In our previous article, “5G – What’s the Big Deal?”, we highlighted 5G technology’s transformative potential and its capacity to revolutionize telecommunications. While the benefits of high speeds, low latency, and increased network capacity present opportunities for various sectors, businesses must also consider their unique needs and infrastructure readiness.
This article will guide you on when and how to transition to 5G, ensuring your business can fully harness its transformative potential. To help you determine if you’re ready to make the leap and are equipped for a successful implementation, consider asking yourself the following questions:
1. Do you and your leadership believe that wireless is reliable enough to meet your needs?
For some organizations, 4G already serves as the primary network, making the question of reliability a non-issue. However, if 4G is not your main network, we recommend cautiously testing it in select areas to evaluate the performance and reliability of a wireless connection.
2. Is the 5G carrier network built out enough to service a large enough portion of your locations?
As you’re exploring whether a carrier has 5G available where you need it, be sure your questions are as specific as possible. We have found that carriers will often list a site as 5G when it actually may be an area getting 5G soon. A rule of thumb is if you’re in a high-density city, there’s a good chance 5G is ready. The more often you operate in areas with lower populations, the longer it may be before 5G infrastructure is ready.
3. Is 5G cost effective for your current needs and use cases?
The question is straightforward if you’re considering 5G as a replacement for existing wireless services, given its superior speed and cost-effectiveness. However, the value proposition becomes more complex when you’re factoring in the innovative opportunities that 5G can create for your business. Some additional questions to consider are: (1) What barriers do you face with data mining and could 5G help to mitigate these? (2) In what areas could you establish network connectivity that was previously considered unfeasible or too expensive?
Conclusion
5G is here, and we’re excited to help companies harness the possibilities of this technology. By addressing the essential questions outlined in this guide, you’ll be prepared to strategically navigate the complexities of 5G adoption and ensure you’re positioned to fully capitalize on its transformative benefits. Ultimately, a well-planned move to 5G can enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation, paving the way for future success in today’s landscape.
Stay tuned for the final part of our 5G series, where we’ll break down the proactive steps you can start taking NOW for an eventual transition to 5G.