Category: Telecommunication

Verizon subscribers will soon experience yet another increase in fees on their upcoming bills, a common tactic among wireless providers. As noted by Android Police, Verizon customers on Reddit observed a slight increase — just an additional 20 cents per line. However, this comes only a couple of years after a more significant rise in the “Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge” that Verizon adds to monthly billing, making the company’s assertion that it’s merely the cost of business seem questionable at best.

George Koroneos, a spokesperson for Verizon, confirmed the fee increase to The Verge, stating that “Effective December 18, the monthly Verizon wireless Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge will rise by $0.20 per line for mobile voice (basic phones, Second Number, smartphones, etc.) and data-only (hotspots, tablets, etc.) products. Verizon Home Internet services won’t be affected.” This adjustment raises the fee from $3.30 to $3.50 for each voice line on a plan and from $1.40 to $1.60 per data line.

According to a Verizon support page, this fee “helps cover and recuperate certain direct and indirect costs we or our agents incur,” which includes expenses associated with network operation and maintenance. AT&T and T-Mobile use different terms for the same fee, yet all essentially make similar claims about offsetting the costs of running a wireless network.

From a more skeptical viewpoint, these wireless companies separate this fee from their monthly rate plan charges to raise prices without it being termed a rate hike. This strategy was the basis for a class-action lawsuit against AT&T in 2022, which the company eventually agreed to settle.

Though it’s only a 20-cent increase now, this small hike can accumulate significantly when applied across millions of users. Remember, Verizon reported a net income of $3.4 billion in the third quarter of this year, a decrease from $4.9 billion in the same quarter last year. While the gradual increase in fees is nothing new, it serves as another reminder of the methods these companies can use to enhance their profits.

If you have an older Verizon unlimited plan for your mobile phone, you might notice a larger bill shortly. The mobile carrier plans to raise the prices of the 5G Get More, 5G Play More, 5G Do More, and 5G Start unlimited mobile plans by $4, starting in March 2024.

“Beginning March 1, Verizon customers on select older unlimited mobile plans will experience a $4 per line increase each month, effective in their next billing cycle,” a Verizon spokesperson stated to CNET.

This latest adjustment in pricing from Verizon follows previous increases on certain older unlimited plans last summer and the addition of new fees on other plans. In 2022, it also raised rates on shared data plans. Plans that have previously seen a rate increase will not face another adjustment at this time.

Like other price hikes from the company, this latest move seems intended to encourage users to transition to some of its newer “myPlan” unlimited plans, which are branded as Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Welcome. Although these new plans do not include streaming services such as the Disney bundle or international data roaming days, users can add them for $10 per month as “perks.”

The spokesperson emphasized that the pricing for any of the newer plans will “remain unchanged.”

Verizon joins other wireless providers in adjusting their pricing. In January, AT&T increased prices for its unlimited plans by 99 cents per line, while T-Mobile also confirmed it would be raising costs for its Home Internet service.

T-Mobile is implementing price increases across several of its plans

T-Mobile has started notifying customers that it will raise their rates by as much as $5 per line each month. The company’s assistance account on X confirmed this price increase, informing multiple customers that it was “adjusting prices in response to rising costs.” Reports indicate that the increase affects older plans, including One, Magenta, Magenta 55 Plus / Military, and Simple Choice, as well as its assortment of Go5G 55 plans for seniors, although the full extent of the increases is not entirely known.

T-Mobile informed employees that it is notifying the “small fraction of customers” impacted by the change today, May 22nd, based on internal documents and slides shared by The Mobile Report. The company stated that the increases, which are either $2 or $5 depending on the customer’s plan, will appear on their next bill “as soon as June 5th.”

The Go5G 55 plans will see a $5 per line, per month increase, “or more for single-line plans,” but these price hikes will only apply to new customers, according to a separate report by The Mobile Report. The Essentials Choice 55 plan is reportedly not affected. T-Mobile declined to comment on these changes.

Why? The straightforward answer is Disney. I realize that sounds like an odd link, but those older wireless plans came with the Disney Plus bundle at no cost. While they were free for users, they definitely imposed costs on Verizon. Someone needs to cover the expenses for all those Marvel films, and in this scenario, Verizon was paying Disney for all of its users.

This isn’t uncommon. In fact, for an extended period, it was standard practice for mobile carriers to attract customers by partnering with various streaming services for co-marketing agreements. Verizon isn’t the only company in this situation; T-Mobile has had a longstanding partnership with Netflix, for instance.

However, at some point, Verizon chose to stop incurring costs from Disney for all of its customers and thus discontinued the free benefit. The issue arose because if you were already subscribed to a plan that included it, Verizon remained obligated to pay for your subscription. Consequently, the company has been making it increasingly difficult to stay on those plans.

Generally speaking, such actions are something companies should avoid. This approach tends to make customers feel as though the business is more focused on extracting extra revenue rather than fostering a relationship that benefits both parties.

Consider this — Verizon is displeased with covering the costs of Disney Plus subscriptions for customers, an agreement it entered into initially to attract them to those plans. The situation is worsened by the fact that Verizon won’t remove you from your old plan; instead, it will progressively penalize customers who opt to remain. Over time, the company will continue to increase fees. Why would Verizon opt for this strategy? Simply because it can, and also because it aims to persuade everyone to switch to its newer, pricier plans.

Verizon would claim that the new plans aren’t more expensive, but that assertion only holds if you disregard the significant reduction in benefits. For instance, there’s no longer a Disney Plus bundle included. The previous plans also featured Apple Music.

I’m certain there’s someone at Verizon who believes they are providing a service by giving customers the ability to tailor their bundles to suit their needs, but in truth, it’s merely a mechanism to raise costs.

For example, we were on a plan that included both the Disney Plus bundle and Apple Music. Under the similar new plan — which appears to be $5 cheaper — neither benefit is included. Naturally, you can reinstate them for an additional $10 each. As someone who writes, math isn’t my strength, but paying effectively a $15 per month increase to regain what you once had for free isn’t a favorable offer.

The takeaway here is quite straightforward: you should primarily focus on ways to please your customers. Seek opportunities to enhance their lives and provide them with more of what they appreciate about your business. If you achieve this, they will gladly pay what it’s worth.

At the very least, you should avoid the urge to penalize them simply because you’ve grown weary of the deal you initially offered. It might appear to be a sound strategy, but it will invariably cost you more in the long term.

Finding an Affordable Plan for Your Smart Device

As a smart device owner, you are likely using a SIM card for connectivity. A smart device refers to an electronic gadget that connects with other devices or networks, such as an alarm system, GPS, smartwatch, vehicle, thermostat, etc.

Currently, there are around 8 billion connected devices worldwide. By 2020, Gartner predicts that the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices will reach 20 billion! Not all devices will require a cellular connection; however, if your device includes a slot for a SIM card, it necessitates a GSM connection. Since US Mobile is a GSM provider, our services are compatible with these types of connected devices.

Various Smart Devices Require Different Plans

Our a la carte plan structure is well-suited for IoT. The pricing matrix allows you to tailor a cellular plan for your device.

Many of our clients already utilize our plans for devices other than smartphones and tablets. Thus, we can offer you guidance on your device’s usage based on our current users.

Alarms
For alarms, two popular choices at US Mobile are Reolink and Kerui. Alarm systems typically require text messages or minutes, starting with plans at $4/month (text only), which include fees. For more information on home security, visit our Alarm Plans Page.

GPS Trackers
Just like alarm systems, many GPS trackers require GSM connectivity. Reachfar and ATian are two examples of trackers that utilize our GSM SIM card. Trackers usually need data for tracking functionality, and notifications are often sent via text message. Hence, a combination of data and text for $6/month serves as an appropriate basic plan. Depending on how you use your GPS, you may need to add additional data, but you can easily modify your plan through your personal dashboard at US Mobile.

Cars
The most favored connected vehicle among our users is Audi, but you can rest assured that the SIM card is compatible with all connected vehicles. A data-only plan is the optimal choice for a connected car. Based on our internal statistics, usage varies significantly from 250 MB to 6 GB per month; therefore, we recommend starting with a 1 GB monthly plan and monitoring your individual usage before making any changes.

Smartwatches
A smartwatch is distinct from other smart devices we’ve discussed since they typically require talk, text, and data services. This necessity arises because many wearables function similarly to a simplified phone (or a more advanced GPS tracker). Two examples include MyFilip and Tinitell, both designed as smartwatches for children. Our talk, text, and data plans begin at $9 per month (this includes all fees), which is a suitable starting point if you have a GSM-connected smartwatch.

Mobile Data Plans Explained: Everything You Need to Know

Mobile data plans are vital for maintaining connectivity in today’s digital world. They enable individuals to access the internet on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices without relying on Wi-Fi. With various choices available, including unlimited mobile data plans and prepaid options, it’s essential to understand the details of these plans to make well-informed choices. This detailed guide will cover all you need to know about mobile data plans, helping you to select the best option for your requirements.

Mobile data plans allow users to access the internet on their devices via cellular networks. These plans differ in data limits, speeds, and pricing, allowing consumers to find the best match for their usage habits and budget. The main categories of mobile data plans include:

• Postpaid Plans: Billed monthly after usage, typically under a contract.
• Prepaid Plans: Paid in advance without a contract, offering more flexibility.
• Unlimited Plans: Provide unlimited data usage, although speeds might be reduced after reaching a certain limit.

Types of Mobile Data Plans

Postpaid Mobile Data Plans
Postpaid mobile data plans charge users monthly based on their usage. They often require a contract that can last from one to two years. These plans usually come with extra benefits such as family sharing options, international roaming packages, and higher network priority. If you have any inquiries about which plan is most suitable for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Prepaid Mobile Data Plans
Prepaid mobile data plans require users to pay in advance for a designated amount of data. These plans offer flexibility without the obligation of a long-term contract. They are ideal for individuals who wish to control their expenditures or need a temporary option. For instance, travelers might choose a prepaid plan to avoid high roaming costs. For more information on how our plans can improve your travel experience, visit our Destinations page.

Unlimited Mobile Data Plans
Unlimited mobile data plans allow users to use as much data as they wish without the concern of overage fees. However, it’s crucial to note that many providers have a fair usage policy, which may limit speeds after surpassing a certain data limit. These plans are ideal for heavy data users, like those who stream videos, engage in online gaming, or work remotely.

What are Prepaid Mobile Data Plans?

Prepaid mobile data plans are favored for their adaptability and budget management. With these plans, users pay in advance for a defined data amount, which can be utilized over a specified timeframe. Here is a closer examination of the advantages of prepaid mobile data plans:

• No Contracts: Users are not bound to lengthy contracts and can easily change providers or plans.
• Budget-Friendly: Due to the upfront payment, there are no unexpected bills or overage fees.
• Ideal for Travelers: Prepaid plans are excellent for those who need temporary mobile data options while traveling.

Can You Purchase Mobile Data?

Yes, mobile data can be purchased through various methods. Here are the most common ways to acquire mobile data:

• Directly from Carriers: Most mobile carriers provide data plans that can be bought online, in-person, or through customer service.
• Retail Stores: Numerous retailers offer prepaid SIM cards with data plans.
• Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon frequently have prepaid SIM cards available for purchase.

For those utilizing eSIM technology, data plans can be downloaded and activated directly on the device.

Advantages of Unlimited Mobile Data Plans

Unlimited mobile data plans present several benefits, particularly for individuals with high data usage. Some prominent advantages include:

• No Extra Charges: Users can use as much data as desired without the fear of incurring additional fees.
• Reliable Connectivity: Perfect for activities needing continuous internet access, like streaming, gaming, and remote working.
• Family Options: Numerous providers offer unlimited data plans that can be shared with family members, leading to savings and greater convenience.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to read the detailed terms, as certain plans may reduce speeds after reaching a specific usage limit. For additional information on selecting the appropriate plan, check the features of Roamless eSIM.

How to Select the Right Mobile Data Plan

When choosing a mobile data plan, keep these aspects in mind:

• Data Consumption: Estimate your monthly data needs to find the ideal plan. Casual users may do well with a smaller option, while heavy users might require unlimited data.
• Cost: Review the pricing of various plans and account for any extra charges, like activation fees or taxes.
• Network Coverage: Verify that the provider has good coverage in your region to prevent connectivity problems.
• Extras and Features: Seek plans that provide added benefits, such as international roaming, mobile hotspot capabilities, or family sharing.
• What is an eSIM Mobile Data Plan?

An eSIM mobile data plan is an embedded SIM that allows users to download and activate a data plan directly on their device without needing a physical SIM card. This technology provides numerous advantages:

• Convenience: Easily switch between various carriers and data plans without needing to swap out SIM cards.
• Versatility: Store multiple eSIM profiles on one device and switch when necessary.
• Environmentally Friendly: Decrease plastic waste by forgoing the need for physical SIM cards.

For a comprehensive guide to setting up an eSIM, refer to How to Setup Your eSIM?

What is the Cost of an Unlimited Data Mobile Plan?

The price of unlimited data mobile plans differs based on the provider and the specific features offered. Typically, these plans fall within the $50 to $100 per month range. Factors that affect pricing include:

• Network Speed: Plans that provide 5G connectivity may come at a higher cost.
• Additional Benefits: Plans that feature extras like international roaming or subscriptions to streaming services may be more expensive.
• Provider Standing: Reputable providers could charge more for enhanced network reliability and customer support.

Final Thoughts

Grasping mobile data plans is vital for maintaining connectivity in today’s fast-moving environment. Whether you choose a prepaid plan for its flexibility, an unlimited plan for its convenience, or an eSIM for its advanced functionalities, there’s an option suited for everyone. By evaluating your data needs, financial plan, and coverage requirements, you can select the best plan to remain connected wherever you go.

For further information and to discover the optimal eSIM choices, start utilizing our eSIM app! today for uninterrupted connectivity with Roamless.

By choosing the right mobile data plan, you ensure that you stay connected, productive, and entertained, regardless of your location.

One year after the presentation of the “GigabitStrategy” for the expansion of high-speed Internet, many projects have been completed. The expansion of fiber optic connections is progressing. However, only a minority of households already use fast access.

According to the Digital Ministry, the expansion of fast Internet connections in Germany is progressing rapidly. Last year, around four million additional households were connected to the fiber optic network, said Digital and Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) at the “One Year of Gigabit Strategy” celebration.

Every fourth household with a fiber optic connection

One year after the launch, the company has come closer significantly to its goal of providing comprehensive and high-performance gigabit coverage, said Wissing. According to him, by the end of 2022, around one in four households in Germany had a fiber optic connection .

The expansion of high-speed networks is also progressing in mobile communications. Within a year, coverage of the fast fifth generation(5G) mobile network increased to 87 percent of the area in Germany, corresponding to an increase of 22 percentage points.

A comprehensive, efficient, and reliable supply of gigabit networks is the basis for successful digitization and the future viability of Germany as a business location, Wissing told the DPA news agency. “In the past twelve months, we have succeeded in triggering additional momentum in expanding fiber optic and mobile communications.” His ministry approach is to bring all those involved to the table and tackle the ambitious goals together.

Demand in households is still lagging behind

Fiber optic access is a technology that runs fiber optic cables right into the home or basement (“Fiber to the Home”/FTTH or “Fiber to the Building”/FTTB). The Internet connections are better than those via telephone cable (VDSL) or television cable.

However, the supply increasing of connections in households is higher than demand: only a quarter of households where FTTH/FTTB is available have activated the fiber optic connection, according to a study by Dialog Consult commissioned by the internet industry association VATM. The other three -quarters do not have the connection. This is probably mainly due to the relatively high prices for fiber optic contracts.

