5G technology is a game-changer not only for individual users but also for the American economy. Current data estimates from the American Consumer Institute expect 5G to generate up to $1.5 trillion in additional gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, creating 4.6 million new jobs during that timeframe.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects small businesses to be among the biggest beneficiaries of 5G’s improved connectivity and data capabilities, enabling them to tap into cloud computing, more robust online presence, and better operational efficiency.

A survey conducted by Verizon found that 96% of small and medium-sized business owners believe 5G will have a positive impact on their operations. 67% said they expect it to help them grow.

As fifth-generation wireless continues to roll out, businesses of all sizes will see tremendous benefits from being early adopters. To stay competitive, small and medium-sized businesses should familiarize themselves with the incredible opportunities 5G presents.

If you haven’t yet taken the steps to incorporate next-generation tech into your operations, the time is now. Here’s a look at 5G and the top five reasons you should be excited to integrate this technology into your business.

What is 5G?

Before businesses can leverage 5G, they must first understand what it is and its potential. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology and provides faster, more reliable connectivity compared to its predecessors. It’s designed to meet the increasing demands of our connected world, enabling a wide range of applications and services.

Because 5G uses higher frequencies, it can handle more data at faster speeds. It also supports a massive number of connected devices simultaneously, making it ideal for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices. With 5G, users can enjoy seamless streaming, quicker uploads and downloads, and improved overall network performance.

1. Enhanced security

As people and devices become increasingly connected, networks demand advanced security protocols. This is where 5G’s advanced security features come into play.

5G introduces novel security mechanisms and improved encryption standards that offer stronger protection for data in transit. One of these features is network slicing, which essentially allows businesses to create separate ‘slices’ of a 5G network.

Each slice operates as an independent network, tailored to specific business needs. If one slice is compromised, the threat is contained within that slice and doesn’t affect the rest of the network. This compartmentalization significantly reduces the risk of widespread data breaches.

5G also enables enhanced encryption methods that are far more robust than previous generations. This superior encryption helps your business safeguard sensitive data, benefitting both you and your customers. 

The advanced security capabilities of 5G don’t stop at better data protection. 5G’s low-latency nature enables near-real-time detection of threats, allowing for rapid response to potential attacks. It also paves the way for more advanced and effective deployment of AI and machine learning for threat detection and prevention.

2. Better customer experience

During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses changed the way they serve customers. Research shows that consumers expect more from businesses today than they did prior to the pandemic. They expect seamless digital experiences with faster downloads and uploads, lower latency, and more reliable connections. And they expect it whether they’re interacting with large or small companies.

For that reason, it’s important to recognize that 5G is not just for enterprises. Your business can and should look to this new technology to deepen your connection with customers and make them happy.

Strong network connections improve the customer experience. In our shopping small survey, we found that connectivity is incredibly important to consumers. Over 40% of respondents believe strong cell signal is important to have while shopping.

In every industry, 5G allows greater personalization and communication as small businesses engage with customers. For example, your business can use more reliable, capable 5G to offer virtual consultations and interactive experiences that require high quality video and audio. You can even provide immersive and realistic virtual reality experiences that showcase your products and services in a more compelling way.

3. More intuitive supply chain

If your business relies on supply chains, the real-time connectivity of 5G can improve logistics. Due to enhanced bandwidth, data rates, and capacity, logistics and communication among suppliers, distributors, retailers, and customers can be more efficient and reliable.

5G-enabled devices like cameras and sensors can provide critical real-time insights about shipping status, delivery times, and inventory. This allows you to make better decisions and optimize operations, saving both time and money.

In-vehicle telematics require a consistent internet connection to collect accurate data. When these devices work as intended, businesses have everything they need to make data-driven decisions, cut costs, and boost profits.

As 5G becomes more widely adopted, small businesses like yours will be able to provide a faster, safer and more convenient purchasing experience for customers.

4. Better productivity

By leveraging the speed and capacity of 5G networks, your employees can achieve better collaboration and faster turnaround on tasks. The ability to see web pages loading in real time, access files, conduct video conferences, make sales calls, and communicate with ease all add up to productivity that can help your business compete.

