BARCELONA: Blazing fast 5G wireless networks promise to unlock the potential of internet connected devices, or the Internet of Things--making driverless cars and talking fridges a reality. With most European operators targeting 2020 for its rollout, 5G is the term on everyone's lips at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Like the 4G networks currently widely available, 5G is based on radio frequencies, the same used for television broadcasts, walkie-talkies, wi-fi signals or a garage door remote control. It will use a higher radio frequency that are not in use and can move data at a much faster speed. But since higher radio frequencies don't travel as far as lower frequencies, it will rely on denser arrays of small antennas and artificial intelligence to offer data speeds up to 50 or 100 times faster than current 4G networks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the use of computer systems to perform tasks normally done by humans. Our smartphones are packed with the most common AI applications. Visual perception: When I point my smartphone at myself with my family for a picture, a set of computational rules (called an algorithm) identifies our faces by marking them with boxes and makes sure we are all in focus. The phone takes the picture when I raise my hand. Speech recognition: When I wanted to buy sourdough to go with the clam chowder I was planning to cook for my family, I asked Google through the microphone "Where can I buy sourdough in Pasig?"

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) could wipe out thousands of jobs in the country's fast-growing business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, but the industry can address this threat through innovation and training, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Wednesday. "One solution to this technology's threat is to modify and remodel the existing jobs' nature. Another way is the organization of groups necessary in the infusion of science and technology to other fields or areas for the realization of establishing a comprehensive network," Lopez said. The most important aspect, he said, is to conduct training and related activities. "In simpler terms, we will endeavor to make this new technology work for them," Lopez said.