By the end of 2025, fiber optics in every second household

A year ago, the traffic light coalition presented a”gigabit strategy”, a package of measures comprising 100 projects, the main aim of which is to simplify and accelerate approval procedures for network expansion. In the paper, the federal government has set itself the goal of providing fiber optics to homes and the latest mobile communications standard by 2030 “wherever people live, work or are on the move”.

As a first step, the coalition wants to push ahead with the expansion so that at least every second household can use fiber optics by the end of 2025. Of the 100 planned measures, only 39 points are shown as open on the website of the Digital Ministry, 35 as “in progress” and 4 as”not yet started”. 32 have therefore been completed. The remaining 29 measures are ongoing.

Among the measures, Wissing highlighted the adoption of DINstandard 18220, which is intended to facilitate the alternative cable laying method of trenching. In trenching, fiber optic cables are not laid in deep trenches that have to be laboriously excavated, but in much less deep slots that are milled into streets and sidewalks.

Industry sees broadband expansion as a marathon

Srini Gopalan, head of Telekom Deutschland, said that broadband expansion is a marathon that requires a lot of patience. However, there are hurdles along the marathon route that need to be cleared. Markus Haas, CEO of Telefónica Deutschland, said the expansion targets are not yet ambitious enough. The full expansion must be completed before 2030.

To achieve this, approval procedures must be further simplified.

Gopalan, Haas, and the new Vodafone Germany boss Philippe Rogge spoke out in favor of the large Internet companies such as Google, Netflix, and Amazon contributing to the expansion costs. Ralph Dommermuth, the head of United Internet AG, on the other hand, said that the industry was already making good money and did not need to ask the Internet companies to pay. Customers who like to watch Netflix would also have to pay for the network connection required for it.

This is where you can find an explanation of 5G technology—how it functions, its importance, and how it is revolutionizing global connectivity and communication.

5G represents the fifth generation of mobile networks and is a new standard in wireless technology following 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It is designed to create a new network connecting virtually everything and everyone, including machines, objects, and devices.

The purpose of 5G wireless technology is to provide higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, extremely low latency, increased reliability, massive network capacity, improved availability, and a more consistent user experience for a larger number of users. These enhancements enable new user experiences and facilitate connections across diverse industries.

Although 5G is not owned by any single company or individual, several companies in the mobile ecosystem are contributing to its development. Qualcomm has been instrumental in inventing the foundational technologies that drive the industry forward and form 5G, the next wireless standard.

We are part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the organization responsible for defining the global specifications for 3G UMTS (including HSPA), 4G LTE, and 5G technologies.

3GPP is instrumental in driving essential innovations across all aspects of 5G design, from the air interface to the service layer. Other 3GPP 5G members include infrastructure vendors, component/device manufacturers, mobile network operators, and vertical service providers.

5G is based on OFDM (Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing), a method of modulating a digital signal across multiple channels to reduce interference. 5G employs the 5G NR air interface alongside OFDM principles. It also utilizes wider bandwidth technologies such as sub-6 GHz and mmWave.

Similar to 4G LTE, 5G OFDM operates based on the same mobile networking principles. However, the new 5G NR air interface can further enhance OFDM to provide greater flexibility and scalability, expanding 5G access to a wider range of users and applications.

5G will expand into new spectrum resources, operating in both lower bands (e.g., sub-6 GHz) and mmWave (e.g., 24 GHz and higher), offering extreme capacity, multi-Gbps throughput, and low latency.

The design of 5G is not only focused on providing faster, improved mobile broadband services compared to 4G LTE, but also on expanding into new service areas such as mission-critical communications and connecting the massive IoT. This is made possible through new 5G NR air interface design techniques, such as a new self-contained TDD subframe design.

Prior generations of mobile networks include 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G.

First generation – 1G

1980s: 1G provided analog voice.

Second generation – 2G

Early 1990s: 2G introduced digital voice (e.g. CDMA- Code Division Multiple Access).

Third generation – 3G

Early 2000s: 3G introduced mobile data (e.g. CDMA2000).

Fourth generation – 4G LTE

2010s: 4G LTE ushered in the era of mobile broadband.

1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G have led to the development of 5G, which aims to provide more connectivity than ever before.

5G is an enhanced, more capable air interface designed to enable next-generation user experiences, support new deployment models, and offer new services.

With its high speeds, superior reliability, and minimal latency, 5G will push the mobile ecosystem into new frontiers. 5G will impact every industry, making safer transportation, remote healthcare, precision agriculture, digitized logistics, and more a reality.

There are several reasons why 5G is superior to 4G:

• 5G is significantly faster than 4G.
• 5G has more capacity than 4G.
• 5G has significantly lower latency than 4G.
• 5G is a more capable unified platform than 4G.
• 5G utilizes spectrum more efficiently than 4G.
• 5G is a unified, more capable platform compared to 4G.

While 4G LTE focused on delivering much faster mobile broadband services than 3G, 5G is designed to be a unified, more capable platform that not only enhances mobile broadband experiences but also supports new services like mission-critical communications and the massive IoT. 5G can also natively support all spectrum types (licensed, shared, unlicensed), a wide range of deployment models (from traditional macro-cells to hotspots), and new ways to interconnect (such as device-to-device and multi-hop mesh).

5G utilizes spectrum more effectively than 4G.

Designed to maximize the utilization of available spectrum across various regulatory paradigms and bands, 5G encompasses low bands below 1 GHz, mid bands from 1 GHz to 6 GHz, and high bands known as millimeter wave (mmWave).

• 5G is faster than 4G.
• 5G can deliver significantly higher speeds than 4G, offering up to 20 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps) peak data rates and 100+ Megabits-per-second (Mbps) average data rates.
• 5G has more capacity than 4G.
• 5G is engineered to support a 100x increase in traffic capacity and network efficiency.
• 5G has less latency compared to 4G.
• 5G has significantly reduced latency for quicker, real-time access, with a 10-fold decrease in end-to-end latency down to 1ms.
• The global economy is being boosted by 5G.
• The global economic output is estimated to be $13.1 trillion.
• There will be 22.8 million new job opportunities.
• About $265 billion is expected to be invested in global 5G CAPEX and R&D annually over the next 15 years

Based on a comprehensive 5G Economy study, it is projected that by 2035, the full economic benefits of 5G will likely be experienced worldwide, leading to support for various industries and potentially enabling up to $13.1 trillion worth of goods and services.

This impact is much larger compared to previous network generations. The development requirements for the new 5G network are also extending beyond the traditional mobile networking players to industries such as the automotive industry.

The study also uncovered that the 5G value chain (including OEMs, operators, content creators, app developers, and consumers) could potentially support up to 22.8 million jobs, which is more than one job for every person in Beijing, China. Moreover, many emerging and new applications will be defined in the future, and only time will reveal the full “5G effect” on the economy.

5G is engineered to perform various functions that can revolutionize our lives, including offering faster download speeds, low latency, and increased capacity and connectivity for billions of devices—particularly in the realms of virtual reality (VR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).

With 5G, individuals can access new and enhanced experiences, for instance, nearly instantaneous access to cloud services, multiplayer cloud gaming, shopping with augmented reality, real-time video translation and collaboration, and more.

Generally, 5G is utilized across three main types of connected services, comprising enhanced mobile broadband, mission-critical communications, and the massive IoT. A key feature of 5G is its design for forward compatibility—the flexibility to support future services which are currently unknown.

Enhanced mobile broadband

Apart from enhancing our smartphones, 5G mobile technology can introduce new immersive experiences such as VR and AR with faster, more consistent data rates, lower latency, and lower cost-per-bit.

Mission-critical communications

5G can facilitate new services that can revolutionize industries with ultra-reliable, available, low-latency links, like remote control of critical infrastructure, vehicles, and medical procedures.

Massive IoT

5G is intended to seamlessly connect an enormous number of embedded sensors in virtually everything through the capability to scale down in data rates, power, and mobility, offering extremely lean and cost-effective connectivity solutions.

The average consumer is projected to consume approximately 11 GB of data per month on their smartphone in 2022. This growth is driven by the exponential rise in video traffic, as mobile is increasingly becoming the primary source of media and entertainment, as well as the substantial expansion in always-connected cloud computing and experiences.

4G completely transformed how we access information. Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in the mobile app industry, encompassing services such as video streaming, ride sharing, food delivery, and more.

5G will extend the mobile ecosystem to new industries, contributing to cutting-edge user experiences such as boundless extreme reality (XR), seamless IoT capabilities, new enterprise applications, local interactive content, and instant cloud access, among others.

With high data speeds and superior network reliability, 5G will have a profound impact on businesses. The benefits of 5G will enhance business efficiency while also providing users with faster access to more information.

Depending on the industry, some businesses can fully leverage 5G capabilities, particularly those requiring the high speed, low latency, and network capacity that 5G is designed to provide. For example, smart factories could employ 5G to operate industrial Ethernet to help enhance operational productivity and precision.

Smart cities could utilize 5G in numerous ways to enhance the lives of their residents, primarily providing greater efficiencies such as increased connectivity between people and objects, higher data speeds, and lower latency than ever before in areas like automotive safety, infrastructure, VR, and entertainment.

5G is engineered to deliver peak data rates of up to 20 Gbps based on IMT-2020 requirements. Qualcomm Technologies’ flagship 5G solutions, the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X65 is designed to achieve up to 10 Gbps in downlink peak data rates.

However, 5G offers more than just speed. Besides higher peak data rates, 5G is engineered to provide much greater network capacity by venturing into new spectrum, such as mmWave.

5G can also offer significantly lower latency to provide a more immediate response and can ensure an overall more consistent user experience so that data rates remain consistently high, even when users are on the move.

The new 5G NR mobile network is supported by a Gigabit LTE coverage base, offering widespread Gigabit-class connectivity.

Similar to 4G LTE, 5G also uses Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and will function according to similar mobile networking principles. However, the new 5G NR (New Radio) air interface will improve OFDM to provide greater flexibility and scalability.

5G will not only provide faster, improved mobile broadband services compared to 4G LTE, but it will also extend into new service areas, such as mission-critical communications and connecting the massive IoT. This is made possible by many new 5G NR air interface design techniques, including a new self-contained TDD subframe design.

5G can revolutionize home internet service by offering a wireless modem alternative to existing cables. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can now serve customers using 5G infrastructure, making the coverage, performance, and deployment flexibility of 5G a compelling backhaul alternative to fiber, DSL, or cabled solutions.

Is 5G available now?

A: Yes, 5G is already accessible today, and global operators began launching new 5G networks in early 2019. Additionally, all major phone manufacturers are introducing 5G phones. Furthermore, even more individuals may soon have access to 5G.

5G has been deployed in 60+ countries and is continuing to expand rapidly. The rollout and adoption of 5G are much faster than that of 4G. Customers are highly enthusiastic about the high speeds and low latencies. Moreover, 5G offers mission-critical services, enhanced mobile broadband, and massive IoT capabilities. While it’s difficult to predict when everyone will have access to 5G, significant momentum in 5G launches has been observed in its first year, and more countries are expected to introduce their 5G networks in 2020 and beyond.

Affordable 5G phones are already available. In fact, 5G is now offered across all tiers of the current Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms, from 8- to 4-series, making 5G accessible to over 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide.

Do I need a new phone if I want 5G?

A: Yes, you’ll need to acquire a new smartphone that supports 5G to utilize the network. For example, smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 5G Mobile Platforms are 5G compatible.

Numerous new mobile phones are available that are designed to support 5G, and multiple carriers around the world support the 5G wireless network. As the 5G rollout progresses, more smartphones and carrier subscriptions will become available as 5G technology and 5G compatible devices become more common.

5G is already here, and new 5G NR devices and networks are being launched at a rapid pace, significantly faster and more globally than LTE during its initial year of commercial deployment. This is just the beginning. Next year, 5G is expected to expand to more smartphone tiers and reach more consumers, expanding to new global markets and device classes like the always-connected PC.

On the network side, both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G coverage will continue to grow, thanks to new 5G spectrum being made available through auctions and dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS). DSS will lead to even broader 5G coverage in lower bands and enable direct migration from existing non-standalone (NSA) networks to standalone (SA) networks.

In 2019, the focus was on commercializing 5G NR enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and fixed wireless access. It’s an interesting time to consider how we got here and what’s next for 5G.

One frequent question is: “why did we need 5G?” Its primary objective was to meet the global demand for better mobile experiences. Additionally, it aimed to create a unified platform to enable new services and address new industries across a range of spectrum types. Ongoing research and technological advancements allow 5G to deliver capabilities that were not possible when 4G was developed.

For example, 5G introduces a more efficient and unified TDD design with faster turnaround that can scale to various deployment scenarios and spectrum use, including low sub 1 GHz, mid 2-7 GHz, and high mmWave bands like 28 GHz, 39 GHz, and 60 GHz — even considering designs for higher frequencies beyond 100 GHz. Furthermore, 5G’s flexible architectural framework allows for new inventions and extends 5G’s reach.

5G is an innovation platform for the next decade, and technology boundaries will continue to be pushed to address new market needs and support future services that are not yet defined. If historical trends continue, the next-generation technology leap after 5G will occur in approximately 10 years’ time, and fundamental research continues to progress the industry toward new technological breakthroughs. Regardless of whether it’s called 6G or something else, Qualcomm Technologies will continue to lead the way.

What is the function of technologies that intersect with 5G?

As well as the specifics of 5G technology advancement, it’s essential to consider the development of other significant technologies that intersect with 5G, particularly the role of artificial intelligence (AI). Currently, we are enabling various power-efficient on-device AI inference use cases, such as computer vision and voice recognition. Although AI is typically cloud-centered, we anticipate AI to become increasingly distributed in the future, with lifelong on-device learning, offering benefits such as enhanced personalization and improved privacy protection.

The advanced capabilities of 5G make it well-suited for connecting distributed on-device AI engines and enabling them to be further enhanced by the edge cloud — a concept referred to as the wireless edge.

Due to economic and performance tradeoffs, we see compelling opportunities to distribute functions like processing or AI over 5G, which can drive technological advancements to unlock new possibilities for low-latency services in the 5G era.

5G is the fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks, which cellular phone companies began deploying globally in 2019. It follows the 4G networks, which currently provide connectivity to most cellphones.

5G offers faster download speeds, reduced latency time, as well as higher connection density of devices per km2. This increased performance will accelerate the development of many new and existing technologies.

Many individuals find the transition from 3G to 4G, and now to 5G, perplexing and do not comprehend the reasons behind these changes. This problem of EUC will address some of this confusion and deliberate on several ways that new generations of cellular broadband networks and devices are significant to practically every industrial and commercial business, as well as many aspects of our everyday lives.

What is the infrastructure of 5G?

5G, which is a popular topic worldwide, is the fifth generation technology standard for broadband in the telecommunications industry and the successor to the 4G networks that currently provide connectivity to most cellphones. It is projected that by 2025, there will be over 1.1 billion subscribers to 5G networks worldwide, according to the GSM Association (Global System for Mobile Communications).

Similar to its predecessors, 5G networks are cellular networks that divide the service area into small geographical areas called cells. All 5G wireless devices in a cell are connected to the internet and telephone network by radio waves through a local antenna in the cell area.

Standalone and non-standalone 5G network infrastructure

Non-standalone infrastructure (NSA) partly relies on existing 4G LTE infrastructure but also incorporates some new technology like 5G New Radio (NR). According to 3GPP standards, NSA architecture involves the 5G RAN and the 5G NR interface working in conjunction with existing LTE infrastructure and core network. The 5G standard also specifies that while only LTE services are supported, the network has the capabilities offered by 5G NR, such as lower latency.

