers and tenants in London. A map of London where Internet needs to be developed will also be offered.
The UK capital will continue to work with the University of Surrey to finish the infrastructure that would make 5G mobile Internet network a reality in London in 2020. Before that, improvements will be made in areas where Internet connection is currently poor.
In the United Kingdom, 4G Internet has only recently rolled out. It might take a while before 5G arrives. Year 2020 is the goal but it could also be earlier.
