Nokia study
Nokia recently published the results of a study that covered how 5G is used across several different industry sectors, including energy, manufacturing, government/public safety, and automotive/transportation.
Within the study which has been classed as “Mapping demand: The 5G opportunity in enterprise for communications service providers”, nearly half of IT decision-makers in the UK and US are planning for the introduction of 5G.
While around 30% want to gain a better understanding of how 5G can transform their working lives, companies can make the most of 5G in several ways, not only faster VPN services.
Video surveillance
The 5G-enabled video resonated with many of the respondents with 75% of companies claiming they are already using some variation of video monitoring today and 83% find it very appealing.
Energy and manufacturing in particular were pinpointed as key targets for 5G-enabled video.
The report said: “Manufacturing professionals understand how 5G can be leveraged to detect product defects, while energy professionals see the value of drone-mounted cameras to inspect plants and power lines.”
Connected machinery
In the study carried out, 77% of respondents found that cloud-connected robotics were useful as they are key enablers of Industry 4.0. Indeed, the companies that want to deploy 5G in this way are already using connected equipment as it can help them “visualise the benefits of 5G for real-time monitoring”.
More than 82% of those surveyed who use cloud robotics said that 5G-enabled cloud robotics would be very attractive.
Fixed wireless access
Rather than wired broadband, 75% of SMBs surveyed by Nokia said that fixed wireless access (FWA) was a more appealing option and a more secure version of it. Nokia suggested that FWA would stand out as a more practical short-term opportunity.
The report said: “To compete, CSPs should emphasize strengths like expert support and an existing technical force.
“Alternatively, other providers may present MVNO partnership opportunities.”
Connected vehicles
For those firms that use vehicles as a central part of their operations, nearly three-quarters of those that were surveyed (74%) believe 5G would be a worthwhile opportunity for their business. In particular, over-the-air updates are hidden, but an important chance for 5G-enabled vehicles.
The report said: “5G connectivity enables in-vehicle systems to be updated remotely throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle.
“CSPs could leverage this opportunity to forge new partnerships in the automotive industry.”
VR and AR
Over half (55%) of those that were surveyed are of the opinion that immersive technologies such as VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (augmented reality) could benefit from using 5G more. This type of technology is likely to increase over time, but with the full roll-out of 5G, this could lead to the scrapping of cheaper and lighter headsets.
Areas that VR/AR may explore, could be training and safety. Nokia’s report said: “Companies of all kinds will be able to use immersive technologies to train and supervise employees.
“In the education field, AR and VR can help students to learn more effectively in a remote environment.”
