2019 Edition vol6 Issue 22 DIGITAL

was investigating whether Huawei violated
US sanctions on Iran. Whether the USA ‘s
case against Meng Wanzhou is legitimate or
her arrest and detention legal, is a matter of
discussion. However, the USA has used the
accusation that Huawei is a security threat
to convince many countries and companies
around the world to cancel certain sensitive
contracts with Huawei. Yes, Huawei may be
helping the Chinese government to steal tech
knowledge from companies and countries they
work with, but to believe that Washington’s
actions are only borne out of security concerns
is to underestimate the global power, influence
and financial muscle whoever controls 5G will
possess in the future. Hence the US is doing
everything within its power to win the 5G war
and to remain relevant globally; something
China is not ready to succumb to the US
threat.
So you could say that the fight to control the
5G technology goes far beyond accusations
of security threat. Others have asked: if
Washington succeeds in persuading different
countries and organisation from doing the 5G
related businesses with American companies
instead of Huawei, what stops those US
companies from being a security threat to
their overseas partners? That question brings
one back to the hidden agenda behind the
5G war. It is about two elephants fighting to
control territory. While the war is going on,
as if they just suddenly woke up from their
slumber, four major network carriers are
presently busy trying to introduce 5G coverage
in many USA cities.
While we look forward to the introduction
of the 5G, it is important to know what the
new technology comes with. Does it mean
extra expenses for consumers? New phones?
New updates? Well, the answer depends on
one’s choice. You may decide to use your
present G4 phones until you upgrade to 5G.
Depending on your pocket, you may also say
goodbye to your G4 and switch over to 5G
and enjoy the benefits that come with the new
technology. Who wouldn’t like to, as far as
they can afford it? To take advantage of the
new technology and make billions of dollars,
many mobile phone companies like Samsung,
Apple and Motorola are investing heavily in
5G technology.
But limiting the advantage of 5G solely to the
telephone network is a huge understatement.
5G technology comes with more possibilities.
Think of law enforcement agencies tackling
crimes much faster and easier. Tracing
criminals will be easier than it is now. Facial
recognition will be much easier. Governments,
farmers, military using the technology to
control their robots, is another advantage.
What about car makers trying to develop
self-driving cars? Wow, will Uber save same
billions from paying its drivers across the
world and introduce self-driving cars?
Despite its enormous advantages, 5G equally
comes with its shortfalls. While 5G technology
could help reduce crime, it equally could
be counterproductive in the sense that it
could be prone to abuse by some lawless law
enforcement agencies. Individual privacy
will be drastically reduced. Individuals can
be tracked easily since 5G phones connect to
multiple devices.
With 5G technology, practically everything
will be gathered and stored in a chip and
connected to a wireless network. Imagine how
powerful, influential and rich one will become
when they use the 5G technology to control
the seaport, airport, hospitals, government
agencies and business?
A good reason why the 5G war is far from
over.
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2019 Issue 22 Kata kata cartoon magazine
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