Non-standalone (NSA) network architecture dominated the market in 2020, with a revenue share of over 92.9%, as reported by Grand View Research, Inc. This is due to the early rollout of the non-standalone network worldwide, which is typically deployed in integration with the existing LTE infrastructure. Several major service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and China Mobile, have implemented 5G NSA network models for basic use.

Standalone infrastructure is a 5G network that operates independently of LTE networks and has its own cloud-native network core connected to the NR. It is expected that network carriers will leverage standalone infrastructures after transitioning through an NSA infrastructure. Utilizing an NSA approach enables carriers to provide experiences similar to 5G while they build out the necessary physical infrastructure of a 5G network.

As per the 3GPP Release 15, the standalone deployment option consists of user equipment, the RAN (including the NR), and the 5G core network. The 5G core network utilizes a service-based 5G architecture framework with virtualized network functions.

5G network tower structure

Macrocells are the traditional cell towers that cover extensive areas. In a 5G network, network functions that are usually hardware-based become virtualized and run as software. While 5G networks are progressing and becoming more self-sustaining, most carriers will continue to utilize existing 4G LTE radio access networks (RANs) along with numerous new antennas. This allows carriers to transition from 4G to 5G by offering enhanced services while constructing the new physical infrastructure.

5G infrastructure equipment

5G infrastructure equipment is mainly comprised of: Radio Access Network (RAN); a core network that provides various services to connected customers; a backhaul that links the backbone and the edge networks; and a transport system that connects a 5G RAN and the core network. The backhaul and transport network include fiber optics or microwave antennas.

In the equipment sector, RAN was the primary component of the 5G infrastructure market, holding a 47.6% share in 2020, according to Grand View Research, Inc. This was due to the extensive deployment of 5G RAN with multiple small cells and macrocell base stations worldwide.

The trend of deploying virtual and centralized RAN is rapidly gaining traction among network service providers to reduce overall infrastructure costs and network complexities. Moreover, the use of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology to enhance the operational efficiency of virtual RANs is expected to significantly contribute to segment growth from 2021 to 2028.

Frequency band categorizations

Sub-6 GHz bands are utilized for frequencies transmitted from cell phone towers below 6GHz. The sub 6GHz spectrum is favored for early deployment of 5G networks worldwide. It utilizes an available part of the spectrum below the 6GHz range and can support higher bandwidth compared to LTE frequency bands. Sub-6GHz dominated the 5G infrastructure market with a share of over 91% in 2020.

mmWave frequency bands are high-band frequencies that offer increased bandwidth capacity and very low latency. These spectrum bands will be particularly beneficial in applications requiring ultra-reliable connectivity, especially in remote patient surgeries and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) connectivity.

The onset of Covid-19 significantly hindered the rollout of 5G infrastructure. The pandemic led to disruptions in testing and trials necessary for validating the performance and stability of 5G standalone networks. Additionally, the pandemic resulted in decreased exports of telecom equipment for 5G New Radio Technology (NR) from the US, China, and other countries to the global market.

Recovery and innovation

Despite the pandemic, the ongoing focus on enhancing communications for energy monitoring and management, in conjunction with the necessity to gain better control over the energy generation and distribution network, is anticipated to drive the deployment of 5G infrastructure in the next 7 years. Numerous industry reports indicate that the global 5G infrastructure market was valued at nearly 3 billion USD in 2020 — and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) with growth estimates ranging from 49.8% to 71.2% from 2021 to 2028.

The rapidly increasing industrial digitalization has created a new revenue stream for service providers worldwide. The growing demand to establish continuous communication among industrial applications — such as collaborative/cloud robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), wireless cameras, and others — is expected to drive growth in the industrial segment for years. The need to provide uninterrupted connectivity between machines in manufacturing processes increases the demand for ultra-reliable high-frequency, low-latency connectivity.

The deployment of 5G infrastructures is expanding in government and public safety institutions due to the established need for quick communication with first responders during emergencies. Given the ongoing pandemic, the demand for next-generation, high-speed networks is projected to surge.

Substantial growth is expected in the energy sector due to the growing necessity for high-speed internet connectivity across energy generation and distribution applications. Moreover, the increasing demand to provide improved connectivity to ships and vessels for efficient remote monitoring is anticipated to drive the adoption of 5G technology and related infrastructure in the transportation and logistics sector.

The healthcare industry is beginning to emphasize the importance of concepts such as remote diagnosis, treatment, and surgeries for patients. This implies that the delivery of data and connectivity during remote patient surgeries must be reliable and consistent. The next-generation 5G technology and related infrastructure are expected to contribute to market growth in the healthcare industry in the coming years.

Providing high bandwidth services to individuals, businesses, and sectors

A significant change and an advantage of the new 5G networks is their greater bandwidth, resulting in higher download speeds — potentially reaching 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). With increased bandwidth, the 5G networks will serve as general internet service providers for laptops and desktop computers, competing with existing ISPs like cable internet. Furthermore, the increasing need for improved bandwidth connectivity with minimal latency for various mission-critical applications — such as precise manufacturing, medical diagnostics and surgery, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), drone connectivity, and numerous other applications — will contribute to the growth of the market.

5G technology will enhance user experience, offering Ultra-High Definition (UHD) video, seamless video calling, as well as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for gaming. 5G will enable the development of new applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and enhance machine-to-machine connectivity. 4G mobile phones are not compatible with the new networks, which require 5G-enabled wireless devices. There are various 5G-enabled mobile phones available from your communication service providers today.

Key communication service providers worldwide are making substantial investments to secure low and mid-band frequencies and deliver high bandwidth services to individuals, businesses, and sectors. Recently, governments of key nations such as the US, China, Japan, and South Korea have allocated sub-6 GHz frequencies to provide high-speed internet services in their respective countries.

Electrical machine controls have been a part of c3controls for more than four decades

We trust that you have found value in this edition of EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL and that this information will help dispel some of the uncertainties surrounding the functioning of 5G broadband cellular technology. It is crucial for us to understand how the 5G network adds value to industrial and commercial businesses of all kinds as we advance in today’s business world — and how it will enhance various aspects of our daily lives.

In upcoming editions, we will share details about the latest trends and developments in a wide range of industries that rely on c3controls products as an essential component of their machine controls.

What is 5G technology?

5G technology represents the fifth generation of mobile cellular communication, facilitating faster sharing and transfer of information than ever before. It also introduces new opportunities for connectivity and connected devices, including the internet of things (IoT) and virtual reality.

Like earlier generations of wireless technologies, 5G serves as a method for connecting individuals through the internet and cellular networks regardless of distance—from short ranges to several miles apart.

What are advantages of 5G over a 4G network? Is 5G better than 4G?

5G is reliable and utilizes the same cellular principles established in 4G, 3G, 2G, and 1G, yet it surpasses 4G due to numerous improvements, such as enhanced data rates, connectivity among vehicles, and interconnectivity between devices. With 5G, a wide range of connectivity is possible—linking everything from automobiles to homes and even coffee shops or entire cities.

Is 5G faster than 4G?

5G represents a natural advancement from 4G and 3G and is distinct from previous generations. It offers higher data rates and additional methods for connecting devices. In simpler terms, 5G is indeed faster than 4G and older networks.

How does 5G technology work?
5G connects us through various mechanisms.

A smartphone and a 5G base station establish a wireless link, which occurs over a frequency band—similar to what most are familiar with regarding FM or AM radio. However, 5G benefits from the availability of several new frequency bands specifically designated for 5G access.

Starting in 2011, the FCC began conducting “frequency auctions” to allow companies access to those frequency bands across the United States. These allocated frequency bands are known as “mid-band frequencies.”

These frequency bands are transformative for 5G because 4G and 3G never had the option of using them. They possess sufficient frequency capacity to accommodate the higher data rates users expect—be it for streaming video or experiencing virtual reality on their devices. This enhances the capabilities of 4G technology, making 5G an evolutionary leap and a significant innovation simultaneously. – Alex Wyglinski, WPI Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

5G also operates through another technology called millimeter wave, which utilizes a different set of frequency bands. 4G and 3G did not leverage these bands, which can achieve exceptionally high data rates—gigabits per second—equivalent to transmitting a CD or DVD’s worth of data within seconds. However, the range of millimeter wave is limited.

What is 5G supposed to do?

You might be curious about the purpose of 5G and its necessity; among other technological advancements, 5G is intended to be a primary catalyst for the idea of “smart cities.” Smart cities are areas with near-total 5G connectivity, where almost everything—including residences, office buildings, and streets—will be integrated into the 5G network.

5G also presents the potential to eliminate the requirement for traffic lights, which could help reduce traffic congestion. If all autonomous vehicles are linked via 5G, one car could be instructed to accelerate while those in the opposite direction of travel at an intersection could be advised to decelerate, allowing for fluid movement without stops.

Additionally, 5G could enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home without needing to touch the thermostat by turning it into a smart building.

What is 5G good for? What problems will 5G solve?

5G excels in processing data, gathering sensor information, and interacting with the physical world, connecting them to computing systems that analyze this information and produce actions for devices.

5G addresses the challenge of providing seamless connectivity with higher data rates capable of supporting activities like video streaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality on smartphones. It has the capability to link sensor data with the physical environment, interfacing that with computing technology that processes the data and disseminates it to various devices. Ultimately, 5G technology facilitates the effortless exchange of information and the execution of coordinated tasks, services, and applications aimed at enhancing the quality of life in numerous sectors, including education, commerce, transportation, national defense and security, healthcare, and entertainment.

What are the disadvantages of 5G?

One downside of 5G relates to the existence of multiple wireless systems sharing the same frequency band. This issue is termed spectrum coexistence. The airline sector has expressed concerns regarding the construction of 5G towers near airports and how such spectrum coexistence may disrupt navigation radio altimeters. Nonetheless, air travel might not be the only industry affected; as more frequency bands become available, similar complications could arise with other wireless and radio applications.

There is also the possibility of disappointment regarding 5G; since telecommunications companies have invested heavily in 5G, they need to see a return on their investment.

Where is 5G currently available and in use?

5G will be accessible in all areas where 4G is present. It is being implemented in numerous cities nationwide. Cities with higher population densities received initial access, while rural regions may experience uneven coverage. Residents in less populated areas might face elevated subscription costs if they want to utilize 5G technology.

What distinguishes 4G from 5G?

The main distinction between 4G and 5G is that 4G has limitations—it lacks the capacity for IoT and millimeter wave technology. Data rates are lower with 4G, and it isn’t supported by the new frequency bands sold at FCC auctions.

In simple terms, 5G offers substantial improvements over 4G due to its enhanced capabilities and broader application range. Additionally, to access 5G, a new phone is necessary. However, retaining a 4G phone will still allow it to function on a 5G network, but the user will not experience the 5G speeds or full connectivity.

5G opens doors for technological progress

5G facilitates numerous future opportunities for technological growth, such as the internet of things (IoT). The internet of things encompasses a range of devices that receive, process, and transmit data over the internet and can be controlled remotely without requiring a cell tower. Whether using a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, game console, or any internet-connected device, you are already utilizing this technology.

5G enables IoT to reach its maximum connectivity potential by allowing low-cost sensors to be positioned nearly anywhere, connecting them to a network. For example, IoT will allow your refrigerator, toaster, thermostat, car, laptop, phone, and home security camera to be linked through a 5G network.

“Now, rather than just humans having connectivity, everything becomes interconnected, and that information will be incredibly powerful,” stated Wyglinski.

What advantages does 5G provide for consumers?

Beyond the internet of things, 5G presents many opportunities for consumers, such as enhanced location services, especially for self-driving cars and mobile phone apps, in addition to virtual reality. 5G also introduces a new type of sensor data. For instance, an autonomous vehicle can now receive 5G information about the location of every other vehicle on the road—both autonomous and human-driven. All that’s needed is a human with a cell phone in their pocket to collect data on the vehicle’s position.

Consumers will notice changes in how they connect to the 5G network due to its greater data processing capabilities, resulting in faster mobile internet and improved internet connectivity.

Concerns regarding 5G
There are concerns related to 5G, including possible privacy invasions and issues tied to cyber security.

5G increases connectivity and the ability to track individuals much more extensively. Innovations in 5G could also render it more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Given that 5G is more affordable, connected, and capable, if a hacker were to exploit a weakness in 5G, they could potentially access billions of devices. However, these vulnerabilities can be addressed. “The best way to secure your devices on 5G is similar to how we protect our computers today, using security software and updates,” according to Wyglinski.

Governments must also consider the challenges associated with 5G. A determined and technologically adept adversary could take advantage of the connectivity offered by the 5G network to engage in malicious actions against officials, in both virtual and physical domains.

The federal government is already taking measures to ensure national safety during the transition to 5G by establishing semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and developing private 5G networks for important government offices such as the Department of Defense.

Another issue with 5G is that the infrastructure must be updated for it to achieve its full connectivity potential.

Why is 5G significant?
5G is crucial because of the enhanced connectivity it offers—bringing smartphones, smart appliances, vehicles, and IoT devices onto the 5G network.

The future of 5G and its impact on our lives
Currently, many of us rely on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cell phone services, but in the near future, our ovens, refrigerators, heating systems, home lighting, and garage doors will all be linked through 5G. To utilize the 5G network on your smartphone, you will need to upgrade to a 5G-enabled device.

This vision of a 5G future might seem like science fiction, but it’s an impending reality that ushers us into a hyper-connected world.

I believe younger generations will anticipate even greater connectivity. Gen Z is highly interested in multimedia use and sharing aspects of their lives on social media. Transforming those sharing experiences into a constant engagement requires a robust network.

Press the light switch, and the data flows. This is not science fiction, but the idea of ​​​​an inventor. It could be an alternative to WiFi that is based on light: LiFi.

The European Inventor Award is something like the Oscar or Nobel Prize for engineers. It will be awarded in Valencia on July 4th. Harald Haas, who grew up in Trautskirchen near Neustadt an der Aisch in Bavaria, holds a chair in mobile communications at the University of Edinburgh and is nominated for the award. He has developed a faster alternative to WiFi. His invention, LiFi, is based on light.

LED enables high data rate.

Data transfer with light is made possible by a slightly modified LED lamp. Haas has been working on this for more than 20 years, and his vision has now become a reality. He has created an alternative to WLAN, or WiFi in English: Light Fidelity or LiFi.

Light Fidelity uses light waves for data transmission rather than radio waves, explains Haas. “The bandwidth that light offers is three thousand times greater than the entire radio spectrum, and the bandwidth is not subject to any regulations,” explains the researcher. This is in contrast to radio-based mobile data networks. Licenses do not have to be paid for them either. “It is an infinite resource that we want to use to be able to communicate with our smartphones, with our virtual reality headsets, with our 3D glasses,” enthuses Haas.

High data security with LiFi.

A small module for sending and receiving makes this possible. It is now so small that it fits into any electronic device – it is only five by ten millimeters in size. This invention could revolutionize wireless communication.

The technology is not yet widespread, but is already being tested and appreciated in the military sector – and is also of interest to commercial companies, Haas is certain of that. “LiFi is blocked by walls, blocked by ceilings, and this creates increased security .”

Inventor wants to convince smartphone manufacturers.

Haas took his first steps as a scientist at the Ohm University in Nuremberg, then went to the International University of Bremen and then to Edinburgh as a professor of mobile communications. He is also supervising a Humboldt research project at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen -Nuremberg.

