"4A" in "5G"
Javed Ahmed Siddiqui
Author | Area Head Business at Reliance Jio | Views are Personal
The business world constantly evolves, and new technologies are being developed daily. One of the latest technologies taking the business world by storm is 5G. Now the big challenge for telecom companies is to create effective business strategies to fully leverage the benefits of 5G technology to ensure their 5G business reaches its full potential.
5G goes beyond being a simple upgrade from 4G, and its influence reaches far beyond mobile consumers and offers telecom companies the chance to explore new revenue streams in various untapped industries, particularly the enterprise sector. While the current use cases of 5G are just the tip of the iceberg, even more, revolutionary applications are waiting to be discovered. The technology and telecom industry firmly believes that 5G has the power to transform the future, and its success is indisputable.
In the world of 5G business, one of the most important goals right now for telecom companies is to increase their 5G footprint in the business world. A more widespread 5G business means more revenue, increased market share, and tremendous overall success. To achieve this, companies must develop effective strategies that address the overall development of the 5G world.
To encourage early incremental growth of 5G business, telecom operators must consider The Theory of 4 A of business strategy; this Theory provides an overall framework for telecom companies to develop effective business strategies for swifter 5G business growth.
Theory of 4 A's of Business:
The 4 A's of business are a framework that helps telecom companies to create compelling 5G business growth strategies. The 4 A's are Acceptability, Affordability, Availability, and Awareness. These four elements are interdependent and must be considered when evolving an overall 5G business development strategy. In the context of 5G business growth, each aspect is critical in ensuring the strategy's success.
James Culliton developed the Theory of 4 A of business in the 1940s. The Theory identifies four essential elements companies must consider when developing business strategies. These elements are:
·????????Acceptability
·????????Affordability
·????????Availability
·????????Awareness
The Theory is based on the four pillars of business - Acceptability, Affordability, Availability, and Awareness, these four pillars are critical for telecom companies to succeed in today's competitive market.
Strategic business preparation is a broad phrase describing how organizations should make different choices to bring a new product or technology to the market and get the maximum leverage.
The fundamental building blocks of any successful telecom business strategy for 5G business will be ?Acceptability, Affordability, Availability, and Awareness. These four components are closely connected, and telecom operators need to incorporate them into their ?5G business growth plans to ensure success in the future.
The 4A framework originates from a strategic viewpoint focused on customers' four unique functions in the market: namely, Seekers, Selectors, Payers, and Users. To ensure the success of a 5G business, telecom operators must excel in all four A's, utilizing a combination of both business and non-business assets.
The 4A's business theory is primarily a customer-focused strategy that prioritizes the essential principles for developing and growing 5G business for telecom companies.
The 4A's - Acceptability, Affordability, Accessibility, and Awareness - play a pivotal role in generating value for telecom companies, particularly regarding their 5G business.
The 4A framework assists telecom businesses in delivering value to various customers by recognizing their existing and emerging desires and requirements. Apple's iPad perfectly illustrates a new product that customers never knew they wanted until it was introduced. It guarantees that the product is within the customer's reach, both in terms of Awareness and Affordability, and meets their Acceptability and Accessibility criteria.
It helps business leaders to see a company from the perspectives of their target 5G customers. As we know, Potential 5G Customers are market seekers, selectors, payers, and users, and Acceptability, Affordability, Accessibility, and Awareness play around all these key roles of a customer lifecycle.
The 4A theory identifies four crucial factors that must be met for a product to be successful and provide value to customers, companies, and society. Meeting these conditions is essential for success in offering a product or service. Additionally, there is an emphasis on ensuring customer awareness and that new 5G products are acceptable, accessible, and affordable for them.
Acceptability
The Theory of 4 A in business begins with the concept of Acceptability, and it refers to the degree to which a 5G product or service meets the needs and desires of customers and other stakeholders in the business. In the 5G industry, it is crucial for telecom companies to ensure that their 5G offerings align with the requirements of their customers and stakeholders. Acceptability is especially significant because telecom operators must design their products and services to allow 5G technology to be used in all business domains.
