5G - The Next Evolution in International Payments Technology

02.11.23 06:06 AM By Naushad Contractor

Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the exciting world of 5G technology and its transformative impact on international payments. As the latest advancement in mobile communication networks, 5G, short for fifth-generation wireless technology, promises to revolutionize various industries, and the financial sector is no exception. With higher data transfer speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity, 5G opens up a realm of possibilities for enhancing the efficiency, security, and convenience of international payment solutions.


Table of contents

  • What is 5g technology
  • How will 5G technology affect international payment solutions
  • How will 5G reduce latency of international payment solutions
  • How will 5G increase international payment SaaS security
  • Will banks and businesses be able to integrate 5G into their international payment systems

What is 5g technology

5G, short for fifth-generation wireless technology, is the latest advancement in mobile communication networks. It represents a significant leap forward from its predecessors, such as 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution), offering much higher data transfer speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity. The development of 5G technology aims to revolutionize various industries and improve the overall user experience for mobile devices and connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT).


Key features and characteristics of 5G technology include:

Higher Data Transfer Speeds: 5G technology can provide data transfer speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), significantly faster than 4G's peak speed of about 1 Gbps. This enhanced speed allows for quicker downloads, smoother streaming of high-definition content, and faster response times for online applications.

Lower Latency: Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel between devices over a network. 5G aims to achieve extremely low latency, reducing the delay between sending and receiving data. This is critical for real-time applications, such as video conferencing, online gaming, and autonomous vehicles.

Increased Network Capacity: 5G technology is designed to handle a higher number of connected devices simultaneously. This increased network capacity supports the growing number of IoT devices and ensures a stable and reliable connection in densely populated areas.

Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC): 5G enables efficient communication between a vast number of IoT devices, facilitating the implementation of smart cities, smart grids, and other IoT applications that require seamless connectivity between numerous devices.

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): 5G offers improved broadband capabilities, delivering higher data speeds and better coverage, which is crucial for supporting bandwidth-intensive applications and services.

Beamforming: 5G utilizes beamforming technology to direct signals more precisely towards specific devices, resulting in better coverage, increased signal strength, and improved network efficiency.

Network Slicing: This feature allows network operators to create multiple virtual networks within a single physical infrastructure. Each slice can be optimized for specific use cases, providing customized services tailored to diverse application requirements.

The deployment of 5G technology has far-reaching implications for various industries, including healthcare, transportation, entertainment, manufacturing, and finance. It promises to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, drive innovation, and enable new services and applications that were previously not feasible with older network technologies. However, it also requires significant infrastructure upgrades and investments to reach its full potential and offer widespread coverage.

How will 5G technology affect international payment solutions

Below are a few potential ways in which 5G technology could influence international payment solutions in the near future:


Faster and more reliable transactions: 5G technology promises significantly faster data transfer speeds and lower latency compared to previous generations. This improvement in network performance could lead to quicker and more reliable international payment transactions. It may reduce the time taken for authorization, processing, and settlement of cross-border payments, enhancing overall efficiency.

Enhanced security: The high-speed and low-latency capabilities of 5G networks can enable stronger security measures in international payment solutions. For instance, biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, could be integrated into payment processes more seamlessly, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.

Internet of Things (IoT) and payment integration: 5G's ability to connect a massive number of devices in real-time could lead to more IoT-driven payment solutions. For example, smart devices like wearables or connected cars could facilitate international payments directly, making transactions more convenient and accessible.

Global financial inclusion: 5G technology can reach previously underserved or remote areas with better connectivity. As a result, individuals in these regions may gain access to financial services, including international payment solutions, which can contribute to greater financial inclusion on a global scale.

Reduced cross-border transaction costs: 5G's potential for enhanced network performance may lead to reduced costs associated with cross-border payments. Lower transaction fees could incentivize businesses and individuals to engage in more international trade and financial activities.

Real-time currency conversions: The low latency and high-speed capabilities of 5G can facilitate real-time currency conversions during international transactions. This could provide customers with more transparent and competitive exchange rates, reducing uncertainty and improving the overall customer experience.

Easier compliance and regulation: Advanced technologies like 5G can enable better tracking and monitoring of international transactions, potentially easing compliance efforts for financial institutions and governments. It may help in identifying suspicious activities and adhering to regulatory requirements more effectively.

