5G is meant to double the speed of wireless connections and help run the internet of things, The Economist explained earlier this year.

According to a press release issued by Deloitte on 19 December:

“The European Commission in collaboration with a major telecommunications company in Luxembourg, has already begun the deployment of 5G connectivity within Luxembourg in the context of the research project, 5GCroCo. The 5GCroCo project studies 5G technology to ensure digital connectivity that allows cross-border communication.”

In November 2018, Delano reported that Post had been selected by the European Commission to provide 5G coverage for autonomous and connected driving tests on the Luxembourg sections of the motorways, as part of the 5GCroCro project.

The consultancy said that 72 wireless operators worldwide are testing 5G networks and that “in 2019, 25 wireless operators will launch 5G service, a figure that will likely double by 2020.” The firm forecast sales of 1m 5G modems and 1m 5G handsets in 2019, with 5G handset sales rising to 15m-20m units by 2020.

David Osville, head of Deloitte’s technology, media and telecom practice in Luxembourg, stated in a press announcement this week:

“The successful adoption of 5G will not happen overnight, but 2019 will welcome the beginning of this immense and beneficial change for the wireless industry. The generation upgrade holds much potential in terms of increased traffic capacity and network efficiency, we must now ensure that we have the right provisions in place to leverage on these future gains”.

Deloitte’s “Global TMT Predictions 2019” report was published on 11 December.

The report also forecast that global sales of smart speakers would reach 164m next year, with an average selling price of $43 a unit. Deloitte also predicted more than two-thirds of companies using artificial intelligence technologies would do so using cloud computing.