To promote the use of 5G technology in different fields and business sectors, telecom operators need to conduct extensive market research to understand their customers and other stakeholders' needs and preferences. Based on this research, they should create 5G services that meet the requirements of their target customers. By developing products and services that cater to the needs and preferences of different business sectors, telecom operators can encourage the early adoption of 5G technology, leading to faster growth of the 5G business.
To enhance and improve the Acceptability of 5G ?business in the market, it is crucial to comprehend the advantages of this technology and how it can improve the quality of life for both consumers and businesses. It necessitates a thorough understanding of the target audience, unique needs, and preferences. With enhanced speed, reliability, and reduced latency, 5G is well-suited for gaming, video streaming, and augmented reality applications. Highlighting these benefits can significantly contribute to the growth and adoption of 5G technology.
Telecom operators can conduct customer research to understand potential 5G customers' needs, preferences, and behaviour. It can be done through surveys, focus groups, or other types of research. By understanding their target audience's and business's needs, companies can develop 5G products and services that meet their requirements.
Telecom operators can offer product customization to cater to the specific needs of individual customers, and it can be done through product bundling, personalized offers, or other types of customization. Telecom companies can increase customer loyalty and satisfaction by offering customized products and services.
To enhance the acceptability factors of the 5G technology, telecom operators can differentiate their products and services from competitors. It can be done through unique features, design, or other value-added benefits. Companies can create a unique selling proposition that sets them apart by determining their products and services.
To increase the acceptance of 5G technology, telecom operators must expand beyond their typical areas of expertise, explore other interrelated businesses, and actively promote 5G technology. This approach will help to improve and broaden the acceptance of 5G technology, ultimately leading to the growth of the overall 5G business.
An effective strategy to increase the acceptance of 5G technology in various business domains is to promote Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Many businesses have already started using AR and VR to offer customers a virtual shopping experience, making accessing products and services from any location more convenient. This approach will allow these businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors and drive sales growth.
To increase the acceptance of 5G technology across various business domains, telecom companies can create services tailored to specific industries. For instance, they can develop 5G services that cater to the healthcare industry's requirements, such as remote monitoring and telemedicine. By focusing on the specific needs of particular sectors, telecom companies can design 5G businesses that address their target customers' unique needs, helping them stand out from their competitors.
Real-time marketing has become more achievable with the advent of 5G technology. It allows businesses to leverage real-time data to create targeted marketing campaigns that effectively reach their desired audience. For instance, a company can utilize real-time data to identify potential customers close to their physical store and then send personalized promotions or offers to them. It can help increase foot traffic and ultimately boost sales.
For the greater acceptance of 5G technology, telecom operators should assist businesses in creating mobile apps that are compatible with 5G and provide faster and more responsive experiences. It allows their customers to access products and services quickly, and these businesses can offer customized promotions and discounts to improve customer loyalty and sales.
If a business sells through a mobile app, it is crucial to ensure that it is optimized for high-speed internet connectivity and low latency to work seamlessly with 5G networks. Similarly, if a business uses hardware such as routers or modems, it should ensure that they are designed to exploit the capabilities of 5G technology fully.
In the current connected world, social media has become a vital strategy for companies to connect with their target audience. As a result, telecom operators should encourage social media marketing with 5G products and services. They can promote the advantages of 5G technology in facilitating the creation of social media marketing campaigns that are more immersive and interactive. For example, businesses can leverage augmented reality (AR) filters and virtual reality (VR) ads to deliver customers a more engaging and immersive experience, increasing brand awareness and boosting sales.
In today's cult following world, influencer marketing is gaining popularity among businesses as it helps them connect with their desired customer base and grow their business. Telecom operators can promote influencer marketing in other business domains by developing products and services that collaborate with influencers. These influencers can assist businesses in reaching their target audience, augment brand awareness, drive sales growth, and enhance customer loyalty with the help of 5G technology. With 5G technology, telecom companies can offer innovative services and products to help businesses collaborate with influencers more effectively.
Finally, to ensure the widespread adoption of 5G technology and services, telecom companies must engage with their target audience and businesses across various domains to collect feedback and suggestions. It can be achieved through different channels, such as customer surveys, focus groups, business interactions, and social media. By actively listening to this feedback and incorporating it into product development, telecom companies can ensure that their 5G services are customized to meet the preferences and requirements of their target audience. This approach can improve target audience satisfaction and increase the adoption of 5G technology in different business domains.
