The development of 5G wireless networks represents a paradigm shift in the future of connectivity. 5G will be 100 times faster than 4G, connect 100 times more devices, and be more responsive than the world’s current wireless networks. The ability to fully connect everyone and everything – cars, phones, houses, and more – will enable truly smart cities and produce amazing breakthroughs across all industries. 

While 5G is a nascent technology, the telematics industry is quickly rallying around it as the solution for more robust connectivity in the future. This was never more evident than at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association’s (CTIA) “Race to 5G Summit”, where leading experts gathered in Washington, DC to address wireless policies, the international competition to lead the world in wireless networks, and how 5G will transform our communities.

At the “Race to 5G Summit”, Tim Baxter, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, delivered the keynote address on Samsung’s role as a leader in 5G innovation, investment, and business development. Baxter inspired audiences with examples that illustrated how 5G’s minimal latency and extensive connectivity have the potential to significantly enhance our lives. HARMAN’s Director of Product Management, Roger Jollis, also participated on a panel discussion about the profound impact 5G will have on businesses and consumers as it advances beyond today’s early stages. The panel discussion included conversations about the critical role 5G will play across the automotive, healthcare, and energy industries.

As the wireless ecosystem evolves, it revolutionizes our day-to-day lives and activities. The invention of 2G made it possible to send text messages between friends, 3G introduced wireless access to the internet and video calling, and the lightning fast speeds of 4G brought mobile gaming to a whole new level. 5G presents an unprecedented opportunity: the ability to create a universal ecosystem that allows all of our digital devices to seamlessly work together. When it comes to mobility, the capability of vehicles to share information and “speak to” other vehicles, city infrastructure, and networks will ultimately make transportation safer and advance the path toward true autonomy. 5G has the power to be the ultimate platform that supports enhanced vehicle-to-everything (V-2X) communication. Without 5G and its ability to transfer and process data in and out of cars at light speed, the road to truly autonomous vehicles cars will be rocky.

HARMAN is recognized as a leader in connected technologies and solutions for automotive markets, and is dedicated to helping facilitate the evolution of 5G and V-2X communication. The 5GAA provides our company an excellent and additional avenue to continue those efforts alongside our corporate peers across industry lines. Founded on the basis of bridging the gap between the automotive and telecommunications industries, the 5GAA is committed to developing end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transportation services. As members of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), HARMAN executives participate in working groups that are focused on developing the framework, practical elements, required standards, and the business case for 5G and the future of connected mobility services.

As 5G connectivity develops, it will take true cooperation between companies to create a framework and a basis that will ultimately allow first-class competition. While the race to lead the world in 5G may already seem like it’s running full speed ahead, by sharing ideas and resources we can together create solutions that will better address society’s needs. HARMAN is proud to be part of the 5G revolution and to help pave the way for a more connected world.