Will 5G be the answer to IoT?

Sue Marek

As the definition of 5G becomes clearer, many are seeing it as being the perfect solution to many of the problems that currently exist with the Internet of Things -- namely the inability to bring together disparate networks such as RFID and Bluetooth with the underlying cellular framework that needs to happen to make the IoT vision a reality.

What makes 5G so appealing for IoT is that it will make it possible to segment out low-bandwidth users and devices that don't necessarily need high-speed data and huge swaths of bandwidth to work. Instead many of these IoT users just require a reliable connection that is interoperable with other IoT devices and networks.

But how exactly will 5G be the solution to the IoT dilemma? And what new disruptive technologies are emerging as part of the 5G vision that will be a potential boon for IoT? How should IoT device makers, wireless operators and consumers prepare for 5G?

I'll be asking these questions and more during my upcoming breakfast panel that will be held Jan. 6 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas in conjunction with the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the panel begins promptly at 7:30 a.m.

I've compiled a stellar panel of experts on the topic including:

  • Rusty Lhamon, Director of M2M at T-Mobile
  • Cameron Coursey, VP of Product Development for AT&T's Internet of Things Solution
  • Glenn Laxdal, CTO and Head of Strategy at Ericsson North America
  • Sanjeev Athalye, Sr. Director of Product Management for Qualcomm Research at Qualcomm Technologies

If you want to know about the future of the Internet of Things and what 5G means for IoT, you won't want to miss this breakfast panel. Click here to register. I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas. --Sue