Types of Acceptability Needed for 5G Business
a) Functional Acceptability
To ensure early acceptance of 5G technology, telecom companies must establish functional Acceptability among their target audience and other business domains. Functional Acceptability refers to an objective assessment that is not influenced by personal biases, and it evaluates a product or technology based on its factual features and performance. An excellent example of a next-generation wireless technology that surpasses 4G in terms of functional Acceptability is 5G. With faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, 5G utilizes multiple frequency bands to accommodate more devices. Therefore, telecom operators must promote this aspect of 5G technology to develop wider functional Acceptability of 5G technology among the general population.
To increase user adoption of 5G technology, it's essential to establish more effective functional acceptability standards, making potential customers and businesses more likely to embrace the technology. By recognizing the superior performance and features of 5G compared to previous wireless technologies, businesses from different domains may be attracted to adopt 5G to improve their overall performance and productivity.
In other words, setting clear standards for functional Acceptability can help encourage the adoption of 5G technology, which can benefit various industries by improving their operational efficiency and effectiveness.
b) Psychological Acceptability
Psychological Acceptability is an essential factor for the success of 5G technology. This trait is closely tied to a person's inherent nature and can be harnessed to create distinct brands or products tailored to specific societal segments. Even if two products serve the same purpose, the one belonging to a more psychologically satisfying brand may be more appealing to a particular group of customers. Therefore, telecom companies must develop psychological Acceptability among their target audience to ensure early acceptance of 5G technology.
For instance, the 5G network can be marketed to customers as a symbol of social advancement and digital proficiency, making it more appealing than 4G. Telecom operators can use various channels to communicate this message and establish a powerful psychological position for 5G technology. By catering to the psychological needs of specific customer segments, telecom companies can enhance the appeal and adoption of 5G products across various functional domains.
·???????Affordability
The Theory of 4 A of business includes Affordability as its second element, which refers to the price of a product or service and its Affordability for customers. In the context of 5G business, Affordability is crucial. Although 5G technology provides numerous benefits, it is also perceived as expensive due to the high cost of compatible gadgets and equipment. Therefore, telecom operators must focus on making the 5G technology ecosystem affordable for their target audience.
The most important task of all 5G technology stakeholders is to make 5G technology more affordable; 5G stakeholders must collaborate with IT companies, device manufacturers, and other industries to ensure that the technology and its compatible devices are widely available at competitive prices. It is crucial because 5G Pricing plays a significant role in determining whether consumers and businesses will adopt the new technology. Therefore, every stakeholder involved in the 5G business and ecosystem must strike a balance between Affordability and profitability. Similarly, to support the growth of 5G, its pricing should be set at a level that encourages adoption without sacrificing profitability.
For telecom operators, Value-based pricing is an effective pricing strategy for 5G businesses, especially for other businesses requiring 5G technology support. It will involve pricing 5G services based on their value to businesses and customers. For example, companies can price their 5G services based on the productivity gains they provide to businesses or the time savings they provide to individuals. Companies can increase their profitability by pricing their 5G services based on value while making them affordable to their target audience.
Another pricing strategy that can be effective for 5G businesses is Penetration pricing; it involves pricing 5G services at a lower price than competitors to capture market share. While this may result in lower profit margins in the short term, Telecom operators need to consider the cost of implementing 5G technology and ensure that their products and services are priced in a way that is affordable for customers. It may mean that 5G business stakeholders must offer financing options or instalment plans to many of their compatible 5G devices to make them more accessible to common customers and businesses. It can lead to long-term profitability as companies capture a larger market share.
领英推荐
One way to address affordability concerns is to offer flexible pricing models in the initial phase 5G adoption period, allowing customers to pay for 5G services based on usage. For example, businesses can offer pay-per-use pricing models that will enable customers to pay for 5G services only when they need them rather than paying a fixed monthly fee, and it can help businesses attract cost-conscious customers who are hesitant to commit to a fixed monthly fee for 5G services.
Businesses can also explore pricing models, such as subscriptions or payment plans, to make 5G technology more attractive and affordable to potential customers.
