[cymbeline]

“I don’t see how this is such a major game-changer”

I agree with all that you say. Why 5G then? I’m no expert. Those investing in 5G must know.

I’ve said before that it’s great for big brother because with cell towers (small ones) sprouting up like grass, the location of a device can be determined more precisely. It will allow more devices per square mile to communicate at higher speeds.

Maybe the 5g investors envision everything — refrigerators, baby strollers, home security, cars, lawnmowers ... networked. In other words, the number of devices is destined to increase manyfold and all of their locations can be determined without the use of GPS. If so, what a world!

[Svartalfiar]

I’ve said before that it’s great for big brother because with cell towers (small ones) sprouting up like grass, the location of a device can be determined more precisely. It will allow more devices per square mile to communicate at higher speeds.

Yea, I didn't even think of that. Definitely an 'advantage' of the system. For the po-po anyway.


Maybe the 5g investors envision everything — refrigerators, baby strollers, home security, cars, lawnmowers ... networked. In other words, the number of devices is destined to increase manyfold and all of their locations can be determined without the use of GPS. If so, what a world!

Many in the tech world see this happening. The "Internet of Things" is the next big thing - and it's stupid. I really hate all this extra crap in every gadget and gizmo. Some of it is cool/convenient, but most of it is just useless extra parts that make it break easier. And, of course, make your home a lot less secure. I don't see much position data on household appliances, they'll only be connecting to one device, yours. Cellular location is not that accurate as it is, going to 5G will improve it but not to the degree that it's comparable to GPS.
My damn truck ('07) already has too much extra stuff like the stupid Secondary Air Induction System. My rental Titan from a year ago had nearly 20 (yes, twenty) buttons on the steering wheel!

If I ever win the lottery, I'm starting a company that makes simple, basic stuff that's reliable and easy for Dad to work on/fix. Your truck's gonna have a radio and maybe power windows. And the base model won't cost $40,000+.