Haas has been in Scotland for so long that he speaks German with a slight accent. He has now been nominated for the European Inventor Award for the development and patents for LiFi. And he hopes that this attention will help him in negotiations with potential users. Mobile phone providers in particular are crucial to future success.

Solution for high data transfer?

“The innovators in the mobile and smartphone sector that we are currently talking to will hopefully integrate this into their phones. That is an important step,” explains Haas. He expects that the first LiFi-capable smartphones will come onto the market in two to three years. “Instead of a third or fourth camera, that would be a real innovation,” emphasizes the developer.

His hope is not unrealistic – radio wave technology such as 4G and 5G is reaching its limits when it comes to mobile data transmission. The aim of modern technology is to transport as much data as possible as quickly as possible. And so the scientist could make a decisive contribution to the mobile data world of the future – and receive one of the most important European prizes for it.

What is LiFi?

LiFi, or “Light Fidelity,” is a wireless optical networking technology that utilizes light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transfer data. In 2011, during the TED Global Talk on Visible Light Communication (VLC), professor Harald Haas demonstrated LiFi. You can view the demonstration through the following link.

VLC uses light as a medium for high-speed communication, similar to Wi-Fi, and conforms to the IEEE standard IEEE 802.15.7, a bidirectional and fully networked wireless communication technology-based standard, similar to Wi-Fi’s IEEE 802.11.

How does LiFi work?

LiFi is a high-speed, bidirectional, and fully networked wireless communication technology that uses light to transmit data. It consists of multiple lightbulbs that form a wireless network.

When an electrical current is applied to an LED light bulb, it emits a stream of light (photons). LED bulbs are semiconductor devices, which means that the brightness of the light passing through them can be changed at very high speeds. This allows the signal to be sent by modulating the light at different rates. A detector interprets the changes in light intensity (the signal) as data. When the LED is ON, a digital 1 is transmitted, and when it is OFF, a 0 is transmitted.

The changes in light intensity due to modulation are not visible to the human eye, allowing seamless communication similar to other radio systems, enabling users to stay connected in LiFi-enabled environments. Using this method, data can be transmitted from an LED light bulb and back at high speeds.

Visible Light Communication

Visible Light Communication, or VLC, involves the transmission of data through light sources emitting at visible wavelengths between 400 and 800 THz (780–375 nm). It is a subset of optical wireless communications technologies.

The VLC market is still in its early stages. There is a growing demand for an alternative wireless communication technology due to the crowded Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth. This will lead to the global adoption of VLC technology. As VLC technology is based on LEDs , it does not face distortions or spectrum deficits and can transfer data at tremendous speeds.

LiFi vs Wi-Fi

LiFi uses light for data transmission, while WiFi uses electromagnetic waves at radio frequencies for data transmission. Due to less interference from light compared to radio frequency waves, LiFi is suitable for use in denser environments.

LiFi covers a distance of about 10 meters, while WiFi covers approximately 30 meters.

Cost of LiFi

For consumers, obtaining LiFi products from different LiFi companies can be quite expensive. According to pureLiFi, they are currently focusing on miniaturizing LiFi technology to make it more affordable for consumers in the long run. The ultimate goal is to have LiFi in every mobile device , making the technology affordable for integration into handsets, tablets, and laptops.

Ultimately, the end consumer will see minimal or no cost associated with LiFi, as the aim is to have LiFi integrated into every wireless mobile device. Companies can currently collaborate with pureLiFi on proof of concept projects and other types of installations. The pricing of these installations depends on individual requirements, and pureLiFi only offers B2B services.

Here is our constantly expanding list of commonly asked questions about LiFi technology.

1) What is the operational principle of LiFi?

To utilize LiFi technology from the perspective of visible light, users typically need a transmitter, such as an LED light, and a receiver consisting of a photodetector material. The transmitter is connected to the network to modulate digital data along with the flickering light emitted from the LED light source. The receiver then captures the light and decodes the modulated information.

In a LiFi system, the transmitter is an LED that produces white light. This can be achieved in two ways. The first method involves combining red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs to create white light. The second method involves using a blue Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN) emitter to excite a yellow phosphor coating to emit white light.

The white LED chips are usually grouped in arrays to create a combined emitter with higher radiant output flux. As the transmitter serves the dual purpose of illumination and data transmission, the required illuminance of the task area determines the transmitted power of the LEDs used.

The receiver frontend typically consists of a photodiode, pre-amplifier, an optical concentrator, and an optional optical filter. The received light passes through the optical filter, which eliminates background radiation and the slow component from the yellow phosphor emission at the transmitter. filtered light is focused onto the photodiode by a collimator lens. The photodiode converts the received light to an electrical current.

2) What makes LiFi so great?

The properties of light provide significant advantages to LiFi. As mentioned previously, it offers an extremely wide and unregulated spectrum that can be used to achieve very high data rates, particularly by transmitting data over parallel wavelengths.

LiFi offers enhanced security compared to Radio Frequency (RF) technologies since light beams cannot pass through obstacles and can be easily manipulated by optical systems, reducing the risk of casual eavesdropping.

Light does not interfere with RF, making LiFi an intriguing solution to supplement and relieve the RF spectrum, as well as to provide wireless connectivity in areas where RF is restricted due to electromagnetic interference or health concerns.

One of LiFi’s recent key concepts is to repurpose the existing LED lighting infrastructure to provide network access, as more than 70% of the traffic occurs indoors. This allows for addressing the growing need for connectivity with minimal additional energy cost and without the necessity of deploying new and dedicated infrastructure, making LiFi an environmentally friendly technology.

3) What are the drawbacks of LiFi?

Like any technology, there are advantages and disadvantages. Below are some of the downsides of LiFi technology:

1) LiFi requires a clear line of sight.

2) If the system is installed outdoors, it must contend with changing weather conditions.

3) If the system is set up indoors, the receiver cannot be moved. The issue of how the receiver will transmit back to the transmitter still remains.

4) Light waves can be easily blocked and cannot penetrate thick walls like radio waves can. We become reliant on the light source for internet access, so if the light source fails, we lose internet access.

5) Current high costs of most LiFi systems. Generally, LiFi systems can be expensive to purchase.

6) Insufficient infrastructure and standards to support the universal integration of LiFi components on all devices.

4) Does LiFi require a direct line of sight?

First, let’s understand what Line of sight (LOS) means. Line of sight is the imaginary line between an observer and the target. In communication, line of sight is the direct path from a transmitter to the receiver and the obstacles that may obstruct that path.

Efficient LiFi communication can only be achieved with Line-of-Sight. If either the receiver or transmitter moves from its intended position, miscommunication may occur. However, a few months ago, Jean-Paul Linnartz, a Technical Leader at ELIoT Signify Research and a Professor at the Eindhoven University of Technology, demonstrated the LiFi MIMO approach. The implementation of a LiFi Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) approach can help avoid signal loss if the line of sight is obstructed.

5) Is LiFi faster than Wi-Fi?

The answer is YES. The highest speed recorded for LiFi transmission was around 224 Gbps at the Oxford University research labs. With a 60-degree field of view, the researchers transmitted six wavelengths of 37.4 Gbps each, for an aggregate bandwidth of 224 Gbps. When the field of view was narrowed down to 36 degrees, the researchers transmitted only three wavelengths for an aggregate bandwidth of 112 Gbps.

6) What is the future potential of LiFi?

One thing is certain, LiFi is here to stay and is not going anywhere. Although since its introduction from the widely-circulated TEDTalk presentation by Professor Harald Hass in 2011, many people are still unaware of the potential and capabilities of LiFi.

“So far, we hardly see any reason why LiFi should replace the incumbents such as radio-based and cable solutions,” Thomé explained. For consumer markets to adopt LiFi, it must perform as well as WiFi at the same cost, Thomé said.

LiFi will not replace WiFi. Not yet, anyway. Maybe in 50 to 100 years, or perhaps even sooner. Time will tell.

To advance LiFi, the main challenges are standardization, cost, and widespread adoption by telecommunication players, from device to infrastructure, and the benefits of LiFi must surpass incumbent solutions, Thomé said. “The key questions we should ask ourselves about new technologies or techniques are: ‘What problem do they solve from the user perspective?,’” Thomé added.

7) Who is the pioneer of LiFi?

Professor Harald Haas is widely recognized in the LiFi community as the Pioneer of LiFi. He coined the term Light Fidelity (LiFi) and delivered a viral TEDTalk presentation on LiFi technology back in 2011. Then in 2021, along with Dr. Mostafa Afgani, he co-founded pureVLC, now known as pureLiFi.

8) Is it possible to utilize a laser in LiFi?

The response is affirmative. Lasers can indeed be utilized in LiFi. Lasers offer significant speed and capacity advantages over LEDs for LiFi and data communications. LASER LiFi is an advanced version of LiFi where a LASER is used in place of an LED. The on- off activity of a LASER is quicker compared to an LED. LASER LiFi boasts data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, while LED LiFi achieves only 1Gbps. The use of a LASER is aimed at achieving better performance and high data transfer speeds.

One company, Kyocera SLD, has conducted extensive research on laser LiFi. Kyocera SLD Laser’s Rudy emphasized the necessity for devices well-suited to LiFi. He explained, “We have our laser light sources in automotive headlights, in flashlights being sold on Amazon. It’s a laser-based light source. But it’s class one with respect to safety, so it can essentially be treated like an LED. This laser light is very high brightness, and it retains the high-speed capability.” The brightness of this laser light has enabled the company to transmit LiFi data over distances of up to 50 meters.

Rudy highlighted smart factories as another potential key application. Laser-based LiFi can facilitate the transfer of large volumes of data to and from workstations, personnel, vehicles, and robot workstations, contributing to the measurement, optimization, and control of operations. Rudy stated , “With RF data rates, it’s just very challenging, so we think laser LiFi is an ideal solution.”

At present, there are 4.3 billion active internet users. In the UK alone, the number of internet users amounted to approximately 62.9 million, based on the data provided by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Factbook.

According to a report by Global Market Insights, the LiFi market value is projected to reach £59.2 billion by 2023. The LiFi market is anticipated to demonstrate significant growth potential during the forecast period owing to technological advancements and the increasing demand for high-speed data communication.

The energy-efficient LED and provision of a secure wireless network are driving the growth of the LiFi market. The escalating use of the internet through smartphones and other electronic devices further fuels the expansion of the LiFi market. The growing demand for innovations and increasing technological Advancements are among the other factors responsible for propelling the growth of the LiFi market.

What exactly is Li-Fi?

Li-Fi, also known as “Light Fidelity,” is a wireless optical networking technology that utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for data transmission. In 2011, professor Harald Haas conducted a Li-Fi demonstration at the TED (Technology, Entertainment , Design) Global Talk on Visible Light Communication (VLC). Below is a video demonstration of Li-Fi technology by professor Harald Haas:

VLC employs light as a medium to enable high-speed communication similar to Wi-Fi, and complies with the IEEE standard IEEE 802.15.7. The IEEE 802.15.7 is a high-speed, bidirectional, and fully networked wireless communication technology-based standard, similar to Wi-Fi’s IEEE 802.11.

How does Li-Fi function?

Li-Fi is a high-speed, bidirectional, and fully networked wireless communication technology for data transmission using light. Li-Fi consists of multiple light bulbs that form a wireless network.

When an electrical current passes through an LED light bulb, a stream of light (photons) is emitted from the lamp. LED bulbs are semiconductor devices, meaning that the brightness of the light passing through them can change at extremely high speeds. The signal is transmitted by modulating the light at different rates. A detector can receive the signal and interpret the changes in light intensity (the signal) as data. Additionally, when the LED is ON, a digital 1 is transmitted, and when it is OFF, a 0 is transmitted.

The intense modulation taking place is imperceptible to the human eye. With this method, data can be transmitted from an LED light bulb to a receiver at high speeds.

1. Li-Fi and Live Streaming

According to a report by Go-Globe, 82% of consumers prefer to watch live videos from a brand rather than read posts, and 80% of a brand’s audience prefers to watch live videos rather than read a blog. Live videos are also watched three times longer than non-live videos. Due to the rapid rates at which Li-Fi can operate, it can be implemented in large shopping malls, sports stadiums, street lights, airplanes, trains including underground, train stations, airports, and more.

This enables users to access rich content media such as videos and live streaming from their smartphones or other mobile devices almost anywhere, including stadiums, trains, and planes, provided they are exposed to Li-Fi enabled LEDs. Li-Fi live streaming can also be advantageous for various types of events.

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Meetings
• Team Building events
• Trade shows
• Business dinners
• Press conferences
• Networking events
• Opening Ceremonies
• Product launches
• Theme parties
• Award ceremonies
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Birthday parties
• Concerts

Li-Fi technology for live streaming holds significant potential for the future.

Application of Li-Fi in Hospitals

Due to Li-Fi’s lack of interference with radiofrequency devices, it can be safely utilized in various hospital settings. For instance, in hallways, waiting areas, patient rooms, and operating theaters, Li-Fi technology can establish a light communication network, resolving electromagnetic interference issues associated with smartphones and Wi-Fi use in hospitals. Li-Fi can facilitate real-time monitoring and reporting of patient movements and vital signs without the need for physical connections.

Moreover, Li-Fi enables patients in their beds to connect to internet-based activities such as news, emails, video games, and social media using their smartphones, helping them pass the time during their hospital stay. For medical staff, Li-Fi allows for the tracking and relocation of critical medical devices, especially those shared between different departments. Please refer to the diagram below for a summary of the benefits of Li-Fi in hospitals.

In 2014, Oledcomm, a leading Li-Fi company, installed Li-Fi enabled LED lights at the Emergency Hospital Center of Perpignan. This development made the hospital the first worldwide to have Li-Fi spots. When a patient is admitted and Dr. Jean-Marie Bonnec, the Emergency Department Head of Perpignan, needs to access their medical file, he connects to a computer and the internet. However, this wireless connection is made through Li-Fi, not Wi-Fi.

Dr. Jean-Marie Bonnec explained, “To be mobile between rooms, we are connected via Li-Fi, which is a wave-free connection using light waves, thanks to a luminous reception box that transmits the signal via luminous relay terminals in the hallway.”

The Li-Fi connection reduces patients’ and medical personnel’s exposure to radio waves.

Li-Fi technology utilizes LED light modulation to transmit data to a dedicated receiver that decodes the information on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The transmitter/receiver captures the flicker emitted by the bulb, which is imperceptible to the naked eye.

“We use a conventional box to access the internet through the telephone network. Wi-Fi is disabled, and the entire internet connection is sent through the electrical network to each lamp. The lamp starts to flash more than ten million times a second to transmit a video using Li-Fi, for example, to the laptop. Of course, the human eye cannot perceive these flickers, but computers, smartphones, and tablets can,” explained Suat Topsu, founder of a startup working on “Light Fidelity”.

Impressed by the concept of Li-Fi technology, the IT manager of the Perpignan hospital decided to gradually replace Wi-Fi with Li-Fi.

“In the area where we installed Li-Fi, we measure 269 millivolts per meter of electromagnetic waves, significantly below the WHO recommendations of 600 millivolts per meter. We still have Wi-Fi, and we measure 3 volts per meter, which is ten times higher than what we measured in the area equipped with Li-Fi. Our goal is to eliminate wave technologies to enhance the care and health of our users and staff, as they remain within the hospital 24/7,” stated Vincent Templier, head of the IT department.

Li-Fi technology can also facilitate the use of robots to deliver equipment and medication to various departments and wards in the hospital.

