5G could pave the way for a new wave of start-ups, according to a new report from Vodafone.
Connectivity has been key to start-ups’ success, with 68% of those surveyed for the Go Beyond report crediting the technology with their growth to date.
But with today’s networks struggling to keep up with the volume of data and speed required, start-ups have high hopes for 5G, including faster speeds and consistent connectivity.
“5G means an explosion of connectivity, and the opportunity to connect things – people, sensors, machines – in new and creative ways,” Anne Sheehan, business director at Vodafone UK, says in the report.
The survey of 508 start-up leaders found that 60% believe the technology will help them compete against more established rivals. A similar proportion (58%) expect 5G to enhance their competitiveness within two years, and 56% foresee it changing the way they operate their business.
However, 34% want proof of 5G’s benefits in action and and 38% would like more clarity about when 5G will be available in the UK.
It’s important for network providers and government bodies to engage with businesses about 5G, explaining when the technology will be available and the opportunities it will offer, Vodafone said.
“The creation of cleaner, smarter cities, improved digital healthcare services, automated manufacturing and cloud-based gaming are just some of the areas that will receive a boost from 5G’s improved mobile data speeds, responsiveness and greater capacity,” Sheehan said.
She added: “We are committed to helping entrepreneurial small businesses and start-ups take advantage of this technology by making it widely available across the UK. This is why we have ambitious 5G roll-out plans for 19 towns and cities this year and are the only UK company to offer 5G roaming this summer.”
Download your free copy of Osborne Clarke’s Next-generation connectivity report to learn more about business’ anticipation of, readiness for and adoption of 5G.
Tags: Next generation connectivity, 5G
