Global connectivity and the prospect of 5G
From Flux Trends’ 6 Trends for 2020 Trend Release.
South African Data Network provider Rain launched 5G network in parts of Johannesburg and Tshwane last year. The company plans to extend the network in major metros around the country by the end of 2020.
Meanwhile Google, in partnership with ThinkWifi, has launched free WiFi in South Africa. “Google Stations” are WiFi hotspots available in over 100 locations around Philippi, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Langa and other “underserved” areas in Cape Town.
In China, LinkSure has ambitious plans to provide free internet for the whole world.
Dubbed the LinkSure Swarm Constellation System, the company plans to have its first 10 satellites in Earth’s orbit by the end of 2020.
While high-speed connectivity is a common goal, issues of privacy and the growing sophistication of deep fakes are making people wary of the personal data they trade with companies.
The middle ground? San Francisco has come up with a proposal to establish the “Office of Emerging Technology” to help the city monitor the next wave of devices and services spawned in Silicon Valley.
By: Dion Chang
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Image credit: Marc-Olivier Jodoin