Remember that technological advancements continue to evolve, and new developments may have occurred in the implementation of 5G technology. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend consulting industry experts.

How will 5G reduce latency of international payment solutions

5G technology has the potential to reduce latency in international payment solutions through several key features and improvements it offers over previous generations of wireless networks:


Higher Data Transfer Speeds: 5G networks can provide significantly higher data transfer speeds compared to 4G or earlier technologies. This means that data, including payment-related information, can be transmitted much faster between devices and servers. Faster data transfer leads to reduced processing time, lowering the overall latency of the transaction.

Lower Network Congestion: 5G is designed to handle a massive number of connected devices and users simultaneously. By efficiently managing network resources and reducing congestion, 5G can ensure that payment data reaches its destination with minimal delays, improving transaction speed and responsiveness.

Edge Computing: 5G enables edge computing, where data processing is moved closer to the edge of the network, near the end-user or device. This reduces the distance that data needs to travel to reach the processing centre, which in turn decreases the latency in international payment solutions. With edge computing, critical payment processing tasks can be performed more quickly and efficiently.

Network Slicing: 5G supports network slicing, allowing service providers to partition their networks into multiple virtual networks optimized for specific use cases. For international payment solutions, a dedicated network slice can be allocated, ensuring priority and a consistent quality of service. This separation of traffic helps prevent delays caused by other network activities unrelated to payment processing.

Real-Time Communication: 5G's ultra-low latency capabilities enable real-time communication between devices and servers. This is crucial for instant payment systems, where rapid transaction authorization and processing are required. With 5G, the communication between payment terminals, financial institutions, and payment gateways can happen almost instantaneously, reducing the overall transaction time.

Enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: As more IoT devices become part of the payment ecosystem, the low latency of 5G allows for swift and seamless communication between these devices and payment infrastructure. For instance, smart devices, such as wearables or connected cars, can initiate payments in real-time without significant delays.

By leveraging these features, 5G technology can substantially reduce the latency of international payment solutions, resulting in faster, more efficient, and more responsive cross-border transactions. It has the potential to transform the way financial services are delivered, bringing significant benefits to businesses and consumers alike. However, the actual impact will depend on the widespread adoption of 5G infrastructure and its integration into existing payment systems.

How will 5G increase international payment SaaS security

5G technology has the potential to enhance security for international payment Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions through various mechanisms and capabilities it offers. Here are some ways 5G can contribute to increased security:


Faster and More Secure Data Encryption: 5G's higher data transfer speeds allow for more robust encryption algorithms to be used without significantly impacting performance. Strong encryption is essential for securing sensitive payment data during transmission between users, devices, and servers, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Lower Latency for Real-Time Security Checks: 5G's ultra-low latency capabilities enable faster real-time security checks during payment transactions. For example, when a payment is initiated, 5G can facilitate swift authentication and fraud detection processes, reducing the window of opportunity for potential security threats.

Improved Biometric Authentication: With 5G, biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, can be integrated more seamlessly into international payment SaaS solutions. Biometrics provide an additional layer of security, as they are difficult to replicate and significantly reduce the reliance on traditional passwords, which can be vulnerable to hacking.

Enhanced Device Security: 5G networks can support more secure device-to-network authentication, ensuring that only trusted devices can access the payment SaaS platform. This feature helps protect against unauthorized access and potential attacks from compromised devices.

Network Slicing for Isolated Security Services: 5G's network slicing allows for the creation of dedicated virtual networks for specific use cases. Payment SaaS providers can utilize network slicing to isolate and prioritize security-related services, ensuring that critical security functions receive the necessary resources and bandwidth.

Edge Computing for Immediate Threat Detection: 5G's edge computing capabilities enable processing and analysis of data closer to the point of origin. This can facilitate real-time threat detection and response, as suspicious activities can be identified and addressed immediately, reducing the risk of security breaches.

Reduced Dependence on Public Wi-Fi: 5G's widespread coverage can reduce the reliance on public Wi-Fi networks for international payment transactions. Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to various security threats, such as man-in-the-middle attacks. By using 5G connections, users can have a more secure and private communication channel for their payment data.

