By Emad Fahmy, Systems Engineering Manager, Middle East, NETSCOUT
High-speed internet access has become essential in a world where education, work, personal interactions, and emergency communications often occur through handheld devices. The communications and technology industry has undergone a paradigm shift with the advent of cutting-edge technology. Moreso, the market’s response to 5G, AI-driven development, intelligent applications, generative AI, sustainable technology, and more has been focused on safeguarding past and future investments, building the appropriate solutions for the right stakeholders at the right time and delivering value for the evolving need of both internal and external customers. The looming question is: What’s on the horizon for communication and network ecosystem?
In the continuously changing world of technological integration, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations stand out as innovators, converging at the crossroads of two significant trends: 5G networks and AI. Taking the lead, GCC countries are at the forefront of deploying 5G networks, foreseeing a significant increase in subscriptions from 13 million to an impressive 70 million by 2028. These advancements pave the way for the upcoming introduction of 5G Advanced networks, projected to be active within the next three to five years, thereby creating a strong basis for the future of wireless technology and eventually leading to the deployment of 6G.
Expanding 5G to new frontiers
The transformative impact of 5G networks and AI extends across sectors such as transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, and education. Notably, in healthcare, the introduction of 5G technology revolutionizes patient care. With its ultra-fast speeds and low latency, 5G enhances connectivity and telemedicine, facilitating seamless communication for remote consultations and diagnostics, especially in regions with limited healthcare access.
At the same time, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) harnesses the power of 5G and the anticipated 6G, connecting medical devices for real-time data transmission, improving patient monitoring, and enabling proactive healthcare through continuous wearables. This technological advancement also supports precision medicine by facilitating the analysis of large datasets, particularly beneficial in genetically diverse regions like the Middle East. Furthermore, 5G’s low latency plays a crucial role in enabling real-time communication during remote surgeries, enhancing access to specialized care, and benefiting medical training and simulations.
Current state of 5G and healthcare
5G technology is reshaping healthcare across various fronts. For example, real-time telemedicine benefits from high-speed, low-latency connections for accessible healthcare through live video consultations. Wearable Devices and Remote Monitoring leverage 5G’s tailored connectivity for continuous care beyond traditional settings. Hospitals utilize 5G to turn diverse devices into IoT technology, enhancing connectivity and facilitating seamless data retrieval for patient care. The low latency and high bandwidth of 5G enable Remote Surgery, bringing real-time, high-definition procedures to remote or emergency settings. Real-time Physiological Information is made possible, offering dynamic, non-invasive measurements crucial for monitoring and personalized treatment plans. Improved Emergency Response is ensured through 5G support for connected ambulances, facilitating swift communication between healthcare providers and emergency personnel. Lastly, 5G’s speed and low latency are instrumental in AI-Enhanced Diagnostics, enabling rapid analysis of medical images and patient data for early disease detection and enhanced accuracy.
What’s in the store for healthcare by 6G?
6G’s transformative impact on healthcare extends the progress initiated by 5G. With a core emphasis on enhanced communication and collaboration, 6G, powered by AI, facilitates efficient exchange of ideas and real-time sharing of patient data among medical professionals globally, crucial for swift decision-making in emergencies. Notable applications include holographic communication for in-person or remote surgeries, personalized treatment plans through rapid analysis of diverse health data, advanced imaging for early cancer detection, low-latency remote surgeries, accelerated drug discovery, energy-efficient technologies, real-time physiological monitoring, and improved prosthetics offering robust connections to the user’s nervous system for enhanced control and quality of life.
In conclusion, 5G has already fuelled many healthcare advancements, including remote surgery and real-time monitoring. As we transition to 6G, the potential for transformative innovations like holographic communication and true remote diagnostics becomes apparent. These promise improved patient care, cost reduction, and enhanced accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. The benefits extend to cost savings through energy-efficient technologies, advanced digital solutions, and the integration of AI and machine learning for faster research projects. While it may take some time to fully realise 6G’s potential in healthcare, it’s evident that technology will play a pivotal role in shaping a more patient-centric, efficient, and effective future for healthcare.