To increase the Affordability of 5G technology, Telecom operators can offer loyalty programs to incentivize repeat purchases, which can be done through reward points, cashback offers, or other loyalty programs. Businesses can increase customer loyalty and retention by providing incentives for repeat purchases.
To make 5G services more affordable to customers who cannot pay upfront for 5G devices, telecom operators can partner with 5G device dealers to provide universal financing options. These options may consist of instalment plans, leasing, or other types of financing, all of which offer flexible payment alternatives for 5G devices.
In the same way, for effective distribution strategies, businesses must ensure that their 5G services are affordable for customers. It may mean offering financing options or instalment plans to make their services more accessible to customers. Additionally, businesses can partner with other companies to offer bundled services priced at a discount. By providing affordable pricing options, companies can increase the Affordability of their 5G services and develop effective distribution strategies.
?Types of Affordability Needed for 5G Business
A) Economic Affordability
To fully capitalize on the vast business potential of 5G technology, stakeholders must prioritize establishing economic Affordability. Economic Affordability pertains to the capacity of customers and businesses to procure or embrace a product based on their available financial resources. To achieve economic Affordability, telecom operators and other stakeholders should offer 5G compatible products through numerous lesser-known private labels at competitive prices rather than relying exclusively on well-established brands. By adopting this strategy, they can stimulate incremental sales of 5G products from these lesser-known brands, as customers are more inclined to purchase products that align with their budgetary constraints.
B) Psychological Affordability
For the broader growth of 5G technology, Psychological Affordability must be developed at the earliest for the overall and widespread development of 5G business; psychological Affordability is crucial in determining whether consumers will perceive the cost of adopting and using 5G technology as reasonable justifiable and valuable to them. It involves both the financial and psychological aspects of Affordability, with financial Affordability focusing on the consumer's ability to pay for the product, while psychological Affordability focuses on their willingness to pay.
In the initial phase of evaluating 5G technology, telecom operators and 5G stakeholders must prioritize the development of psychological Affordability. It means ensuring that potential customers and businesses perceive 5G products as valuable, beneficial, and desirable. It is essential to recognize that psychological Affordability can differ among individuals and businesses due to their unique preferences, values, and circumstances. Additionally, sales and marketing messages should be tailored to these individual and business differences to effectively communicate the value and immediate benefits of 5G products to the target audience.
·???????Availability
The third element of the Theory of 4 A of business is Availability or Accessibility. Accessibility refers to the degree to which a product or service is available to customers. In the context of the 5G business, Accessibility is crucial. Companies must ensure that all ?5G compatible products and services are available to customers in areas where 5G technology is available.
To drive the growth of 5G, a robust distribution network that ensures broad Accessibility to 5G technology is imperative. It entails forming partnerships with all 5G companies, whether it is telecom services or any 5G compatible device 5G is crucial for overall 5G overall growth in the business world, and similarly, all kinds of distribution channels to facilitate the widespread availability of 5G technology. It is also crucial to consider the Accessibility of 5G technology in semi-rural areas, where access to high-speed internet is vital for economic development.
To further the growth and Promotion of 5G technology, stakeholders must ensure that all ?5G compatible products and services are available to all potential customers and businesses. 5G stakeholders must offer various convenient, reliable Home delivery, installation, and customer support services. Businesses can offer fast and reliable delivery services to ensure their products and services are delivered on time, which can be done through partnerships with logistics companies or in-house delivery services. 5G stakeholders must ensure customer satisfaction and retention by offering fast and reliable delivery. Additionally, businesses can develop partnerships with other companies to offer their services through existing channels. By ensuring that their services are accessible to customers, 5G companies can develop effective distribution strategies.
5G stakeholders may need to partner with local distributors channels or retailers to ensure their products and services are available to potential customers. They may also need to invest in marketing and advertising campaigns to raise Awareness of the availability of their products and services.
One distribution strategy that can be effective for 5G businesses is partnering with other 5G companies to offer their 5G services through existing distribution channels. For example, operators can partner with Mobile device companies to offer their 5G services through the device company's existing distribution channels. By leveraging existing distribution channels, businesses can increase the Accessibility of their 5G services and develop effective growth strategies. Companies can also consider partnering with device manufacturers to pre-install their 5G services on devices, increasing the visibility of the services and making them more accessible to potential customers.
Another way to increase the availability of 5G services is to utilize e-commerce platforms and social media to reach customers. With the rise of e-commerce platforms and social media, businesses can leverage these channels to make their 5G services more accessible to customers. For example, companies can offer 5G services through their website or mobile app or partner with e-commerce platforms to offer 5G services through their platform. By making 5G services available through these channels, businesses can reach a wider audience and make it easier for customers to access their 5G services.
In addition to e-commerce platforms and social media, businesses can utilize other distribution channels, such as retail stores and customer service centres. Retail stores can provide customers with hands-on experience with 5G services, allowing them to see and feel the benefits of 5G technology. Customer service centres can also promote 5G services and provide customers with information about the benefits of 5G technology.
Availability refers to the ease with which customers can access a product or service. With 5G technology, businesses can now reach customers in new and innovative ways. For example, a company can use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to provide customers with a virtual shopping experience. It can make it easier for customers to access the products and services they need, regardless of location.
For example, a business developing 5G-enabled healthcare solutions may need to partner with local hospitals and clinics to ensure their products are available to healthcare providers. They may also need to invest in targeted advertising campaigns to raise awareness of their products and services among healthcare professionals.
Operators can offer installation services to ensure their 5G products and services are installed correctly, and it can be done through partnerships with installation companies or in-house installation services. By providing installation services, businesses can ensure customers can use their products and services immediately.
To promote the widespread availability of 5G technology, companies with 5G-compatible products can partner with 5G service providers, invest in their 5G infrastructure, or establish strategic partnerships. By doing so, companies can ensure that their products and services are easily accessible to customers, thus encouraging early adoption of 5G services on a larger scale. This incremental adoption approach can help to create greater demand for 5G technology and foster its growth.
Types of Availability Needed for 5G Business
a) Customer Convenience
The convenience of 5G technology is a crucial factor in its growth. Customer convenience refers to how easily potential customers can access 5G technology. The most significant aspect of 5G's expansion is ensuring customers can effortlessly obtain 5G products and services. Customers generally prefer the simplest option available to them, which is evident in customer research. Studies highlight the importance of ensuring that all 5G products and services are easily accessible to every potential customer, always within their reach. Similarly, many customers' research also emphasized the same. It stated that all products and services must always be within "an arm's length of desire" Therefore, 5G companies must ensure the availability and convenience of 5G-compatible products for all their potential customers and businesses.
b) Service?Availability
Service Availability is a process that determines whether the 5G companies have sufficient 5G?service stations to meet 5G service demand. Service Availability is a critical factor for 5G growth; 5G companies must have an adequate number of 5G service stations to meet the demand for 5G services for all its compatible devices. To ensure that customer aftersales needs are met effectively, 5G companies must evaluate the Service Availability of all 5G-compatible products and services. This evaluation determines whether enough 5G service stations are available to cater to all 5G ?customer requirements. To achieve this, 5G stakeholders must expand the touchpoints through which customers can interact with the company, thereby supporting the growth of 5G businesses. The number of customer touchpoints plays a vital role in developing 5G companies as they provide potential customers with access to information and the ability to make inquiries. Given the rapid evolution of 5G technology, it is crucial to have a?specific 5G customer grievance management system in place. This system will address any concerns or issues, ensuring new 5G products and services are accepted.
Awareness
The fourth element of the 4 A's of business is Awareness. Awareness pertains to the level of knowledge that customers and businesses have about the benefits of a particular product or service. In the context of the 5G business, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of understanding, given that 5G technology is continuously evolving and current knowledge about 5G products is limited within the 5G realm. Potential customers are unaware of the extensive and diverse applications of 5G technology in their daily lives and business.
Effective strategies to raise Awareness about 5G are crucial for driving adoption and increasing acceptance. It involves developing a comprehensive sales and marketing plan that targets diverse population segments, including businesses, gamers, early adopters and early Majority. Promotional efforts should be carried out through multiple channels, such as social media, television, and events. Equally important is the need to educate consumers and businesses about the advantages of 5G technology and how it can enhance their lives and operations.