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s hospital in Fort Thomas, a talking robot named Tug has been introduced to deliver medications from the pharmacy to nursing stations.

According to John Giordullo, system director of pharmacy for St. Elizabeth, “The Tug robot enables our pharmacy staff to focus on the clinical and patient-centered aspects of their jobs rather than the task of delivering medications throughout the hospital.”

A software system monitors medication delivery from the pharmacy.

“Tug has been very reliable, predictable, and easy to use,” stated Benita Utz, vice president of nursing for the Fort Thomas hospital. “It has enhanced the efficiency of our work as nurses and has eliminated the need to call the pharmacy for medication deliveries.”

Using a computer, a nurse can track Tug’s precise location at any given time. By utilizing Li-Fi, delivery robots can open doors and call elevators, allowing them to access all patient units within the hospital.

The robot’s internal computer is loaded with a map of the facility, enabling Tug to navigate independently without the need for GPS. The robot determines its location using an odometry algorithm. It is equipped with sensors, including a laser, to detect both known and unexpected obstacles, such as people in hallways.

A robot at St. Elizabeth Hospital has been grabbing attention with its behavior. The robot is powered by an electric motor and moves on wheels. It is considered and yields to visitors and staff.

According to Guy Karrick, a St. Elizabeth Hospital representative, when the robot encounters people, it introduces itself with a computer-generated voice similar to a car’s GPS system.

The robot is also programmed to communicate in specific situations. For example, it announces, “Approaching elevator, please stand aside,” and “Waiting for doors to open.”

Delivery robots equipped with Li-Fi technology can utilize it to open doors and call elevators, enabling them to access all patient units in the hospital.

The robot has a map of the facility loaded into its internal computer, allowing it to navigate independently without GPS. It calculates its location using an odometry algorithm. In addition, its sensors, including a laser, can detect both known and unexpected obstacles, such as people in hallways.

Li-Fi-enabled voice-controlled robots are gradually being introduced in various industries to prevent accidents caused by human error. These robots can be operated by workers to control their movements. For instance, the operator’s instructions are transmitted to the robot via Li- Fi technology. This technology can also be applied to surgical robots.

In hospital pharmacies and aseptic manufacturing sites, pharmacists can use Li-Fi to receive and review electronically approved prescriptions directly in the unit. Li-Fi can be used for real-time tracking of prescribed aseptic drugs in the unit, allowing healthcare professionals to check the status without leaving the ward.

Automation, including automated inspection and packaging, is increasingly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The benefits of automation include efficiency, worker safety, reduced human error, and increased reproducibility. It also helps maintain cleanroom standards by minimizing the potential for human contamination.

Through Li-Fi, patient records can be accessed and shared conveniently, quickly, and securely. Patients in pharmacy dispensaries can use Li-Fi to check the real-time status of their prescriptions on their smartphones or pharmacy terminals while waiting to collect them.

Li-Fi can enable data loggers to remotely monitor an environment with periodic data uploads using a Li-Fi network, eliminating the need to connect to a PC. This system allows data to be collected from any Li-Fi enabled device.

In 2001, the Audit Commission’s “Spoonful of Sugar” report recommended using automation to transform pharmacy services. Following this, many UK hospitals installed dispensary robots. Pharmacy robots have been shown to reduce dispensing errors, improve efficiency, and optimize space in the pharmacy.

While robot use in community pharmacies in the UK is currently limited, robots have the potential to handle high volumes of dispensing and allow pharmacists to focus on patient-centered services. Li-Fi can enable pharmacy robots to communicate with staff, IT systems, and other robots, as well as handle tasks such as drug delivery and stock management.

As newer, smaller, and more machines become available, robot usage in all areas of pharmacy is expected to increase. Automated methadone dispensing machines, such as Methameasure and Methadose, offer efficient accuracy and efficiency in the dispensing process, and their usage is likely to rise, especially in high-volume pharmacies. Li-Fi is expected to be one of the wireless communication technologies that will enable robots to perform tasks effectively and communicate with other systems and robots.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is currently affecting many industries, including the pharmaceutical sector. Documentation of pharmaceutical production processes is essential for ensuring consistent compliance with regulations.

Li-Fi technology can allow connected devices in the pharmaceutical IoT to continuously transmit data at a high rate to a server, ensuring that quality standards are met. This can reduce manual paperwork and the potential for errors.

Li-Fi in the Workplace

Li-Fi will provide not just illumination, but also secure wireless connectivity in workspaces. This technology will enable people to seamlessly move from one room to another while on a Skype video conference call without interruption. Workers and visitors will have continuous internet connectivity in the workspace. Additionally, access to the network can be more effectively controlled through light, with overhead lighting providing access to the guest network and desk lamps providing access to specific parts of a corporate system.

Philips Lighting’s LiFi-enabled LEDs are currently being tested in an office of real estate company Icade in La Defense, Paris.

Emmanuelle Baboulin, head of the company’s commercial property investment division, stated, “LiFi has the potential to significantly impact offices. As a market leader, we are exploring the possibilities of this technology for current and future clients.” “We plan to showcase the technology in our smart office in La Defense, where stable connectivity and light quality are crucial to us,” he added.

Li-Fi in Schools

A wireless network is vital for providing new learning experiences by connecting students and teachers to smart technology. Li-Fi can offer seamless network connectivity and security throughout the school, from classrooms to university dorms. Some schools have already begun reliable testing Li-Fi technology in classrooms.

The Hegel-Gymnasium in Stuttgart is currently experimenting with Li-Fi in classrooms for teaching various subjects, including information technology. In Fraunhofer’s prototype Li-Fi installation at the school, data is wirelessly transmitted via lightwaves from LED luminaires to boxes connected to laptops via Ethernet. The goal is to eventually integrate the electronics onto a dongle, similar to what pureLiFi is doing. Ultimately, the chips should be integrated into notebooks, phones, and tablets.

The school principal, Frank Bäuerle, expressed, “We are pleased that our students are involved in an exciting research project focused on high-speed data communication without electromagnetic interference. Our teaching staff and students will gain experience with the sophistication of the Fraunhofer HHI VLC -modules and explore pedagogical concepts that make sense with this technology. This will help us contribute to the identification of future technological advancements.” Students at the Hegel-Gymnasium in Stuttgart are using modulated light from LED luminaires to receive data on their devices, which is an emerging technology known as Li-Fi. Photo credit: Stadt Stuttgart, Yves Schneider.

Last year, The Kyle Academy in Scotland began utilizing Li-Fi in the classroom. The project was a collaboration between PureLiFi and The University of Edinburgh. The installation of pureLiFi’s LiFi-XC system involved eight LiFi-enabled LED light bulbs in the ceiling, and students were provided access to LiFi-XC Stations that plug into their laptops, enabling high-speed connectivity through the lights.

Professor Harald Haas, referencing the trial at The Kyle Academy, said, “Li-Fi was conceived in Scotland during a TED Global talk that I delivered in 2011. Seven years later, I’m delighted to see true Li-Fi being implemented for the first time in a school in Scotland.”

Li-Fi in Retail

Li-Fi can help shoppers guide shoppers from the moment they enter the store and assist them in locating specific products, collecting digital coupons, checking promotions, and verifying the availability of products on the shelves. It can also facilitate in-store online services through smart devices, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

For retailers, Li-Fi can enable the delivery of promotions to shoppers’ smart devices, display offers, understand customer behavior anonymously, gather demographic data, target marketing campaigns, conduct display advertising, and monitor real-time stock availability. Li-Fi presents an opportunity for shopping centers to gain a deeper understanding of their customers and effectively influence their shopping experience.

Li-Fi and Airplanes

In a report from Inmarsat, it was found that 67% of passengers would consider booking with an airline offering inflight internet connectivity. 70% of passengers who have tried inflight connectivity would be likely to recommend it, and 66% believe inflight connectivity is essential. Additionally, 65% of passengers who had access to inflight internet connectivity in the last year actually used it, while 54% agreed that they would prefer no internet to poor-quality Wi-Fi.

Li-Fi will enable passengers to access a higher bandwidth compared to the current Wi-Fi provided. This means that passengers will be able to enjoy faster internet connections and easily download and stream content from their seats. According to Professor Haas, Li-Fi technology is perfect for airplanes as it does not interfere with radio signals the way Wi-Fi does, utilizing visible light instead.

According to Professor Haas, Li-Fi is a game-changer for three main reasons. First, it resolves the issue of network congestion. In our data-driven world, the radio spectrum is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly at crowded places such as airports and aircraft interiors. Li-Fi addresses this by providing 1,000 times the bandwidth compared to the entire radio frequency spectrum, creating additional free, unregulated bandwidth within the visible light spectrum.

Secondly, it opens the door for establishing local-area networks, making it easier for passengers to make calls, use the internet, and access in-flight entertainment systems. Thirdly, with the increasing dominance of big data, safeguarding information becomes crucial. Li -Fi offers greater protection to passengers than Wi-Fi, which is particularly beneficial for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the aviation industry, where data security in manufacturing facilities is essential.

There are approximately several hundred lights in a typical aircraft cabin, with LED lighting embedded in various parts of the cabin. Professor Haas suggests imagining these lights not just as lights, but as wireless routers. Utilizing Li-Fi, an aircraft cabin can potentially deliver speeds that are 300 times faster than an average Wi-Fi connection.

While any LED light source can be used for Li-Fi, the installation of flexible RGB accent lighting is recommended for the fastest speeds. This lighting, although more expensive, can guarantee speeds of five gigabits per second compared to traditional LED lighting, which only offers speeds of 100 megabits per second. In the future, the avionics databus system on a plane could potentially be used to stream content to each lighting fixture, transmitting data at high speed to passengers’ devices.

Professor Haas predicts that in the future, aircraft cabins will become more modular and malleable, allowing airlines to reconfigure seating areas based on passenger demand. Moreover, with the integration and miniaturization of Li-Fi modules, the cost of implementing Li-Fi into airplane cabins could potentially range from £10 (US$12) to £15 (US$18) per unit. Additionally, Li-Fi technology may pave the way for next-generation cabin designs, enabling larger windows and innovative seating arrangements that enhance the overall passenger experience.

It would be beneficial to have a universal standard for Li-Fi. Currently, Li-Fi is being standardized in 802.15.7, and pureLiFi is heavily involved in this process. As the integration and miniaturization of Li-Fi modules advance, it is expected that the cost to implement Li-Fi into airplane cabins in the future will be in the range of £10 (US$12) to £15 (US$18) per unit.

Predicting time frames in the aeronautics industry is challenging due to long development cycles and involved qualification procedures for aircraft equipment. Additionally, a global Li-Fi standard would be helpful. Li-Fi is currently being standardized in 802.15.7, and pureLiFi is a significant participant in this process.

Furthermore, innovations in airline cabin design typically progress slowly. However, there seems to be a feasible opportunity to retrofit the technology into commercial airliners within the next three years.

Astronics, a prominent provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, views Li-Fi as a complement to Wi-Fi and a way to leverage the IoT in airplanes.

Mark Schwartz, vice president of PDT, an Astronics Company, made the following statement:

RF has limited bandwidth within the spectrum it operates in. As a result, with increased usage of Wi-Fi by passengers for in-flight entertainment and higher resolution screens, as well as by pilots and for sensors, there is a risk of bandwidth scarcity on the aircraft. Simply adding more Wireless Access Points (WAPs) is not a sustainable solution.

If all passengers connected to Wi-Fi simultaneously, the connection speed would slow down significantly. Therefore, the initial application of Li-Fi should focus on embedded systems within the cabin, such as embedded screens or large cabin screens, where a good line of sight to the receiver is available.

These applications are beneficial as they reduce reliance on RF and leave the bandwidth for use by passengers. Currently, Wi-Fi is only available on personal devices. In the next few years, Li-Fi might also be available on commercial off-the- shelf devices. Once this happens, Li-Fi adoption is expected to increase due to its effective performance. Moreover, Li-Fi is now part of the 5G framework, as there are concerns that the bandwidth of RF may become insufficient and may require layering Li-Fi on top of it. This could lead to the coexistence of Li-Fi and Wi-Fi in households.

Li-Fi technology is already present on aircraft. Although wiring to the server is necessary, the external part can be implemented, for example through modulating wingtip lights, landing lights, or connections to the terminal or jetbridge. While changing airport facilities to accommodate Li -Fi might be challenging, the return on investment in terms of reduced labor costs and enhanced passenger experience justifies the effort. Furthermore, this approach alleviates the stress on the satellite communication system, offering a more cost-effective alternative.

Considering our portfolio, we own interior lighting, passenger service units (PSUs), as well as all the external lighting on the aircraft, including the wingtip and landing lights. We are also involved in aircraft connectivity, in-flight entertainment (IFE), and in-flight connectivity (IFC). Therefore, we are well-positioned for the widespread adoption of Li-Fi technology due to our ownership of complementary technologies. We are the enablers.

Li-Fi in Disaster Management:

Li-Fi can serve as a reliable means of communication in disaster situations such as earthquakes or hurricanes. During such disasters, the general public may not be familiar with communication protocols. Typical dead zones for emergency communications, such as subway stations and tunnels, do not pose an obstacle for Li-Fi.

Verizon, Nokia, and Aegex Technologies conducted resilience testing of light-based Li-Fi solutions from pureLiFi to demonstrate the application of Li-Fi in rescue communications and emergency response during disaster events.

The demonstration, known as Operation Convergent Response (OCR), took place at the Guardian Centers training facility in the United States. pureLiFi showcased the use of Li-Fi technology in a subway disaster scenario. Li-Fi technology was utilized to maintain real- time, bi-directional communications, enabling connectivity with a command center and allowing emergency services to maintain secure and reliable communication during a response.

Li-Fi and Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0, also known as the “Fourth industrial revolution,” presents a novel approach that merges traditional manufacturing techniques with technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance automation, communication, and real- time data utilization. It offers the potential for improved collaboration between machines and their human aids, facilitating faster innovation for manufacturers.

In Industry 4.0, the interconnected ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT) can assist both manufacturers and consumers by enhancing automation, communication, monitoring, self-diagnosis, and advanced analysis for a more productive future.

Factories are increasingly becoming automated and self-monitoring, empowering machines to analyze and communicate with each other and their human colleagues, resulting in smoother processes that free up workers for other tasks.

Industry 4.0 is not solely driven by the Internet of Things; machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are also expected to contribute significantly to industry transformation. The advancement of network technology is crucial for Industry 4.0, as insights and efficiencies generated by IoT devices are only valuable if they can be readily and quickly accessed.

Li-Fi provides satisfactory performance for real-time applications and reliability requirements for factory robots, particularly for closed-loop control applications.

Wieland Electric in Bamberg has explored the technological advantages of Li-Fi technology in industrial settings. The electronics company utilizes the new data transmission standard in its in-house production to gain experience and incorporate it in the development of Li-Fi for industrial communication. Wieland Electric employs Li-Fi on a production line for high-quality electronic components, specifically for data transmission to the machine controller and the collection of operating data between Li-Fi sender and receiver.

Configuration data is transmitted to the machine, while information on output or faults is sent back to the Wieland operating data collection system. The connection to the data network is established using the optical communication solution Trulifi 6013 from Signify, which creates a secure point-to -point connection and enables transmission rates of 250 Mbps in one direction and 2 x 250 Mbps in two directions.

Stephan Lauer, Business Development Manager Light & Building Industry at Wieland, states: “The high data rate is not the only justification for the adoption of new technology in industrial environments. The error-free and straightforward transmission with LiFi where radio waves or cables present data transmission challenges is of greater significance.”

