After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirmed its commitment to accelerating investment and deployment of 5G technology, the agency has ordered increased flexibility and modernization of the permitting process for wireless infrastructure projects. The vote to expedite 5G readiness will enable small businesses and entrepreneurs to be more agile and competitive.
5G is the fifth-generation high-speed wireless network that operates on 5 GHz signals and can reach speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. It offers faster speeds and better coverage than the current 4G networks.
AT&T was the first U.S. provider to launch 5G mobile service and recently announced that by the end of this year, 12 cities in the United States will have access to AT&T’s 5G mobile network.
Access to 5G may be crucial for the competitiveness and success of small businesses in the U.S.
Here are five ways small businesses can leverage 5G:
1. Enhance Business Communication
From responding to customer orders to communicating with remote employees through remote-access software, fast and reliable communication is vital for productivity, profitability, and overall small business success.
High-speed 5G connectivity enables businesses to stream video, audio, and high-resolution images without latency. This creates significant opportunities for instant communication with customers and colleagues.
With faster speeds and broader wireless coverage, small businesses can communicate more efficiently with both clients and team members.
2. Get Things Done Faster
For businesses that rely on network-heavy tasks such as online sales or sharing files via the cloud, faster internet access means tasks can be completed more quickly.
Faster business operations naturally boost efficiency. Improved efficiency allows employees to accomplish more, which can reduce costs and increase profitability.
Cloud computing has become an essential part of today’s IT infrastructure. Thanks to 5G’s low latency, employees can communicate and collaborate more effectively than ever before.
3. Expand Capabilities with the Internet of Things (IoT)
Connected devices are transforming the way businesses operate, from remote, efficient production management to faster delivery by linking all relevant processes. Harnessing IoT enables small businesses to optimize operations and ultimately improve profitability.
5G networks are built to meet the growing connectivity demands of IoT. They can support up to one million devices per square kilometer, greatly enhancing the IoT capabilities small businesses can deploy.
Technical improvements in 5G also make networks more energy-efficient, extending device battery life and improving operational performance.
4. Foster Small Business Innovation
Karen Kerrigan, President of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, stated regarding the FCC vote:
“The FCC’s bold action will accelerate 5G readiness, meaning our economy and businesses will be more innovative, resilient, and competitive.”
One example of business innovation is companies developing interactive virtual reality technology, giving customers dynamic video experiences.
Through 5G-enabled hologram projection, users can view 3D videos without 3D glasses. Businesses can present 3D models in meetings or events, offering a competitive edge and establishing themselves as pioneers in their field.
5. Improve Recruitment Processes
Another significant benefit of 5G for small businesses is improving recruitment, helping business owners attract top talent to drive growth.
Advances in video and remote technologies supported by 5G remove recruitment barriers, enabling businesses to identify, interview, and hire top talent from anywhere in the world.
5G enhancements not only improve video conferencing and remote collaboration but also allow businesses to connect with skilled employees globally.
By making recruitment more efficient, 5G helps small businesses leverage the skills they have and build stronger teams.
