Recently, particularly within the last 5 years, the telecom industry has seen significant technological innovations. Some of these advancements include 5G, edge computing, and Wi-Fi 6. So what has this got to do with online gaming you might wonder? Everything. The impact of these technologies on online gaming is that they improve connectivity and speed, decrease game loading time, improve gameplay quality, and increase global accessibility, all of which make for an overall better online gaming experience. As the industry continues to innovate, players can expect to enjoy more immersive games from whatever mobile device they own at any time they want. So what do these technologies entail?

5G

5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks and the successor of 4G. Although still in its early stages, this network is already proving to be much faster (10x faster than 4G), having lower latency (the time it takes for your phone to send a request to the network provider’s server and get feedback), and more reliable than 4G. It can handle more devices on the network and has improved communication security. As with every tech innovation, US companies are racing to create the best and most stable 5G network that can work nationwide. This effective telecommunication tech affects more than just its industry. It is paving the way for a new generation of other technologies, including online casinos. Players can now expect the newest casino sites to be fully 5G integrated, offering incredible live gaming experiences like never before. 

Edge Computing 

Edge computing is a distributed framework that allows data to be stored and processed at the edge of the network, closer to the device that generates the request or information. To put it simply, it means data will be processed closer to you – nearly instantly since there is lower latency. Your online gaming will practically be happening as if it is all on your phone (or preferred device). When you have a multi-player game with your friends, it will be as if you are all in the same room. This kind of immersive gaming experience is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat (did you get the pun?). As this tech evolves, online casinos will offer even higher-quality games. 

WiFi 6…and Emerging 7

Wireless internet technology has also evolved over the years, with WiFi 6 (also technically called 802.11ax) being the latest innovation. The most noticeable improvement of this tech is that it has the potential to offer up to 9.6Gbps across multiple channels. Although your mobile phone may not reach this internet speed (due to device limitations or network provider), you are sure to still experience unprecedented fast internet even if there are multiple devices connected to it. This means you can now invite your friends over for a real-time multi-player, multi-device online casino game.   

And if 9.6Gbps seems unbelievable wait for WiFi 7. Its estimated maximum potential is to offer an insane 46Gbps and 8K video streaming when it is finalized by the end of 2024. Imagine what playing your favorite casino game will feel like.  

Legal Concerns and Challenges in Adopting Telecom Innovations

Although the aforementioned technologies are reshaping online gaming, they also pose some challenges that online casino platforms must navigate. They include:

• Regulatory Compliance – in the U.S., laws vary in every state or region. A law restricting 5G at one location for example can affect the kind of services or experience an online casino can offer there. 
• Data Privacy and Security – any tech that processes large data brings about data privacy concerns. Edge computing must remain compliant with data protection laws such as the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) in the U.S. for online casino platforms to enjoy their services. 
• Cybersecurity Risks – new technologies such as WiFi 6 and 5G have become targets for hackers looking for a challenge. As such, online casinos that wish to adopt these technologies must ensure they have robust security systems in place to protect players.

Conclusion

While online casino platforms can enjoy the benefits of telecom innovations such as 5G, edge computing and cloud gaming, and WiFi 6, they must also carefully navigate these legal and security concerns to ensure they remain compliant and provide player safety.