Li-Fi and Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) involves overlaying and aligning computer-generated content on a view of the physical world. By utilizing a transparent OpenGL layer over the render surface of a camera, virtual information can be displayed over reality. Some of the fields where AR is applicable include advertisement, architecture, entertainment, and music. Augmented Reality can also display data analytics on the device screen, without disrupting the environment, enriching the user’s experience. The data can be automatically processed, such as trajectory, information, fire locations, average time, and escape direction, allowing for more dynamic user interaction.

Since cables restrict movement and users of mobile applications generally require free movement of their arms, wireless data transfer techniques are preferable in AR glasses. Common standards such as WLAN and Bluetooth have limited bandwidth and are not designed for real-time transmission. According to Dr Alexander Noack, Development Manager at the Fraunhofer IPMS, “Data glasses exemplify the benefits of our Li-Fi technology. Optical wireless transmission offers high constant data rates, low latency, and maximum user mobility. It combines the flexibility of wireless solutions with the advantages of cabled transmission and provides even greater bandwidth than radio-based solutions.”

Li-Fi technology can be employed in situations where connectors, cables, sliding contacts, and radio networks need to be replaced.

Li-Fi in Airport 4.0

Digital transformation is essential to keep pace with the growth and expectations of passengers who are anticipated to be more connected and have greater control over their travel experience. In an increasingly competitive environment, airports are dedicated to expanding and enhancing their appeal to increase their share of air travel and tourism, focusing on innovation and an emphasis on improving customer experience.

While safety and security always remain top priorities, airport leaders are also concentrating on ways to streamline business and operations by leveraging technology to achieve goals and meet passengers’ demands. After all, in today’s digital world, the power of data cannot be overlooked, making it crucial to harness its benefits.

With the emergence of digital technologies, the aviation industry is evolving rapidly, and airports are embracing advancements to improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger experiences. Airports 4.0 is a reimagined concept that aims to digitize and optimize airport operations, offering a seamless and personalized travel experience for passengers throughout their journey. This vision encompasses the use of innovative technologies such as Li-Fi to fulfill the increasing connectivity and data demands while ensuring reliable and secure communication.

Li-Fi technology has the potential to provide high connectivity and immediate access to information for both passengers and staff by connecting all involved parties in a fully integrated digital system. This will also improve the overall customer experience.

With the implementation of Airports 4.0 and the utilization of Li-Fi, travelers can efficiently and intelligently navigate by using a mobile app and being recognized at check-in to generate a single token data that will be utilized at all subsequent checkpoints until reaching the boarding gate.

Li-Fi and its applications in military operations have piqued the interest of the military industry. Frank Murphy, an engineer at EMSD’s System Development and Engineering Team, has been studying the potential use of Li-Fi in a tactical setting as its physical properties seem to address several issues encountered in wired and wireless network systems for field command posts.

This technology has been employed in expeditionary mission commands. EMSD has formulated a concept for integrating Li-Fi within any enclosed mission command platform. Li-Fi solves the challenges associated with the time-consuming process of laying data lines in tactical operation centers and command posts. further, since it doesn’t use radio waves, the signal cannot be detected outside the confines of the mission command platform.

Melvin Jee, the leader of EMSD’s Command Post Platforms Branch, explained that “The technology utilizes light waves to transmit and receive data between the servers and the user’s computer. As light cannot pass through walls, the enemy cannot detect the signal.”

Murphy’s exploration of the technology was partially inspired by Douglas Tamilio, the director of RDECOM Soldier Center, sharing an article about Li-Fi with RDECOM Soldier Center leadership. Additionally, Murphy’s research was inspired by Claudia Quigley, the director of EMSD, and the ongoing partnership between RDECOM Soldier Center and the 82nd Airborne. The collaboration aims to find the best ways to meet the needs of warfighters.

Murphy mentioned that Quigley and other directorate members were working with the 82nd Airborne during a field exercise. During this exercise, Murphy discovered that setting up IT cabling was proving to be a time-consuming and challenging task.

“They had a difficult time setting up their IT network, which isn’t usually an NSRDEC area, but we felt that we could address the need,” said Murphy. “Tactical speed is absolutely crucial for command post setup. Li-Fi is potentially faster, easier to install and doesn’t have the security and exposure issues of other technologies. Li-Fi is un-hackable and untraceable when used within the command post shelter.”

“It’s virtually impossible to find the wavelength the data is being transmitted on, so if Li-Fi is detected, it’s hard to intercept the data stream,” said Jee.

EMSD is collaborating with industry partners. Murphy elucidated that the commercially available technology was adapted to suit a tactical environment. The technology will impact how Soldiers communicate and, as a result, carry out a mission.

“A command post of any size is an information processing center,” said Murphy, “They take information from the field whether it comes in from a drone, Soldier/squad reports, other personnel in the area, satellite information, information from wheeled vehicles. , or from behind the front lines — all this information gets fed to the command post staff. They make a decision and then the information goes right back out. Lives depend on this communication.”

“Li-Fi is part of NSRDEC’s plan to provide a fully integrated platform with all of the necessary infrastructure in order for the warfighter to set up his command post,” said Jee. “Just as a house is fully integrated with power, lights and network cabling — allowing the homeowners to just concentrate on the furnishings — NSRDEC plans to provide a fully functional house, allowing the warfighter and program managers to provide the “furniture.’”

“In a command post, everyone has a job to do and they have their information chain,” said Murphy.

“All these Soldiers need network access. With this, you simply shine the light over their head. After you hook the transceiver into the USB port, the transceiver will detect the signal and you will be hooked up to the IT network of your command post . It’s as simple as that. We also hope to have it integrated into the wiring harness for the lighting so we can just roll up the tent and pack it away during a move.”

“The people at the BCIL were incredible,” said Murphy. “They gave us the perfect platform to showcase the tactical capabilities of this device. This project really showcases what Natick is all about. The Natick team dove in with both feet. Great things happen when people believe in each other and in an idea. We all want to help the Soldier.”

Murphy believes that Li-Fi is truly the wave of the future.

The command post’s need for data will continue to grow, according to Murphy. To meet this demand, data quantity and quality must improve. The technology is suitable for use in rigid wall mission command platforms, as well as in other locations, and it will provide world-class communications, security, speed, and capability to the frontline Soldier. This technology will enable the warfighter to make better decisions and be more effective and lethal in the field by leveraging information as a weapon. This technology is a game changer that will revolutionize the IT network system.

The US Navy is funding a research program to explore Li-Fi, a form of communication using LED lights. They aim to enhance submarine communication systems with Li-Fi due to the limitations of the current slow and antiquated system and the inefficiency of radio waves underwater. Wi-Fi interference with onboard electronics on aeroplanes and in petrochemical plants also makes Li-Fi a viable alternative. The Navy sees potential in using Li-Fi for ship-to-ship communication and as a secondary and tertiary technology for mission- critical functions in a future battlespace filled with radar spoofing and communication jamming.

The Navy has been experimenting with Li-Fi technology to provide secure high data rate communications for facilities, vehicles, and submarines. They have tested the effects of shock and vibration on the wireless link and the equipment, setting up a standalone network to stream live video and collect test data of the optical link. Although the equipment failed during extreme vibration testing at APL, it performed as expected on the ship, with no loss in signal-to-noise ratio or throughput related to the shock and vibration of the catapult system.

Li-Fi has potential for underwater applications, particularly for remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) since they are typically controlled by wired connections with limited operational range, weight, and fragility. Li-Fi’s use is restricted by the distance light can penetrate water. While light can travel through water, significant amounts of it do not penetrate beyond 200 meters, and no light penetrates past 1000 meters.

The ocean is divided into three zones based on depth and light level. The upper 200 meters is known as the euphotic or “sunlight” zone, which contains the majority of commercial fisheries. The zone between 200 meters and 1,000 meters is referred to as the “twilight” or dysphotic zone, where light dissipates rapidly as depth increases. Beyond 1,000 meters lies the aphotic or “midnight” zone, where sunlight does not penetrate, and the area is in darkness.

15) Li-Fi and Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for secure online transactions and to regulate the creation of new units of currency. It has been actively developing since 2009, creating various transaction opportunities among users. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and by September 2015, there were over 14.6 million bitcoins in circulation, valued at $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion). The success of Bitcoin has led to the emergence of around 1200 other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ethereum, and more.

Global Greenology, a privately-owned international manufacturing and design company that specializes in environmentally friendly, energy-efficient building solutions, has created a cryptocurrency for the implementation of Li-Fi.

OWNII Coin is designed to oversee, develop, and plan the physical infrastructure essential for the implementation of Li-Fi in the United States and other nations, and it is traded privately. The company pureLiFi produces and distributes the necessary developing equipment to enable communication through existing LED bulbs, but the installation of this equipment is required for Li-Fi implementation.

Global Greenology claims that OWNII Coin will promote the establishment of new internet infrastructure in the US and other areas, and it will also create numerous opportunities for employment, business ownership, and entrepreneurial activities by selling equipment and services.

OWNII Coin facilitates wireless communication, which is faster and addresses internet security concerns. It also enables localization due to the small coverage area of ​​​​Li-Fi access points, which can be used for precise asset tracking. Furthermore, it provides pervasive high – speed wireless access with significantly higher data density (data rate per unit area) compared to radio frequency, through high bandwidth reuse.

Loneliness is a state of mind linked to wanting human contact but feeling alone. People can be alone and not feel lonely, or they can have contact with people and still experience feelings of isolation.

Loneliness endangers our health — many have experienced this firsthand during the Corona pandemic. Researchers show that being alone could be associated with harmful eating habits.

One in four households in Germany is a single-person household. The Coronavirus pandemic was characterized by loneliness, especially for these people. Loneliness has long-term effects on health.

Researchers at the University of California wanted to find out how loneliness affects our brains. The team, led by researcher Xiaobei Zhang, focused primarily on changes in our eating habits. The new study shows that loneliness could change fundamental processes in our brains.

Researchers investigate loneliness and eating habits.

The study examined 93 women. All participants’ body mass index (BMI) was measured, and the proportion of body fat compared to lean body mass was also identified. The test subjects also provided information on their perceived social isolation, eating habits, and psychological resilience.

In the study, 39 of the 93 women reported being lonely. This group also had a higher body fat percentage than the other test subjects. Poorer diet quality, unhealthy eating habits, and poorer mental health were also more common among lonely women.

However, these results are purely a correlation. The researchers have not proven that loneliness directly leads to a higher body fat percentage. A higher body fat percentage may just as well promote loneliness. The direction of the effect is, therefore, still unclear.

Loneliness could change brain activity.

Previous research projects show that loneliness also influences the fundamental structures of our brains. “Loneliness can, for example, be associated with shrinking the hippocampus,” explains Dirk Scheele, a professor of social neuroscience at the Ruhr University Bochum. The hippocampus is the part of our brain that plays a key role in memory formation. According to Scheele, loneliness can lead to a decline in memory performance.

The researchers from California also identified physical and cognitive differences between the lonely women and the other test subjects. The lonely women’s brains reacted more strongly to food stimuli, which the researchers found out by showing the test subjects pictures of food. The lonely test subjects showed stronger brain activity in the parietal lobe, which is responsible for processing the body’s own signals, such as hunger.

The charm of sweetness

What is particularly interesting is that the researchers identified a difference between the stimuli of sweet and savory foods. When the lonely test subjects encountered sweet stimuli, their control mechanism in the brain was less active. The changes could indicate that sweet stimuli are given a higher priority. This can lead to a more intense craving that is also less controllable.

Similar processes can also be observed in people with drug or food addictions. They could explain why lonely people often exhibit unhealthier eating behavior, such as reward-oriented eating, cravings, or food addiction. But what is so special about the taste of sweets? Scientist Scheele has an answer. “Sweet foods have an advantageous effect on our brain and are also processed differently,” he explains. Sweets could be a better consolation for lonely people.

Hypothesis: Loneliness costs energy

The researchers at the University of California go even further with their assumption: Loneliness research holds that lonely people tend to have negative expectations of their environment. They are often more alert and do not trust their fellow human beings as easily.

The research team from California concludes that this constant state of alert requires a higher energy consumption. The body has to somehow cover this demand. This is where sweets come into play: socially isolated people may, therefore, have a stronger craving for sweet foods, which causes blood sugar levels to skyrocket and provide quick energy.

Correlation does not imply causality.

“The study’s results are plausible,” says Dirk Scheele. However, one must remember that the researchers’ statements should be viewed with some reservations because causality is still unclear. According to the study, there is at least a connection between loneliness, unhealthy eating habits, and obesity. However, Scheele still needs to investigate the direction of this connection.

However, the research design could also be adjusted if it were carried out again, criticizing Scheele: “It is questionable whether the results can be transferred to men.” He believes it would be sensible to repeat the USA study and examine male subjects. Previous studies have shown that loneliness has different effects on men’s and women’s brains. Male brains often show even more significant changes.

Loneliness: A complex field of research

According to Dirk Scheele, neurologically, it is not easy to research loneliness: “Loneliness is still a complex feeling that cannot be traced back to the structures of a single region. We assume that changes occur in very different regions.”

The US study is essential in basic research for building new studies. For society and politics, it highlights the dangers of loneliness for the health of every individual. “Although loneliness is not an illness, it can be proven that it is a risk factor for many mental illnesses and may now also harm our eating habits,” explains Dirk Scheele.

Being alone is not a question of age.

Many people suffer from loneliness, especially at the turn of the year—including an increasing number of younger people. In Düsseldorf, the Diakonie invites people to lunch. In addition to a warm meal, there is also social contact.

Elisabeth Niesen and Elfriede Lück have now become perfect friends. At some point, Niesen decided to help Lück in her everyday life because she needed support at 90 years old. But they both benefit from it. Both had to struggle with loneliness.

Together, the day becomes more colorful. “We have fun, and she comes alive again. If I don’t pick her up, she is sad. You have to suppress that. That’s why we go and meet up,” says Niesen.

They met through the Düsseldorf-Gerresheim Diakonie. The Diakonie invites people to lunch almost every day. A warm meal that is also meant to warm the heart. It is an offer for people who otherwise hardly have any social contacts.

Lück has been here for ten years. “I get out and about. That was the best thing I could do. It’s good for me. Otherwise, I might not be alive anymore,” she says to another lady who is also a guest here.

Reasons for loneliness are varied.

Most of the people here have lost their partners, and some have fallen into a hole because of this, they say. The conversations here are good and help in sad moments arising from loneliness. “I feel lonely when I’m alone at home. Since we have found a wonderful group here that has taken us in, I can say it is my safety net,” says 85-year-old Brigitte Bill.

Her neighbor, Hildegard Pankonin, talks about her cat, who died shortly after her husband. “I was in a deep hole. At some point, our husbands died. We were all lonely,” she says.
Psychologist Maike Luhmann has researched loneliness at the Ruhr University in Bochum for ten years. The causes are varied. “We know, for example, that people who are poor or have a low income have an increased risk of loneliness. People with health problems tend to become lonelier. But of course, people who simply have a small social network or are single also tend to be lonelier than others,” she says of her results.

Loneliness has social consequences.

Luhmann says that loneliness is an important social issue because it can lead to various unwanted consequences. “For example, mental and physical illnesses. However, some findings show that lonely people tend to be closer to more extremist political positions, lose trust in society, and so on. So loneliness can have a whole range of social consequences.”

