WEF releases first publication in 5G outlook series on the impact of mobile technology on the response to COVID-19

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released a report on The Impact of Mobile Technology on the Response to COVID-19 which is the first in a series that examines the effects of mobile technology on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights early examples of 5G technology being used during this time and assesses the outlook for the expanded use of 5G in an era when ubiquitous, high-bandwidth connectivity has become more critical than ever. The report sheds light on the effect of industry and economic disruption on 5G roll-outs; how targeted fixed wireless access roll-outs can bridge the growing digital divide and enable new use cases; and how targeted enterprise roll-outs can bring economic and societal benefits. It further accentuates the lack of collaboration between governments and industry without which 5G may increase the digital divide.