How Can 5G Help Businesses
5G is the fifth-generation mobile network which offers faster speeds and lower latency than 4G. Global 5G connectivity continues to grow with nearly 2 billion connections in Q1 2024, which is forecasted to reach 7.7 billion by 2028 (according to data from 5G Americas). However, many businesses still don’t understand the benefits that 5G connectivity offers. So, how can 5G help transform businesses?
The faster connection speeds, improved reliability and lower latency of 5G offers huge benefits to businesses across a wide range of industries. It can help businesses be more productive and ensure that employees can communicate effectively across locations. 5G also offers the potential for IoT implementation, allowing, for example, real-time tracking and traceability of products within a supply chain.
Keep reading to learn more about how 5G connectivity can make a difference in your business and some industry-specific applications of the latest mobile network generation.
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What Are the Benefits of 5G for Businesses?
5G offers numerous benefits to businesses due to its enhanced download speeds and faster data transfer rates
Enhanced Productivity
5G offers speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G. This enables rapid data transfer that allows for quicker downloads helping to streamline business operations. The increased capacity of 5G also allows for more devices to connect at once, making it ideal for businesses dealing with high volumes of data and connected devices.
Here are a few of the other technical features of 5G that can make businesses more productive:
- More bandwidth means fewer network issues and less lag, reducing disruptions.
- Increased reliability means that 5G can be relied upon for critical connections, automation and IoT systems.
- Because of reduced latency, devices connected to 5G have extended battery life compared to previous network generations.
Faster Processes
5G offers a much higher capacity than 4G, so connected devices work much faster. This can help speed up organisational processes and improve business efficiency, for example, quicker EPOS payments on mobile tablets.
Better Communication
The lower latency offered by 5G makes it more suitable than 4G for real-time applications, such as video conferencing, instant messaging and VoIP calling. This allows for more efficient communication and better collaboration between remote employees, clients and stakeholders.
Prepare for the PSTN Switch-Off
The Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) will be switched off in the UK on January 31st 2027. This means all traditional landlines will need to transition to an internet-based phone system (VoIP). Businesses need to start planning their transition to VoIP as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition. For some businesses, 5G connectivity offers a viable replacement and is the best way to ensure continued mobile connectivity.
Internet of Things (IoT) Capabilities
It was impractical to use many IoT applications with previous network generations, such as 4G. However, 5G opens up numerous opportunities for businesses to implement IoT technologies that make a profound difference in the way businesses operate.
In 2024, the number of active IoT connections on MNO networks increased by 6.5%, reaching just above 26.5 million. 5G can be used to support a wide range of IoT applications “including asset tracking, utility metering, travel and transport, environmental monitoring, energy management solutions for smart buildings, car telemetry, and video surveillance” (according to the Connected Nations UK Report 2024).
Advanced Technologies
In addition to IoT applications, 5G opens the door for a wide range of advanced technologies that businesses can implement to expand and improve their operations. This includes Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) which can have groundbreaking applications for customer experience, as well as employee training. The low-latency aspect of 5G also means that robots can be controlled precisely from remote locations, allowing for wider robotics applications.
How Can 5G Help Specific Sectors?
5G offers many industry-specific benefits by enabling fast-speed, low-latency, ultra-reliable connectivity.
Warehouses
5G technology can significantly streamline warehouse operations through real-time data transmission between connected devices, including robots, scanners and sensors. Here are some of the key benefits of 5G connectivity in warehouses:
- Inventory management. Smart shelves and sensors connected to 5G can effectively monitor stock in real time, optimising inventory management.
- Automated picking and packing processes. 5G allows for seamless communication between Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) allowing for faster movement of goods.
- Wearable technology. Workers can use 5G-connected wearables to receive instructions and access relevant information about stock levels.
Manufacturing
5G technology can enhance all aspects of manufacturing operations, leading to higher productivity and efficiency across the production line. Here are some of the main advantages of 5G connectivity for the manufacturing industry:
- Smart factories. A range of 5G-connected technologies, including sensors, robots and AI, can be integrated into manufacturing operations and supply chains to increase efficiency.
- Remote monitoring. Using 5G, technicians can remotely monitor and access machinery to quickly diagnose and resolve problems.
- Real-time quality control. High-speed data transmission from production line sensors allows for the immediate detection and minimisation of quality control issues, reducing defects.
Healthcare
The improved connectivity 5G offers many benefits to the healthcare industry and it can lead to a higher standard of patient care. Here are some of the main benefits of 5G connectivity for hospitals and healthcare facilities:
- Remote surgery. Reliable high-quality video feeds allow for real-time surgical procedures performed by remote surgeons.
- Patient monitoring. Wearable healthcare devices provide a myriad of data on patients’ vital signs helping doctors offer better predictive care.
- Virtual consultations. High-definition virtual consultations can be used for routine check-ups, visual diagnosis or initial screenings meaning patients do not need to travel to see a healthcare professional.
Retail
5G can significantly benefit retail by helping to personalise and improve customers’ shopping experiences thanks to its reduced latency and higher bandwidth. Here are three benefits of 5G for the retail sector:
- Personalised shopping experience. 5G allows retailers to use AI and Machine Learning to offer personalised store promotions and targeted incentives which can boost sales and engagement.
- Real-time inventory management. By connecting multiple sensors and monitors around the stores, retailers can use 5G to track inventory in real time and streamline their stock management processes.
- AR technology. This can be utilised to create a more immersive shopping experience, for example, Ikea’s AR app ‘IKEA Place’ allows customers to see what furniture would look like in their home.
Agriculture
5G’s high bandwidth allows for multiple sensors, machines and trackers to be connected giving farmers a more comprehensive overview of their land, crops or livestock. Here are some of the key benefits of 5G for the agricultural industry:
- Precision agriculture. 5G supports machine-to-machine (M2M) services, enabling farmers to use smart farming techniques and provide tailored amounts of water, food and fertiliser to different crops.
- Weed and crop monitoring. High-resolution cameras combined with AI and 5G connectivity can be used to effectively target weeds to be sprayed by pesticides, eliminating the need for blanket spraying.
- Real-time livestock tracking. 5G enables geolocation services, allowing farmers to track their livestock’s location and information about their health and well-being.
Barriers to 5G Connectivity
Although 5G connectivity offers transformative benefits to businesses across a wide range of sectors, the main barrier to enhanced 5G connectivity is the lack of sufficient network coverage. Although the availability of 5G continues to expand with approximately 81,000 new sites in 2024 (a c. 24% increase from the previous year), there is still only sufficient coverage for between 61% and 79% of outside premises (according to Ofcom data). Sufficient 5G coverage indoors will be a much lower percentage and this can be a real problem for UK businesses that want to access the many benefits of 5G connectivity.
If your business wants to access the benefits of 5G technology, but you struggle with poor 5G signal strength, a high-performance 5G signal booster is the solution. This will amplify the weak outdoor 5G signal and send it to the areas of your building where you need it most.
High-Performance 5G Mobile Phone Signal-Boosting Solutions by NetCov
At NetCov, we specialise in designing and installing high-quality 5G signal-boosting systems so businesses can access the many benefits of 5G connectivity. We have worked with a wide range of industries to help them access 5G and improve their profitability, optimise processes and implement advanced technologies, including:
We offer high-performance signal boosters that boost the signal of all UK networks, including Three, Vodafone, EE and O2. All our boosters are Ofcom-approved, so you can be sure your business is fully compliant with all UK legislation.
Contact our team today to find out more about how we can help your business make the most of 5G connectivity or book your free consultation to get started.