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13.1 Emerging Communication Technologies

4 min readjuly 18, 2024

Emerging communication technologies are revolutionizing how we connect and interact. , AR/VR, AI, and blockchain are transforming industries, offering faster speeds, , and smarter interactions. These advancements are reshaping our digital landscape and opening new possibilities.

These technologies differ from current solutions by providing enhanced capabilities and novel approaches. They're driving , social changes, and industry disruptions. While challenges like implementation costs and skill gaps exist, opportunities for improved experiences, cost savings, and innovation abound.

Emerging Communication Technologies

Emerging communication technologies

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  • 5G networks enable:
    • Ultra-low latency allows real-time communication and control (remote surgery, autonomous vehicles)
    • Massive device connectivity supports (IoT) and smart cities with millions of connected devices
    • Enhanced mobile broadband delivers high-speed internet access for seamless streaming and downloading (4K video, )
    • Network slicing creates dedicated virtual networks for specific applications and services
  • (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) provide:
    • Immersive experiences blend digital content with the real world (AR) or create entirely virtual environments (VR)
    • Training and education simulate realistic scenarios and allow hands-on learning (medical training, industrial maintenance)
    • enables virtual meetings and co-working spaces with shared 3D objects and environments
    • Entertainment and gaming offer interactive and engaging experiences (Pokemon Go, VR theme parks)
  • (AI) in communication involves:
    • (NLP) enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language
    • detects emotions and opinions in text data (social media monitoring, customer feedback analysis)
    • and virtual assistants provide automated customer support and personalized recommendations (Siri, Alexa)
    • tailors messages and recommendations based on and behavior
  • enables:
    • networks without central authorities or intermediaries
    • Secure and transparent transactions recorded on an immutable distributed ledger
    • automate the execution of agreements and enable trustless interactions
    • Applications in finance (cryptocurrencies), healthcare (secure medical records), and supply chain management (product traceability)

Differences from current solutions

  • 5G networks:
    • Offer significantly higher bandwidth (up to 20 Gbps) and lower latency (1 ms) compared to 4G (100 Mbps, 20-30 ms)
    • Enable massive device connectivity (1 million devices per square kilometer) vs. limited capacity of 4G
    • Support network slicing for dedicated resources and customized services, unlike one-size-fits-all 4G networks
  • AR and VR:
    • Provide immersive and interactive 3D experiences, unlike flat 2D displays and video conferencing
    • Allow users to interact with digital content and manipulate virtual objects, beyond passive viewing
    • Enable remote presence and collaboration in shared virtual spaces, transcending physical limitations
  • AI in communication:
    • Enables machines to understand context, intent, and emotions in human language, beyond keyword matching
    • Offers personalized and proactive communication based on user data and behavior, unlike static and generic messaging
    • Automates tasks and decision-making, reducing manual effort and human error
  • Blockchain technology:
    • Enables decentralized and trustless communication without relying on central authorities or intermediaries
    • Ensures security, transparency, and immutability of transactions and data, reducing fraud and tampering risks
    • Allows for programmable and self-executing contracts, automating complex processes and agreements

Impact on society and industry

  • Economic growth and job creation:
    • New business opportunities emerge in industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment
    • Increased productivity and efficiency through automation and optimization of processes
    • Job creation in fields like AI development, data analysis, and VR content creation
  • Social and cultural changes:
    • Enhanced connectivity and accessibility bridge the and enable remote access to services
    • Transformation of education through immersive learning experiences and personalized content delivery
    • Improved healthcare outcomes with remote monitoring, , and AI-assisted diagnosis
    • concerns arise from increased and sharing
  • and transformation:
    • Automation of manual tasks and processes leads to cost savings and efficiency gains
    • Changes in business models and value chains, such as direct-to-consumer sales and subscription-based services
    • Increased competition from new entrants and startups leveraging emerging technologies
    • Collaboration and partnerships across industries to develop and deploy new solutions

Challenges and opportunities of adoption

  • Challenges:
    • High implementation costs for infrastructure, hardware, and software development
    • and standardization issues among different platforms and devices
    • and workforce readiness, requiring training and upskilling of employees
    • Regulatory and legal hurdles, such as data privacy laws and liability concerns
  • Opportunities:
    • Improved customer experiences through personalized and immersive interactions
    • Cost savings from automation and optimization of processes and resources
    • Revenue growth from new products, services, and business models
    • Competitive advantage and differentiation through innovation and early adoption
    • New product development and innovation, combining emerging technologies for unique value propositions
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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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