Secure Connectivity for IoT Devices: As the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more integrated into payment systems, 5G's secure connectivity ensures that IoT devices used in payment processing are less susceptible to hacking or tampering.

While 5G technology offers these security advantages, it's essential to note that cybersecurity is an ongoing and multifaceted effort. Implementing a comprehensive security strategy involves a combination of technological measures, user education, regular updates, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. The adoption of 5G technology for international payment SaaS solutions should be complemented by rigorous security practices to ensure the highest level of protection for sensitive financial data.

Will banks and businesses be able to integrate 5G into their international payment systems

Yes, banks and businesses will have the ability to integrate 5G into their international payment systems. As 5G technology continues to expand and become more prevalent, financial institutions and businesses will have the opportunity to leverage its capabilities to enhance their international payment processes. Here's how they can integrate 5G into their payment systems:


Network Infrastructure Upgrades: Banks and businesses will need to invest in upgrading their network infrastructure to support 5G connectivity. This may involve partnering with telecommunications providers to ensure reliable and high-speed 5G coverage in their operating areas.

Collaborations with Payment Service Providers: Banks and businesses can collaborate with payment service providers that specialize in 5G-enabled payment solutions. These providers can offer dedicated integration services and platforms that support international payments over 5G networks.

Integration of 5G APIs and SDKs: Banks and businesses can integrate 5G application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) into their existing payment systems. This integration allows them to leverage 5G's capabilities, such as low latency and high data transfer speeds, for faster and more secure international payments.

Mobile Payment Applications: Banks and businesses can develop or update their mobile payment applications to be 5G-ready. By utilizing 5G connectivity, these applications can offer enhanced mobile payment experiences, including faster transaction processing and improved security measures.

IoT-enabled Payment Solutions: With the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), banks and businesses can explore integrating 5G connectivity into their IoT-enabled payment systems. This integration allows for seamless and secure international payments through connected devices, expanding payment possibilities and convenience.

Enhanced Security Measures: As 5G networks bring advanced security features, banks and businesses can integrate these capabilities into their payment systems. This includes leveraging 5G's encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, and network slicing for secure international transactions.

Real-Time Payment Analytics: Banks and businesses can utilize the low latency of 5G networks to collect and analyse real-time payment data. This enables them to gain valuable insights into customer behaviour, detect fraudulent activities, and optimize their international payment processes.

It's important to note that the integration of 5G into international payment systems may require collaboration with telecommunications providers, third-party payment service providers, and compliance with relevant regulations. Additionally, the pace of integration will depend on the availability and maturity of 5G infrastructure in different regions. However, as 5G technology continues to evolve and gain wider adoption, banks and businesses will have increasing opportunities to leverage its capabilities for more efficient and secure international payment operations.

Banks face a wide range of road-blocks when trying to implement new technology on a wide-scale, to know about some of problems banks face and their potential solutions, read Global banking industry challenges and how to overcome them.

Conclusion

Some of the largest international banks have been partnering with Fable Fintech, a renowned cross-border payments technology company, for quite some time now. Fable Fintech has established itself as a trusted and innovative provider of cross-border remittance solutions, offering a range of options that cater to the unique needs of organizations.


By partnering with Fable Fintech, these banks have gained access to cutting-edge technology and expertise that enable them to streamline their cross-border payment processes. 

Through this partnership, banks can offer their customers the best cross-border remittance options available in the market. Fable Fintech's platform enables seamless integration with existing banking systems, providing a seamless user experience and reducing the complexities associated with international payments.

With Fable Fintech's expertise, banks can overcome the challenges typically associated with cross-border remittances, such as high transaction costs, lengthy processing times, and complex regulatory requirements. By leveraging their advanced technology, banks can offer their customers competitive exchange rates, faster transaction processing, and enhanced security measures.

Furthermore, Fable Fintech provides comprehensive support and assistance to banks throughout the implementation process and beyond. Their team of experts ensures a smooth transition to the new payment system, offering training, technical support, and regular updates to ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, partnering with Fable Fintech has proven to be a strategic move for some of the largest international banks. By harnessing the capabilities of Fable Fintech's cross-border payments technology, these banks can offer their customers the best cross-border remittance options available, enhancing their international payment operations and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive market. 


To acquire the platform, book a demo with the Fable Fintech cross-border platform experts;