How can 5G broadband benefit your business?

The emergence of 5G has been a hot topic in the technical world for quite some time. As the latest mobile internet, 5G is overtaking its predecessors 3G and 4G by offering high-speed internet download and upload speeds over the air. It is expected that all major UK operators will have launched 5G networks at least in the busiest cities and areas by the end of this year. With the implementation across the UK happening as we speak, is it time to consider making the switch from traditional cable and DSL?

What is 5G and how does it work?

5G is the 5th generation mobile network, a new and improved global wireless standard that follows in the footsteps of 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks. 5G enables connection between virtually everyone and anyone including devices and machines. 5G is expected to provide much higher multi-Gbps data peak speeds with more reliability, massive network capacity, low latency and increased availability.

Although it is termed “mobile internet”, it’s not solely tied to mobile phones, and can be a great alternative to wired broadband or “WIFI” with the promise of higher performance and improved efficiency to connect more users and industries.

All you need is a SIM card that you can put directly into your router that is facilitated by paying a monthly subscription in the same way that you would usually pay for your mobile phone contract. Routers will then send a WIFI to all of your connected devices.

Comparing 5G and 4G

As you would expect, 5G is a new and improved version of the 4G network, with the main improvements listed below.

• 5G is significantly faster than 4G
• 5G has more capacity than 4G
• 5G has significantly lower latency than 4G      
                                                       

How will 5G Broadband benefit my business?

Successful businesses are often early adopters and innovators. Considering 5G broadband while it is still in its infancy may help your business to have a competitive edge against your competitors as you may be more equipped to provide your employees and customers with  greater connectivity, productivity and security.

Here are the top 5 reasons that 5G may benefit your business:

1. A faster speed connection means more business actions can be carried out faster.
There are predictions that a new 5G connection could be up to 10 times higher than previous 3G and 5G networks. Alongside this comes faster transmission of data, files, images and videos. With 5G, downloading a high definition image can take under 10 seconds, compared to 10 minutes over a 4G network.

2. Increased connectivity resulting in more reliable business communications.
Mobile network towers providing your connection should result in increased capacity. With the use of IoT devices within the workplace continuously increasing, businesses need an internet connection that is reliable and robust enough to support them. As more and more workplaces rely on multiple devices, hot desks and switching between landlines and mobile phones – 5G will make it easier for your business to connect with multiple clients across conference calls, skype and telephone simultaneously without worrying about a lag or misconnection.

3. 5G broadband gives your flexibility of taking it anywhere you go.
Unlike traditional wired landline broadbands which are fixed to an individual office space or home, a 5G router can be taken with you wherever you go. This mode of internet is perfect for the emerging remote and hybrid working workforce post covid, providing employees who live and work in multiple locations the security of a strong and reliable internet connection from anywhere. Some 5G broadband routers can also be battery powered, meaning that you can use the internet on the move, whether that be on a train to work or at a service station. 

4.Lower latency will help bring an end to delays and network glitches.
Low Latency means that businesses can expect less delays and lags when using their 5G broadband. 5G latency is expected to be a millisecond or less, ensuring that your files are shared instantly within a split second, providing a great deal of agility for business owners and improving efficiency in the workplace, no longer let down by a slow connection.

5.Replacement & Preparation for the PSTN Switch-Off
The Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to be switched off in December 2025. Many businesses are busy preparing for the switch over that will see traditional analogue phone lines switched off by BT, to be replaced by a fully digital network across a fibre-based service.

5G broadband has many advantages that are promised to businesses, not only will making the switch to 5G broadband equip your business for scalable communications, but it will also help you prepare for the inevitable switch off of analogue phonelines at the end of 2025.

We can take care of your internet connection, so that you can take care of business. Contact a member of our dedicated business team to find out more about how we can support you with all of your business communications.