For a long time, loneliness has only been seen as a problem for older people. Among other things, old age brings health problems, limitations, and, of course, social isolation, says Luhmann. “But loneliness has never been just a problem for older people, and the pandemic, in particular, has changed things. The pandemic has made younger people, teenagers, and adults, particularly, lonelier. Now you can say that it really affects all age groups.”

Study on loneliness among young people

On behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalian state government, Luhmann investigated how many young people are affected by loneliness. For the study, almost 1,000 young people and adults between 16 and 20 were surveyed online, and a sample of more than 1,200 eighth-graders was evaluated.

According to the study, older adolescents and young adults feel significantly lonelier (18.5 percent) than younger adults (11 percent). Including those who only feel lonely now and then, the figure is 78 percent for older adolescents and 86 percent for younger adolescents.

Lonely people often feel ashamed. Marie Martin has decided to be open about her loneliness to combat it. She speaks openly about her experiences of loneliness and uses her reach on the Internet as an influencer.

Due to depression, the 35-year-old had initially become more withdrawn, needed a lot of time for herself, and kept canceling meetings with friends. “I’ve always been a person who draws my energy from being alone. And that’s why it wasn’t bad for me for a long time,” she says.

“At some point, nobody asked anymore.”

At times, she lived in her own world. She only realized later that she was lonely: “I noticed it when the questions gradually stopped. At some point, no one asked anymore. They met in friendship groups without me. I didn’t know anything about it anymore. That’s when I realized I was alone now.”

That’s when she realized that she had changed something. She used the Internet to find pen pals, people with similar problems with whom she could communicate confidently but relatively anonymously. That opened the door to the outside world for her again. She is now feeling much better. She quit her job as a teacher, now works as an influencer, and gives gardening tips.

But she also uses her reach to help others in a similar situation to the one she once was. She is now using social media to call on people to send postcards to people who might be feeling lonely.

Is there really more loneliness?

The proportion of lonely people is increasing—an alarming report was published by numerous media outlets last week. But the institute that provided the figures contradicts this.

It was a depressing report: More and more people in Germany are suffering from loneliness, the “Rheinische Post” reported last week — and the problem is getting worse. The figures that the newspaper cited were alarming: the loneliness rate among 45- to 84-year-olds rose by around 15 percent between 2011 and 2017, and in some age groups by almost 60 percent. And younger people are also affected.

The newspaper referred to a federal government response to an FDP query. News agencies and many media outlets, including tagesschau.de, picked up the report. But scientists who are researching the topic quickly expressed their doubts to Tagesschau. Clemens Tesch-Römer, director of the German Centre for Ageing Research Institute, spoke up. He said the report was misleading: “Loneliness is not an epidemic, and it has not increased in the last two decades.”

“Loneliness rate has remained stable since the mid-1990s.”

Curious is that in its response to people over 45, the federal government refers to the figures from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS), which is compiled at Tesch-Römer’s German Center for Gerontology.

The DEAS is the most critical long-term study on aging in Germany and is funded by the Ministry of Family Affairs. Scientists have been studying the aging process for more than 20 years. More than 16,000 people were surveyed on the subject of loneliness. According to the researchers, the results led to a different conclusion than what was read last week.

“It turns out that the probability of being lonely has fluctuated between seven and ten percent over the last 20 years,” says Tesch-Römer. The risk of loneliness is similar among 40-year-olds and those over 80 but decreases in the decades in between. There are always fluctuations. However, it shows that “The loneliness rate has remained stable since the mid-1990s.”

Loneliness and social isolation

For the German Ageing Survey, people aged 40 and over are questioned about various aspects of their lives – including loneliness and social isolation. While these are often used synonymously in public debate, science clearly distinguishes between the two terms: According to the German Center for Ageing Research, social isolation is seen as a significant lack of contact with other people, which can be described objectively. Loneliness, on the other hand, is a very subjective experience. People who objectively have many social contacts but lack emotional depth and understanding can also feel lonely.

The DEAS authors’ summary for the FDP’s inquiry sounds similar. “No evidence can be found for a strong increase, at least in the prevalence of loneliness,” it says. “An increase in the number of lonely people in the population group of 45 to 84 years is, at best, a result of the growth of this age group.”

The most recent publication of the study results is even more specific: “If social conditions do not change radically in the next decade, people aged 70 to 90 will not be more isolated or lonely than people aged 70 to 90 today,” it says.

According to Susanne Bücker, who is doing her doctorate at the Ruhr University Bochum, other studies have also reached similar conclusions. She refers to, among other things, a 2016 study that shows that people born in 1939, on average, are somewhat less lonely than those born earlier (in 1916, on average) at around the same age.

Abbreviated representation?

So, how did the report of growing loneliness come about? The federal government’s response contains concrete figures from the DEAS, which were also used in the reporting but which the researchers believe were presented in an abbreviated form and thus could be interpreted differently. As asked by the FDP, the proportion of people who have felt lonely over the past ten years is listed and compiled every three years since 2008. However, the figures only appear in the reports from 2011 onwards. However, there was a significant decline from 2008 to 2011 – and if these figures had been included, the findings would have been far less dramatic.

Over the entire period, the loneliness rate would only have increased from 8.6 to 9.2 percent – around seven percent of the previous value. And the rate among 75- to 84-year-olds has fallen by around a quarter since 2008 – from 9.9 to 7.5 percent.

“A trick that is easy to see through”

Tesch-Römer criticizes that the study contains precisely those fluctuations that appear to prove an alleged “loneliness epidemic.” “The lowest value – from 2011 with 7.9 percent – was arbitrarily compared with the highest value – 9.2 percent in 2017,” he explains. “And that already results in an increase of 16 percent.” He criticizes the approach as “not serious.” “A trick that is easy to see through. If you want to see something, you see it even if it isn’t there.”

He refers to a publication by the DEAS in which the risk of loneliness was described from 1996 to 2014. Here, too, there were repeated fluctuations in all age groups. “However, a clear trend could only be seen in the two oldest age groups of 72 to 77-year-olds and 78 to 83-year-olds,” he says – “and there the loneliness rate went down.” However, only a few nursing home residents could be surveyed.

“A major health problem.”

He explains that reports of increasing loneliness are falling on such fertile ground with the breakdown of traditional family structures. “This leads to the feeling that social relationships are splintering.” However, it is often overlooked that the younger generations increasingly find emotional support from friends.

Nevertheless, even if researchers at the German Center for Gerontology are not currently seeing an increase in loneliness, no one can say how things will develop. “That could change, for example, because many older people still have children,” says Tesch-Römer. However, many scientists warn against overestimating the risk of loneliness in older age because they fear that such a fear could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Regardless of the rate, it is clear that loneliness can be dangerous for those affected. “People who are lonely are constantly under stress,” says Tesch-Römer. “This puts a strain on the cardiovascular system.” People sleep worse, recover less, and are more susceptible to illness. “Even eight to ten percent are enough to say: yes, this is a major health problem,” says Tesch-Römer. “But please don’t sensationalize it. Reports about a supposed ‘loneliness epidemic’ are feeding a media debate that is not really productive.”

Loneliness – the growing suffering

Apparently, more and more people in Germany are suffering from loneliness. This starts with young people, according to figures from the federal government. For those affected, loneliness often has health consequences.

Loneliness can be tormenting—and apparently, more and more people in Germany are affected by it. The Rheinische Post reports this, citing a response from the federal government to an FDP query.

According to this, the proportion of people aged 45 to 84 who feel lonely rose significantly by around 15 percent between 2011 and 2017. In 2017, 9.2 percent of people in this age group felt lonely. In some age groups, the increase was as high as 59 percent. Problems are already apparent among young people: one in four said they sometimes or rarely feel lonely. Girls are more often affected than boys.

Many seniors are also worried about increasing loneliness, as revealed by a study conducted by the Federal Center for Health Education a few weeks ago.

Being alone can make you sick.

Loneliness often has consequences for health: “Social isolation in particular hurts the occurrence and progression of chronic diseases,” the federal government is quoted as saying. There is also talk of increased mortality. SPD health politician Karl Lauterbach quoted research results in the “Welt am Sonntag” newspaper, according to which loneliness often triggers psychological illnesses such as depression, but also severe cardiovascular diseases or dementia.

Politics is also in demand.

Therefore, FDP health expert Andrew Ullmann called for a strategy to combat loneliness. In his opinion, this includes innovative housing and mobility concepts. Health literacy must also be promoted. The SPD had previously called for a government commissioner to deal with loneliness and the damage it causes in society.

Experts assume that the number of people who feel alone will continue to rise because of digitalization. There is already talk of a “loneliness epidemic” that has consequences not only for those affected but also for those insured and the economy: Medical treatments such as therapies take a long time and are expensive. In addition, those affected are missing from the job market.

Appeal from the Minister for Family Affairs
Use offers to help against loneliness.

Christmas is a challenging time for many people who feel lonely. Family Minister Paus calls on people to help them use telephone counseling “without hesitation.” Loneliness is increasing – in all age groups.

People alone and lonely at Christmas should be bold and turn to existing support services. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus has called for this. “For most people, the best thing about Christmas is the community and togetherness in the family circle. If you cannot experience this sense of belonging and humanity, these days can be excruciating,” Paus told the editorial network Germany. Telephone counseling and on-site facilities are then available.

Paus also warned that loneliness is becoming more widespread due to the energy crisis and inflation. “When people are poor, they are much more affected by loneliness,” she said. You can’t buy social contacts, but it costs money to participate in social life. And without money, there is a great risk of withdrawing from society until you feel lonely.”

The problem in all age groups

The Family Ministry has noted that loneliness is increasing in all age groups. “The idea that older people suffer from loneliness is wrong,” Paus continued. The younger generation is somewhat particularly affected. “Around one in five people under 30 know what it’s like to feel lonely, while among people over 60, it’s around one in four people.”

Current surveys also show that loneliness has become a major concern during the holidays. In the recently published volunteer monitor by the Malteser, around 61 percent of respondents expected additional social restrictions at Christmas. Around a third also said that they personally felt more lonely than before the pandemic.

The federal government wants to combat loneliness.

People have been lonely for a long time, but the pandemic is exacerbating the problem. Family Minister Spiegel has now launched a “Loneliness Competence Network.” The network is intended to provide practical help and advance research.

Around one in ten people living in Germany feel lonely often or very often. But some people also like being alone. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Anne Spiegel of the Green Party describes when loneliness becomes a challenge for society: “When you want to get out of isolation and can’t, that’s exactly when loneliness becomes a problem – when you suffer from it,” says Spiegel.

Loneliness has consequences

And this suffering has side effects. Psychology professor Maike Luhmann researches the topic of loneliness: “For example, we know that people who are lonely are more likely to suffer from poorer mental health, are more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle, have reduced stress resistance – and even financial problems have been linked to loneliness.”

We still know too little about loneliness’s effects, its causes, and what can be done about them. The “Loneliness Competence Network” wants to collect and pass on research results and practical experience. The ministry is providing a reasonable million euros for this purpose.

Dagmar Hirche represents the Hamburg association Wege aus der Einsamkeit at the launch of the Kompetenznetz Einsamkeit (“Competence Network for Loneliness”). Above all, she wants to encourage: “Hey, there are solutions!” One of these solutions is organizing meetings for older people via Zoom during the pandemic—including an introduction to the digital world. Dagmar Hirche’s association has reached 18,000 people with this.

Poverty drives people into loneliness.

She has repeatedly encountered one problem: “Poverty is a huge issue. If we look at the electricity costs alone, that will drive people even more into loneliness because they don’t have the money to participate in sports. After all, they don’t have the money to participate in events because they don’t have the money to get WiFi at home.” The material situation is one thing; the other is very individual experiences such as moving separations or other breaks.

During the pandemic, the situation for children and young people has become more difficult due to school closures and quarantine rules, but silent dramas have also been played out in the homes due to the ban on visits. To compensate for the “pandemic dent” in the experience of children and young people, Minister Spiegel has now announced a package of measures. The focus is on exercise, sport, and culture, especially for children and young people.

Loneliness has so far been under-researched as a subject of research and a task for social work, local politics, and urban planning. Often, it is about creating opportunities. For example, benches in playgrounds are good places for encounters between generations. All those involved also acknowledged the work of this country’s more than 500 multi-generational houses.

“Failure is not a problem.”

For those affected and those helping, it’s all about taking the first step, says Dagmar Hirche from the “Ways out of Loneliness” association: “The important thing is: get going! And if you fail? Failure isn’t a problem! Then I always say: bad luck, I’ll do something new.” Something new could be, for example, visiting the “Loneliness Competent. Today, Family Minister Spiegel officially launched it.

Lonelier due to Corona

According to a study by the EU Commission, loneliness has increased during the Corona pandemic, especially among young adults. The feeling of loneliness has increased, particularly among singles.

During the coronavirus crisis, the frequency of feelings of loneliness among EU citizens has doubled. This is the result of a study by the scientific service of the EU Commission.

According to the study, in 2016, around twelve percent of EU citizens said they felt lonely more than half the time. This proportion rose to 25 percent in the first months of the pandemic.

According to the study, different trends in the feeling of loneliness were evident both in age groups and in European regions. Before the pandemic, it was mainly older people who suffered from loneliness. From April to July 2020, the proportion of 18- to 25-year-olds who said they felt lonely for a long time quadrupled to 36 percent.

Significant increase in Germany

Even among singles, loneliness increased by 26 percentage points during curfews. The value only increased by nine percentage points among people with partners or children.

In a country comparison, loneliness increased particularly in Northern Europe: in countries such as Norway and Sweden, around six percent of the population said in 2016 that they felt lonely more than half the time, compared to 13 percent in Southern Europe. In the first months of the pandemic, the figures rose to 22 to 26 percent across Europe. In Germany, the proportion rose from 8.8 to 24.5 percent.

However, no significant differences between genders or urban and rural areas were found. The study also found that wealth and health protect against loneliness.
Commission Vice-President calls for countermeasures.

In light of the results, the Vice President of the EU Commission, Dubravka Suica, called for countermeasures. Scientific findings suggest that loneliness can weaken social cohesion, trust in the community, and economic performance, explained the EU Commissioner responsible for democracy and demography.

For the study, the researchers evaluated interviews and existing data. However, the surveys were conducted differently in 2016 and 2020, which limits their comparability. In 2020, respondents answered questions online of their own accord. However, older participants in an online survey, in particular, are presumably more connected to social media than other people and, therefore, less lonely than the average person.

What helps to be less lonely

Loneliness is affecting more and more people, both young and old – and it can make people ill. What are other countries doing about it? The Tagesschau foreign podcast is looking for ideas and possible role models.

Many people know the feeling, but only a few dare to talk about it: loneliness. A young woman sums it up: “You’re somehow in a bubble. Suddenly, the thoughts start bombarding you. You can’t get out of it. Then I just start crying.”

The 28-year-old belongs to a better-connected generation and is more accessible than any other before. Yet many young people feel lonely all over the world. The new episode of Ideenimport—the foreign podcast of the tagesschau—shows what is being done to combat loneliness in Japan and Singapore, for example.

Japan’s participation robots

In Japan, loneliness is considered one of the biggest health problems. In a café in the Ginza district of Tokyo, people can socialize again with the help of robots.
Service robots are controlled via the Internet and are sometimes hundreds of kilometers away from pilots. They serve drinks from home and chat with guests.
In addition, Japan has a Ministry against Loneliness. This ministry brings together activities, ideas, and projects and provides low-threshold offers for anyone who feels lonely.

Singapore’s high-rise village

In Singapore, the issue of loneliness is also being considered from an urban planning perspective. Kampung Admiralty is a high-rise planned like an old Malay village – only built upwards. The residential building has short paths, roof gardens, green spaces, and communal and meeting rooms.

