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What is 5G, and Why Should You Care?

You may have heard some buzz lately about 5G network capability. As technologies like virtual reality systems and home automation devices continue to become more innovative and advanced, we will require a new way for mobile devices to get online. That’s where 5G networks come in. As the next mobile network standard, 5G will provide users with faster network access and more robust coverage areas, providing a more seamless experience for mobile device users.

Though this may be exciting for consumers who can’t wait to get their hands on the latest gadgets or integrate their mobile devices into every part of their daily life, what about business owners? 5G network capability also has some exciting implications for businesses in a variety of industries. In this post, we’ll talk a little bit more about what 5G is and why businesses should be excited for the future of mobile.

What is 5G?

5G networks are expected to change the way we connect our devices to one another and the internet. Though 5G will not be available to consumers until 2020, many are excited about what this could mean for mobile capabilities. 5G will make it easier for users to connect and integrate everything from kitchen appliances to vehicles to medical devices, allowing for new advancements in the Internet of Things.

Not to mention, 5G networks are said to have speeds up to 100x faster than our current networks. This means that users can access, view, and share large amounts of data in a matter of moments. Though 5G network capabilities are still a few years away, this advancement in connectivity is expected to be a real game-changer for mobile.

How 5G Can Transform Business

Though 5G certainly has clear implications for the average consumer, you may be wondering, how can 5G benefit business? The introduction of 5G networks in 2020 will create huge opportunities for brands across a variety of industries. Mobile and wireless connections are critical to the way that modern companies function, and 5G networks will expand business capabilities by increasing the speed, capacity, and connectivity of mobile devices.

But don’t take our work for it. A report by Forbes Insights found that many global business leaders worry that their needs are outpacing what existing networks can provide. In fact, more than one-third of all executives that participated in the survey reported that their current systems are already unable to support the evolving needs of their business. More than 80% of executives surveyed believe that 5G technologies will have positive effects on many aspects of their business including customer experience, employee productivity, and the quality of their product or service.

Now that you know more about how 5G will impact business, you can start to prepare for the future and get the most out of these mobile capabilities. If you want to learn more about the latest trends and news in the telecom industry, visit our blog here.

Top 2017 Telecom Trends (And What They Mean for Your Business)

As 2017 approaches, now is the time to consider what is ahead for the telecom industry. Understanding predicted trends and what they may mean for your business can help you better anticipate important changes or shifts in the industry. By staying ahead of the curve, you can work to adopt new technologies and find the right telecom services for your business to promote growth and success in the new year. 

Telecom Trends for 2017

Though there is no way to say for sure what 2017 will bring, we can work to predict telecommunications industry trends in the year to come. Here are just a few of the telecom trends that may impact your business in 2017:

5G development will increase.

In the new year, 5G development is set to continue and even increase as the telecom industry starts laying the groundwork for 5G networks. Many telecom companies across the globe have already developed 5G architecture, and many more are working to do the same. In addition, there will also be continued interest in 5G development from other industries such as transportation and energy as more and more industries are starting to see the potential that 5G has to transform the way they deliver services and goods.

Many of the companies that have already started developing 5G architecture are now aiming to start field testing in 2017. This means that the new year may provide one of the first opportunities for commercial offerings during widespread 5G trials.

Mobile connectivity will continue to outpace hardline connectivity.

Even when landline connectivity is an option, more people globally will opt for mobile connectivity. This is because mobile is often more useful, less expensive, and more convenient than hardline connectivity.

As we move into 2017, this trend will continue with more people opting for mobile. Businesses that want to remain competitive in the global marketplace will need to consider the implications of this trend. As more consumers worldwide move toward mobile, businesses will need to respond with more mobile-friendly (or even mobile-first) communications. This not only impacts direct communication but also marketing and advertising techniques.

There will be more holistic network security.

In 2016, there were many data breaches and network compromises that made it clear that network operators need to start protecting more than just the data transfers. In later 2016, more network operators started introducing business-wide encryption as they realized that their software-defined infrastructure is as vulnerable to attacks as the data transferred over their systems.

In 2017, we will start to see more holistic network security. This is important in light of EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Network operators need to deploy their GDPR solutions by early 2018 to ensure compliance.

Now that you know what you might expect from the telecommunications industry in 2017, it is time to start planning for the new year. If you need help deciding which telecommunications products and services are right for you, we would love to help. Contact us today for more information about how your business may be impacted by these telecom trends.