Advertising can raise Awareness of 5G services among a broad audience. It can include traditional forms of advertising, such as television commercials, billboards, and print ads, as well as digital advertising, such as social media ads and online banner ads. Businesses can use targeted advertising to reach potential customers interested in their 5G services.
Traditional advertising methods such as television, radio, and print advertising can also effectively raise Awareness of 5G services. While these methods may be more expensive than digital or social media advertising, they can still effectively reach a broad audience and generate brand awareness.
Partnering with influencers and industry experts is another effective strategy for generating Awareness of 5G services. These individuals can aid businesses in reaching their desired customer base by sharing their experiences with 5G technology and promoting particular 5G services. By harnessing the credibility and influence of these individuals, companies can elevate Awareness of their 5G offerings and establish a sense of trust with their target audience.
Implementing loyalty programs can be an effective approach to boosting Awareness of 5G services. These programs are specifically designed to reward customers for their repeat business, and they can serve as a valuable tool for cultivating customer loyalty and driving sales. By providing incentives and rewards to customers who utilize 5G services, companies can motivate them to continue using these services and promote them to others in their social circle.
Developing effective distribution channels for 5G businesses relies heavily on creating Awareness of 5G technology. Telecom operators have a crucial role in ensuring that customers and companies understand the benefits of 5G and how it can enhance their operations and daily lives. This message should be effectively communicated through various distribution channels, including retailers, to encourage potential customers to embrace 5G technology in their business processes and lifestyle.
Types of Awareness Needed for 5G Business
a) Product Knowledge
Ensuring that potential consumers have comprehensive product knowledge about 5G products is crucial. People must be well-informed about the usability and benefits of 5G products and services. Offering phased free trials or demonstrations of 5G services is an effective way to create Awareness. It allows customers to directly experience the advantages of 5G technology, serving as a powerful tool to drive initial adoption.
Another strategy to increase Awareness is directly and indirectly partnering with stakeholders and companies involved in 5G technology. Establishing strong associations with these organizations enables the Promotion of 5G technology to reach a wider audience. For instance, telecom operators can collaborate with industry associations, 5G device manufacturers, or dealers to organize educational webinars or events that showcase the benefits of 5G technology. These initiatives play a significant role in disseminating knowledge and creating awareness among potential consumers.
b) Brand Awareness
Strategic brand awareness plays a crucial role in the growth of 5G technology by familiarizing consumers with your brand and product offerings. The primary objective is to enhance knowledge within the target audience, while effective sales and Promotion also communicate the unique attributes that set you apart from competitors.
?There are two types of brand awareness necessary for 5G growth:
5G Brand Recognition: True 5G brand recognition occurs when customers can identify and differentiate your 5G brand from others when they come across it. This brand awareness doesn't require customers to recall the name specifically; instead, it focuses on their ability to recognize it visually at the point of sale or through packaging.
5G Brand Recall: Brand recall refers to the spontaneous retrieval of your brand from memory when the product category prompts customers. Most users can recall only a limited number of brand names, typically 3-5. This recall is influenced by individual and brand-related factors such as education level, usage, and the marketing strategies employed by the company. Brands that achieve brand recall become part of the customer's evoked set. Therefore, for 5G growth, 5G brand recall is of utmost importance.
Conclusion,
All 5G stakeholders and businesses must focus on implementing the 4 A's of business - acceptability, Affordability, Accessibility, and Awareness - to increase 5G the overall growth of 5G business as a whole, By understanding the needs and expectations of potential customers, businesses can develop products and services that meet their requirements. By making 5G technology more affordable and accessible, companies can reach a wider audience. Finally, by increasing Awareness through targeted marketing and communication strategies, companies can build brand awareness and generate interest in 5G technology. By implementing these strategies, companies can drive adoption and profitability in the 5G market and contribute to the growth of the telecommunications industry.
As 5G technology continues to transform the business world, 4As strategies will play a crucial role for companies to take advantage of the benefits offered by this technology. By considering the Theory of 4 A of industry, businesses can develop effective strategies and stay ahead of the 5G business landscape competition.
Manager @ Jio | MBA, Sales
1 年Very insightful Sir
D2C Business Head at Jio | Leading D2C Strategy and Operations
1 年Very insightful!