Anyone looking for a connection will find it in the large food court. Kindergartens and preschools are located right next to senior centers. A vertical village is an example of modern urban planning.

In the Tagesschau foreign podcast Ideenimport, ARD correspondents Ulrich Mendgen and Lena Bodewein report on loneliness in Japan and Singapore and present measures to combat it. The question always arises: What can Germany learn from these ideas?

Searching for ideas in the Tagesschau podcast

For many questions that arise repeatedly in everyday life, there are guaranteed to be good ideas, possible role models, and solutions somewhere in the world: How can we better deal with rapidly rising energy prices? What can we do to eat healthier? Why do people in other countries sometimes live longer?

The Tagesschau foreign podcast looks for and finds them—together with the correspondents in the ARD’s 30 foreign studios. Ideenimport wants to broaden the view beyond the proverbial horizon and provide fresh ideas for new input in political and social debates.

Ideenimport has been published every second Friday since April 22, 2022. You can listen to the podcast at home or on your smartphone anytime. Every second Friday morning, a new episode will be available on our website, in the ARD audio library, and on numerous other podcast platforms.

Government strategy
What helps against loneliness?

Preventing loneliness and supporting those affected: Family Minister Paus has presented a “strategy against loneliness.” Social associations welcome the initiative but are skeptical about its success.

In Berlin-Friedrichshain, no one waits for a political strategy to deal with loneliness. Here, the city mission has created a meeting place. Every Wednesday, neighbors from the Travekiez meet for a shared lunch to spend a few hours together.

Lothar likes the chili con carne. He says that’s mainly because of the company. Ten men and women of retirement age sit at Christmas-decorated tables with candles and enjoy home-cooked food—a lively group with lots of talking and laughing. Everyone is welcome, according to the motto, “Eating together is less lonely.” The city mission has been offering lunch for three years: in the summer in the courtyard and in the winter inside.

He says that Lothar also comes every Wednesday because he likes to be around people. The 83-year-old Berliner lives alone with his cat Felix. On the weekends, he goes out to collect deposit bottles to supplement his pension but also comes into contact with people: “Young and old, it doesn’t matter. People just talk to me. I find that very nice; it makes you feel young again,” says Lothar, laughing. Most of those who come for lunch live alone, looking for company, a change from loneliness.

“Loneliness is invisible.”

For Jost Berchner, the project coordinator in Travekiez, there is a need for more meeting places in the city districts than just parks or playgrounds. He calls them “moderated city places where people can come together in a good setting and experience themselves as a neighborhood.”

In addition to the weekly lunch, they have created a place in the neighborhood called “einLaden,” a shop where living room concerts, storytelling evenings, and exhibitions take place, “to bring people together, spend a little time together, and see each other as neighbors,” says Berchner. It would be nice, he says, if everyone knew more about their neighbors than just the last name on the doorbell – “so that they develop an eye and a heart for the people in the neighborhood.” Because there is a lot of loneliness that we don’t see, that flies under the radar in the hustle and bustle of the big city, is Berchner’s experience.

Berchner thinks it’s good that the federal government is now addressing the issue with its strategy paper, but it takes more than “the will to take action,” he says. He doubts whether concepts will succeed in rekindling a matter close to our hearts: “I wish it were, and our society needs it. But I have my questions.”

111 measures against loneliness

For Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus (Alliance 90/The Greens), loneliness is “one of the most pressing issues of our time.” It harms health and social interaction. Paus wants to remove the taboo from the subject of loneliness. Her department’s cross-departmental “Strategy against Loneliness” is intended to provide more support to lonely people and combat social isolation. There are ways out of loneliness, says the Minister for Family Affairs: “No one who is lonely in Germany is alone.”

The aim is to shed more light on the issue politically and scientifically. The 111 measures are intended to strengthen social cohesion and community spirit.

No further funds are planned.

Specifically, the Minister for Family Affairs wants to raise public awareness of the issue with annual action weeks and regular campaigns. To close knowledge gaps, research into the health, social, and political effects of loneliness is to be promoted. A so-called loneliness barometer is also planned. This will examine the extent and prevalence of loneliness. In addition, the federal government wants to continue promoting model projects to combat increasing loneliness in local communities and shorten waiting times for therapy places.

The Minister for Family Affairs said no further financial resources are planned to implement the strategy’s plans. The project relies on existing structures, such as sports clubs or multi-generational houses.

Caritas: “Strategy must be more than just a catchy name”

The German Foundation for Patient Protection criticizes the need for additional financial resources to implement the strategic measures. Many initiatives in the municipalities simply do not have the money, said board member Eugen Brysch: “It will therefore be important that families, friends, neighbors, former employers, clubs and churches in particular accept responsibility.” Relying on the federal government is a waste of time, says Brysch.

The German Caritas Association also warns against pure symbolic politics. The loneliness strategy must be more than just a catchy name or a loneliness barometer. The announced measures must also be adequately financed. Measuring how and where loneliness is increasing is only effective if resources are effectively invested in combating it, says the association: “It’s like fever. Here too, the fever-reducing medication is more important than the thermometer,” compares Caritas President Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa.

For Ulrich Schneider, general manager of the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, it is above all people who can help with combat loneliness: “It is not just any politicians, it is not any big concepts, but it is really the neighborhood that can help, the many clubs, the visiting services. We can all help.”

Just like in the Berlin City Mission in the Travekiez, there are now coffee and pastries on the tables and people doing crafts together. If you don’t feel like doing that, you can just stay and enjoy the company—like Lothar before he goes home to Felix the cat.

Socially disadvantaged children feel lonelier.

A new study shows that the pandemic has left clear marks on children and young people: children, in particular, suffer from depressive symptoms – they are more likely to be lonely, have sleep problems, and are in pain.

Schoolchildren from poorer families in Germany suffer more frequently from loneliness, exhaustion, and sleep problems than children from better-off families. This is shown by a study in Berlin, sponsored by the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit, in which Kiel scientists surveyed more than 14,000 boys and girls in grades five to ten. Emotional stability and satisfaction temporarily declined significantly among teenagers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Depressive symptoms are more common in poorer children.

Whether it’s the feeling of not having friends, reduced well-being, or depression, teenagers from less affluent homes are more affected. 32 percent of students often feel alone overall.

This figure was as high as 50 percent among children who rate their social status as low. In contrast, around 28 percent of children and adolescents with a high social status felt lonely.

For example, 44 percent of schoolchildren from socially disadvantaged families report being unhappy and crying frequently. Among children with a high social status, only 26 percent report such depressive symptoms more regularly.

Corona and well-being

According to the DAK study, children’s emotional stability was dented during the Corona years. “Corona has led to a massive loss of life satisfaction,” said the study author, Kiel psychologist Reiner Hanewinkel.

According to the survey, the score was at least pronounced on a scale of 0 to 10 in the 2022/2023 Corona school year at 5.8 and recently rose again to 6.8. Well-being and life satisfaction are also lower among children with subjectively low social status.

Overall, 53 percent of children feel exhausted at least once a week. The figure is as high as 63 percent among children with subjectively low social status. During the Corona pandemic last year, 58 percent of children often felt exhausted – and 69 percent of children with a low social status.

“Corona has put a lot of pressure on the children,” said State Secretary for Family Affairs Ekin Deligöz (Greens). Many children think negatively about the infection control measures taken during the pandemic. 55 percent found homeschooling somewhat stressful, 54 percent found the mask requirement – and even 69 percent found regular ventilation stressful.

Sleeping pills for teenagers

The researchers also asked about sleep quality – and found that 49 percent of school children with low social status regularly have sleep problems, i.e., at least once a week. Among children from wealthier families, the figure is only 33 percent.

The study authors attribute this, not least, to higher screen time among children with a subjectively low social status. On average, 15-year-olds sleep 8 hours and 48 minutes per day, but this figure is only 7 hours and 24 minutes for 15-year-olds.

Sleeping pills also play a role among some teenagers. According to the study, 13 percent of those with a high social status and even 22 percent of those with a low status have taken such pills. However, 62 percent of those surveyed said they slept well or very well. Among those who rated their status as low, the figure was only 47 percent.

Bullying and cyberbullying

The question of whether a child is exposed to bullying is always a major topic at parents’ evenings – not most minor bullying in chat groups. According to the survey, 60 percent of the children and young people surveyed reported never being teased, attacked, or excluded in the schoolyard or classroom.

However, 14 percent say they have been bullied in this way at least once a week. Only 5 percent feel harassed or humiliated online at least once a week – 17 percent have experienced such humiliation. 82 percent of those surveyed, on the other hand, have never been victims of cyberbullying.

Here, too, status plays a role – almost one in two people from families with less wealth say they have suffered bullying at school, but only 39 percent of those with subjectively higher social status have. In the case of cyberbullying, the figure was 27 percent of the less well-off and 17 percent of the better-off teenagers.

Crises shape childhood

The results for DAK boss Andreas Storm and State Secretary for Family Affairs Deligöz are “alarming.” Deligöz said: “We live in a time of crises – they shape our children’s childhoods.” Many are also worried about the climate crisis or the war in Ukraine – but not everyone is equally resilient. Only the day before, the Federal Statistical Office had released the figure of almost 2.2 million children and young people who are at risk of poverty in Germany.

Deligöz promised that her department would present the announced draft law for essential child benefits by the end of the summer recession to improve children’s material situation. However, the government recently disputed the amount of billions of euros allocated to this.

Loneliness is “the greatest national disease.”

More and more people in Germany are feeling lonely – especially at Christmas. This doesn’t just affect older people, says patient advocate Brysch. One in four calls to the telephone counseling service is about feeling alone.

According to the Patient Protection Foundation, loneliness is currently the most widespread disease in Germany. According to foundation director Eugen Brysch, it does not only affect very old people.

In contrast to previous years, more and more 60- to 70-year-olds report feeling lonely, says Brysch. However, more is needed for Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus to appeal to those affected to seek help on their own initiative and to use services such as telephone counseling.

“Doing something about the growing loneliness in society cannot be left to institutional providers alone,” Brysch told the DPA news agency. “It is much more important that each of us becomes more aware of this widespread problem.”

Every fourth call to the telephone counseling service

It’s essential to take personal responsibility and to have the “courage to speak up.” Christmas offers an excellent opportunity to give single people next door a gesture of togetherness. This could be a greeting or a short conversation. “Let’s press the doorbell button. That can be the key to a person-to-person connection,” said Brysch.

This year, around one in four calls to the telephone counseling service, are about loneliness, said the chairman of the nationwide telephone counseling statistics working group, Ludger Storch, to the news agency DPA. Loneliness has been a problem that has been mentioned again and again, mainly since the beginning of the corona pandemic, and affects all age groups.

“Many callers are now telling us that they are having difficulty getting back in touch with other people,” Storch said. According to him, casual relationships have broken down during the Corona period.

Paus: Christmas is particularly painful

In 2022, around 1.2 million people called the telephone counseling service, about the same number as in the previous year, Stroch said. The approximately 7,700 volunteers also answered around 43,000 emails and 37,000 chats.

Family Minister Paus called on people who are lonely at Christmas not to be afraid to turn to the help services. “For most people, the best thing about Christmas is the community and togetherness in the family circle. If you cannot experience this sense of belonging and humanity, these days can be harrowing,” the Green politician told the editorial network Germany. Telephone counseling and on-site facilities are then available.

The federal government wants to combat loneliness.

Family Minister Paus says loneliness can become a problem not only for those affected but also for society as a whole. Action weeks are intended to raise awareness. There will be no more money.

Depression, heart disease, or dementia – those who are permanently lonely have a higher risk of becoming ill. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus of the Green Party says that millions of people in Germany are affected by loneliness.

According to the ministry, significantly more people have felt socially isolated since the coronavirus pandemic: “We know that this rose to 40 percent in Germany during the coronavirus pandemic,” said the minister. Even after Corona, this has yet to occur. “We still have high values and young and very old people are particularly affected by this.”

Paus: Clear and massive problems for democracy

The Minister for Family Affairs also sees this as a problem for the state. Namely, when more and more people withdraw because they lose trust in society: “Then that is something that makes our society fragile at its core and destroys it,” says Paus. “That is a clear and massive problem for democracy, and that is why we should all be well advised to do something about loneliness.”

The strategy paper against loneliness, which has now been approved by the Federal Cabinet, is 30 pages long. The aim is to raise awareness of the issue through action weeks. Employees in companies or clubs are to be trained to recognize signs of loneliness and to react to them. This is intended to provide greater support to socially isolated people, for example, through leisure activities and faster help with mental health problems.

There are no additional financial resources.

Paus admits this will require more than a strategy paper: “But we also know that we have a shortage of therapy places, especially for young people, that there is considerable demand and long waiting lists.” It is crucial and long overdue that there are special licenses for psychologists who can also work psychotherapeutically with young people.

The Minister for Family Affairs needs to plan further financial means to implement the strategy’s plans. The structures, such as sports clubs, in which the measures are to take effect already exist, says Paus. The German Foundation for Patient Protection criticizes this precisely. More money is urgently needed, as many initiatives in the municipalities simply need it.

Campaign in Sweden
A “Hej” against loneliness

As the days get colder and shorter in Sweden, many people’s moods suffer. The industrial city of Luleå encourages people to greet each other in a friendly manner. Does this help combat the gloom?

Anyone who lives high up in the Swedish north should be weatherproof. The first snow has already fallen, and you can only go outside wearing a thick jacket, hat, and gloves.
It could also be because the Swedes are not considered world champions of small talk. But a simple hello – Hej in Swedish – can achieve a lot, says Åsa Koski.

“There is research that shows that greeting each other has a positive effect on well-being and health,” explains the 44-year-old, who works for the city administration in Luleå. “So we felt that we had to do something!”

Feelings of loneliness – no exception

According to a survey by the health authority, one in four people in Sweden feel lonely. Older people are particularly affected. Actress Eva-Britt Tjernquist appears in a video for the campaign, which is intended to encourage friendly greetings.

She has lived alone for a long time and hopes those people, not only in Luleå, will become closer again through a little “Hej.”

Nobody likes to talk about loneliness. I miss the conversations. You come home, and you have no one to talk to. But then I pull myself together and call someone, tell them something, and ask what they think. So you have to do something and find new solutions.

No question of age

Kosaki and Tjernquist are now setting a good example on the streets of Luleå and greeting everyone who passes by warmly. On the way, Koski explains that even 16- to 29-year-olds often feel alone.

That afternoon, she stopped by a high school to discuss the topic. “Do you say hello to your classmates in the hallway?” Koski wanted to know. The group of young students in front of her seemed a little embarrassed. “When someone walks past me, I look up. But many just keep walking with a stubborn look on their faces,” one of them said.

Ice bathing can also be connected.

Sometimes, you must break your habits, like the first ice in the Baltic Sea. Pontus Wikström saws a hole in the frozen shore. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, they want to get into the water immediately. The Swede founded an ice bathing club in Luleå. Most of the 500 members come at the weekend. After bathing in the ice-cold water, they go to a small sauna.

There is almost always a place like that, says Pontus. Sweating together and bathing in ice – nothing helps better against loneliness. “It is a good way to make new contacts. Also, for many people who suffer from involuntary loneliness. Here, they feel better, at least for a while.”

Up here, just a few kilometers from the Arctic Circle, the darkest time of the year is coming. The days will get shorter and shorter until mid-December. There are many ways to avoid having to go through this alone. For example, a friendly “Hej” on the street can help, as you will find in Luleå.