Facts about 5G
5G has already been rolled out across 96 countries and provides connectivity to over 1.2 billion people.
- 5G is approximately 10x faster than 4G
- 5G is available in around 7 out of 10 UK premises
- 5G connectivity reaches over 56% of the UK population
- 5G = Faster Speeds
Uploads, downloads, and those seemingly multiplying IoT (Internet of Things) devices that play a much bigger part in our working lives than we’d like to admit will all be quicker, with fewer issues. Video conferencing for example will not suffer with the lagging issues that we’ve all at some point experienced.
Future proofing connectivity
Thinking longer-term particularly around IoT and connected devices is key – to facilitate Connected Autonomous Plant for example will require 5G connectivity due to the complexity of operating machinery remotely. Connected Autonomous Plant requires telemetry, condition alerts, earthworks models and mapping applications – a multitude of data flowing back and forth in real-time, which 5G is perfect for.
The increase of augmented reality and Ultra High-Definition Video and sensor networks for example will all benefit from 5G connectivity.
Launching new products and services
If you’re planning to launch new products or services or create new business models, then having 5G is sure to be beneficial. These include robotics, AR/VR, and cloud computing SaaS (Software as a Service) applications plus many more products and services that will exist or expand in the next 5-10 years.
Increased connectivity
You’ll be able to have more devices connected simultaneously and they will operate with optimal speed and therefore offer a better ROI. This could mean a piece of equipment or machinery having less down time, or perhaps just processes happening quicker. Not having connectivity can mean that people quickly stop using lean digital tools and return to traditional paper-based systems.
Network Slicing
Network slicing is the ability to create a network within a network – this is to facilitate the use of certain applications. For example, you might want to streamline and segregate traffic according to characteristics such as IoT devices and Mobile and wireless devices or even Massive Machine Type communications.
Improved security
5g offers improved security – utilising IMSI and Home Network Authentication. 5G Sim cards come with additional layers of security. Before a device can join a network, the network needs to authenticate the device and the device needs to authenticate the network.
Cost reward analysis
In 2021 the UK Government released a report stating that UK economic benefits are projected at £41bn-£159bn cumulatively over 2021-35 depending on the model scenario. Annual UK gross value added is projected to be 0.4%-1.6% higher in 2035 as a result of 5G technology (which is a relatively conservative estimate compared to wider projections). Firms in the High-speed broadband to homes and offices consumer group and the Media and entertainment consumer group are projected to experience the largest impacts in proportional terms, though firms across a wide range of consumer groups are projected to benefit from 5G adoption. When considering any new technology, finance teams will always be persuaded to sign the contract and release funds if there is a solid financial argument to the business. Presenting a business case for something that is often taken for granted until it isn’t there such as Wi-Fi.
How can Onwave help?
At Onwave we are keen to ensure you have the right solutions appropriate for your sites. Our experienced technical team carries out desktop surveys, and in addition to these onsite surveys where necessary.
We take down details of the full scope – including future proofing any solutions we suggest and will be on hand every step of the way from initial conversation to multi-site deployment and ongoing maintenance if this is required
Further Reading
Samsung – 5G Security – Improving User and Data Protection
National Highways – Connected and autonomous plant to 2035
Cambridge Econometrics – Realising the Benefits of 5G
Ofcom – What is 5G?
