The promise of 5G in the enterprise

5G, the next generation in mobile connectivity, is fast becoming a reality. At the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona this week, it dominated discussion. Ericsson CEO and president, B?rje ékholm, said the company would “switch on” 5G globally this year. Meanwhile, the 2019 global edition of the GSMA’s Mobile Economy report series revealed that commercial 5G will be available in a further 16 major markets worldwide, following initial launches in South Korea and the US in 2018.

The report from the organisation that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide claims 5G is on track to account for 15 per cent of global mobile connections by 2025, as the number of 5G network launches and compatible devices ramp up this year. It is being described as a major part of the world’s move towards the era of “intelligent connectivity”. According to Mats Granryd, director general of the GSMA, alongside developments in the Internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence, 5G is poised to be a key driver of economic growth over the coming years.

Indeed, this connectivity upgrade has far more relevance to the world of business than previous ones. Oracle Communications has published the report, 5G Smart Ecosystems Are Transforming the Enterprise – Are You Ready? It points out that while most of the discussion, has centred on consumer devices, enterprises are looking towards the “tremendous impact” the technology can have on their ability to serve customers and the bottom line.

Oracle’s survey found that not only are most companies (97 per cent) aware of the benefits of 5G, but 95 per cent are already strategically planning how they will take advantage of this next generation of wireless connectivity to power core business initiatives from new services, to the Internet of Things and smart ecosystems. It urges both IT and business leaders to avoid thinking of 5G as just another ‘G’ and should instead think of it as an ‘enabler’ to the smart ecosystem.

“This means asking the right questions at the outset, and considering how 5G can help enable upcoming solutions, what timeframe should be considered and how will they will procure and use 5G capabilities as part of their business evolution,” said Doug Suriano, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Communications.

I couldn’t agree more with these views and am delighted to see Suriano address “business leaders” as well as IT leaders in his call to action. This so-called “intelligent connectivity” will underpin digital transformation programmes and it is far too important – and too powerful – not to be discussed at senior level.

What’s more, the vast majority (86 per cent) of respondents in Oracle’s survey reckon 5G will increase employee productivity, 84 per cent that it will reduce costs and 83 per cent that it will improve organisational agility. ‘Productivity’, ‘costs’ and ‘agility’ are all at the forefront of business leaders’ minds so to overlook the potential that 5G brings is to overlook some serious business opportunities.

Connectivity has already opened up global 24-7 sales channels, new revenue streams and opportunities to connect with and understand customers like never before. Business leaders need to consider how faster, more reliable and flexible connectivity can bring even more benefits to customers and the bottom line. And with Oracle’s survey suggesting that many businesses are readying themselves for 5G now, those that aren’t have no time to waste.