The Path to 5G in the Developing World: Planning ahead for a Smooth Transition

Mobile technologies have radically reshaped the modern way of life and catalysed economic growth all over the world. The first generation (1G) of cellular mobile communication debuted in the 1980s. The second-generation (2G) added narrowband data services in the mid-1990s, making it possible to carry limited amounts of data. With the development of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard, 3G expanded to wideband communications and inaugurated global roaming and videoconferencing. Along the way, handsets evolved into smartphones, and 4G became a priority, offering better data handling for media, applications, and communications.

In recent years, trials and commercial deployments of fifth generation (5G) cellular mobile technology are taking shape around the world with even greater potential. While this deployment is being led by high-income countries, many developing countries are also implementing 5G trials, and there is widespread interest among governments in understanding the implications of this technology.

This KPOK Virtual Event aims to facilitate live knowledge sharing on the topic of 5G in the developing world, and how countries can plan ahead for a smooth transition.

The target audience for this webinar series includes policymakers and practitioners around the world, particularly those from developing countries, who may have experience and interest in 5G, the telecommunications sector more broadly, or the global digital divide.

This series is also designed for global development and finance professionals from across sectors and verticals, who would like to learn about the opportunities and challenges of 5G technology and deployment.