The benefits of 5G for future music technology

Confidential There are a few key factors that are likely to change the key ways that we engage with music thanks to 5G, both for fans and musicians alike.

• Faster data transfer speeds — With the potential to deliver up to 20 gigabits of data per second, it’s possible to stream even the highest resolution music files on 5G. This means that high-res audio files can be simultaneously streamed by more people — allowing a wider audience to enjoy music at the same time.
  
• Lower latency — With extremely low latency for 5G networks, it will be possible for musicians in different parts of the world to play and record together live, as if they were in the very same room.
• More reliable connections — With low variation in latency and data transfer speed, it will be easier for musicians to collaborate online and ensure that fans who are streaming music are able to enjoy their favourite performances, without any interruptions.

Another key benefit is that 5G should allow performers to offer their fans enhanced concert experiences. In practical terms, this will mean greater incorporation of features such as AR and VR for the live audience. But those at home won’t be left out, either. Musicians will be able to add streaming digital effects to their stage performances and allow online viewers to choose from a variety of camera angles throughout their concerts — almost as if the fans are in control of the cameras themselves.

Additionally, we’re likely to see more virtual gigs in general. In part due to the pandemic during 2020 and 2021, virtual concerts became the norm for a period. It was an unintended — but powerful — proving ground for the medium. Given 5G’s faster speed and lower latency, it should be possible in the future to stream gigs far more easily, and potentially open up greater promoter, advertiser and artist interest in hosting virtual shows. In turn, this technology could be leveraged to make gigs more broadly accessible to people who weren’t able to get a ticket, can’t make the date or may have mobility issues that would preclude them attending in person. It’s an excellent opportunity to enhance accessibility.

What does 5G sound like for music lovers?

If you enjoy listening to hi-res music and watching hi-def music videos on your mobile devices, you can look forward to a much smoother streaming experience with 5G. The improved radio technology and frequencies at which 5G operates will provide much greater capacity, ensuring that people will be able to enjoy hi-res music and hi-def music videos at the touch of a button or the tap of a finger.

The future of music streaming over mobile networks is highly dependent on the amount of data that can be supported — and 5G will help to ensure that more and more subscribers can listen to their favourite tunes at the highest resolutions.

The future of the music industry with 5G

While the possibilities for music lovers are exciting, musicians should be even more excited about what 5G has to offer. Latency — the time it takes for a signal to reach its destination — is so low with 5G that it will be easier for musicians to collaborate over mobile networks in real-time. The theoretical latency over a 5G network is just 1 millisecond and the real-world latency of 17-26 milliseconds has already been achieved, which can be up to twice as fast as the average figures for existing 4G networks. It’s not just lower latency that will help musicians though — more stable network performance will make it easier for them to stay in time with each other when collaborating online.

Confidential If you have tried to play live with musicians in different countries before and encountered timing difficulties, you’ll definitely want to look into 5G network plans for your future online collaborations.

Enjoy the benefits of 5G as a musician or a fan today

Whether you’re a committed fan who is unable to attend your favourite band’s concert or a musician looking to collaborate with another artist in a completely different country, having access to 5G on your mobile phone can act as a complete game-changer. Enjoy all the benefits of faster data speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections from wherever you are, whenever you want by switching to a mobile plan that supports 5G.