Many businesses have discovered that their teams can operate efficiently from home. From our Return to Work survey, we know that working from home is going to remain a widespread option for many. Whether employees work fully remote or work from home a few days out of the week, workplace flexibility is going to continue. Faster, more stable 5G connections means that your office and remote employees can work flexibly and stay productive.

Whether in home offices or at your business location, 5G will keep your team connected no matter where they work.

5. It future-proofs your business

Technology evolves at a daunting pace, but with the integration of 5G technology, you can prepare your businesses for future advancements and potential market disruptions. 5G acts as a foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies, opening a plethora of possibilities that transform business operations.

Adopting 5G now is an investment in the future of your business, allowing you to stay ahead of technological trends and changes. Furthermore, 5G’s capacity to support so many devices at once paves the way for efficient and effective IoT deployments.

This adaptability can transform various business functions – from enhancing the tracking of goods in a supply chain, to smarter energy usage in offices, to leveraging more detailed customer data collection for improved service delivery. 

5G is expected to be a standard wireless technology for a decade or more. Integrating and getting full access to it now will help you take full advantage of rapidly evolving technologies built around it.

Industries that will be impacted by 5G

Let’s explore some of the industries that stand to gain the most from the 5G revolution:

Retail

The retail industry is poised to witness some of the most significant changes with the integration of 5G. From enabling high-speed, real-time inventory management to providing seamless omnichannel customer experiences, 5G will transform the way retailers operate. It can also enhance augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, helping to create immersive shopping experiences that can significantly boost customer engagement and sales.

Manufacturing

5G will be a boon for the manufacturing sector. Its high-speed, reliable connectivity will significantly enhance machine-to-machine communication, leading to greater automation and efficiency. Real-time data sharing and analysis will improve predictive maintenance, expedite supply chain management and quality control, and lead to increased productivity and lower operational costs.

Healthcare

In the healthcare industry, 5G has the potential to revolutionize remote patient monitoring and telemedicine services, which have become increasingly important in recent years. High-speed, low-latency 5G networks can support real-time video consultations, robotic remote surgeries, and the instant transmission of large medical files, like MRIs, enhancing patient care and potentially saving lives.

Logistics and transportation

5G can significantly optimize operations for businesses in the logistics and transportation industry. With enhanced connectivity and real-time data transmission, businesses can better track goods, manage fleets, and streamline supply chains. Autonomous vehicles and drones, which rely on rapid data exchange, could also become more widespread, transforming delivery services and transportation.

Hospitality

In the hospitality industry, 5G can help deliver superior customer experiences. From enabling smart rooms that tailor their environment based on guest preferences to providing high-speed, reliable WiFi, 5G can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. It can also streamline operations, from online booking systems to real-time availability management.

Agriculture

Even industries like agriculture stand to benefit from 5G. Small farms can leverage 5G connectivity to implement smart farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and automated irrigation systems. This can increase crop yields, reduce water usage, and create more sustainable farming practices.

The takeaway

The ability to collect more data, more quickly, and put it to work for your business and your customers is one of many benefits of 5G for businesses. From remote production management, and inventory monitoring to mobile payments and product delivery, reliable access to 5G-powered technology will help your small business operate more profitably.

Ultimately, digital transformation is essential to growth and weathering future market disruptions. 5G enables that transformation. By embracing 5G, your businesses can stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in a constantly evolving landscape.

5G cell phone signal boosters for small businesses

As the world becomes even more reliant on wireless connectivity, weBoost for Business will continue to design products specifically for you. Our business-focused cell phone boosters enhance weak signal for every cellular-connected device on any carrier. With faster, more reliable access to 5G, you’ll be able to take advantage of all it has to offer.

5G isn’t merely a concept on the horizon; it’s a reality unfolding right now. This technology will fuel innovation, boost productivity, make industries smarter, and transform the way you do business. It’s time to enhance 5G connectivity in your small business. Explore the weBoost for Business suite of business solutions to find the one that’s right for you. We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit.