The article was originally published on BBN Times.
In one of my recent conversations with the management of a manufacturing company, we discussed the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT to optimize shop floor efficiency.
Our dialogue underlined how critical a holistic and connected approach to the core issues is. 5G mobile technology is the basis for achieving the above goal.
With the advent of 5G, companies are on the threshold of a technological revolution. This next generation of mobile technology promises not only higher speeds but also extremely low latency and comprehensive device connectivity.
For CEOs and executives, this means an unprecedented opportunity to make manufacturing processes less error-prone and thus more efficient – transforming their business models and opening up new market opportunities.
The question is: How exactly is 5G changing the business world, and how can companies benefit from it?
What is 5G, and how does it differ from its predecessors?
5G, the fifth generation of the mobile communications standard, offers speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, latency times of less than a millisecond, and the ability to connect billions of devices simultaneously.
These properties make it the ideal infrastructure for technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality applications.
Compared to 4G, 5G not only offers faster data transfers but also significantly higher network stability, which is crucial for many business models.
5G Advanced is the next 5G specification. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) recently published its documents. Release 18 is expected to bring improved Massive MIMO, AI integration, and precise location determination.
With this development, companies can take their digital infrastructures to a whole new level. Real-time analytics, augmented reality for customer service, or fully networked production facilities are some possibilities that could become reality with 5G.
The economic impact of 5G
The implementation of 5G promises not only faster networks but also a significant economic impact.
The technology is expected to add around $330 billion to global economic output by 2030 through smart energy and water management systems alone. In the US, 5G could contribute up to $1.7 trillion to the gross domestic product (GDP) and create up to 4.6 million new jobs (sources: PwC and BCG Global).
One significant aspect is 5G’s role in the digital transformation of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive. By leveraging 5G-enabled applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and smart cities, the technology could significantly increase efficiency and productivity in these sectors.
New business models through 5G: From IoT to automation
One of the strongest arguments for 5G is to enable the Internet of Things (IoT) on a large scale. By connecting billions of devices, sensors, and machines, companies can make processes more efficient and develop new data-based business models.
A good example is automation in the manufacturing industry: With 5G, companies can equip their production facilities with intelligent machines and robots that can exchange data in real-time and react to changes without delay.
Another example is the logistics industry. By using 5G, companies can optimize their supply chains by monitoring and controlling vehicles, inventory, and deliveries in real-time. This not only leads to greater efficiency but also improved customer satisfaction as delivery times are shortened and errors are minimized.
Best practices for implementing 5G in enterprises
While the benefits of 5G are obvious, implementing this technology is complex. Companies need to carefully plan how to integrate 5G into their existing infrastructure and which business areas can benefit the most.
A critical step is pilot projects to test the technology in concrete use cases. For example, manufacturing companies could use 5G in a limited environment to test new ways of automating processes, while retailers could use 5G for personalized shopping experiences. Such pilot projects make it possible to better understand the technology and identify any obstacles at an early stage.
Another best practice is to work closely with technology providers and network operators. Organizations should ensure their network infrastructures are ready for 5G and they have the necessary know-how to fully exploit the advantages of the technology. In addition, companies should include security aspects in their planning early because the networking of billions of devices also brings new risks.
The impact of 5G on various industries
The impact of 5G spans many industries. For example, the healthcare industry will be revolutionized by the ability to perform complex surgeries using robots and telemedicine, which rely on 5G’s low latency and high reliability. Likewise, smart cities, where transportation and energy systems are seamlessly connected, could become the norm.
5G will also play a crucial role in entertainment and media. Streaming services, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) will reach new dimensions with 5G, as higher speeds and lower latency enable immersive experiences.
Future outlook: How 5G acts as a growth accelerator
The future of 5G goes far beyond simply increasing data transfer rates. 5G and 5G Advanced will act as a catalyst for numerous innovations in the next few years – from self-driving cars to intelligent infrastructure to new business models that are unimaginable today.
Companies that invest early in 5G create the opportunity to secure competitive advantages and open up new markets. Therefore, CEOs should not only look at the short-term benefits of 5G but also develop long-term strategies to exploit the full potential of this technology.
Conclusion
5G is more than just the next mobile communications standard – it is the basis for the digital transformation of entire industries and business models. Companies that recognize the advantages of this technology early on and use it strategically are positioning themselves as pioneers in a new era.
CEOs should start identifying concrete business cases and launching pilot projects now to ensure their company’s competitiveness. The revolution in the business world has begun – and 5G is at the heart of this change.
