Does the advent of 5G technology signal the next big retail evolution?

5G is poised to power the next generation of internet connectivity and e-commerce. Faster and more reliable than anything that has come before, 5G networks will enable people to communicate, consume entertainment and shop at unprecedented speeds.

5G could prove pivotal for Asia-Pacific economies. Leading data analysts predict that it will contribute $900 billion to Asia's economy over the next 15 years, with 24 Asia-Pacific markets expected to launch 5G services by 2025 (GSMA, The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2019; GSMA is the Global System for Mobile Communications Association).

Markets like South Korea and Japan are leading the way in 5G adoption: indeed, tech journalists from around the globe excitedly reported on the world's first nationwide 5G network which went live in South Korea earlier this year (TechRadar, 2019).