5G networks now – opportunities, challenges, and hopes for the future

The emergence of 5G technology has been a hot topic in the tech world for the past five years. With promises of faster download speeds, better connectivity, and the potential to revolutionise our industries, it offers clear benefits to businesses. Chris Turner took the opportunity to speak to James Weaver from Cradlepoint, a division of Ericsson, about 5G networks today, the challenges with adoption, and its potential going forward.  

James is Cradlepoint’s Vice President of Product Marketing and has a wealth of experience navigating 5G technology and infrastructure. We were lucky enough to hear him speak at the TOUGHBOOK Innovation Forum (TIF) on the emergence of 5G networks in the United States and how the infrastructure enabled faster adoption.

 The question is, can we replicate that here? And what will it take to accelerate adoption and meet industry demand?

How has 5G technology evolved since its inception?

In late 2018/early 2019 there was much buzz around 5G. Carriers and vendors alike were quick to promote its benefits, emphasising faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and enhanced support for IoT.

But the rollout of 5G has been more gradual than initially anticipated, primarily due to the extensive infrastructure required and the scale of development needed.

"Today, there are really three segments of 5G: low band, which we've used for years and travels a long way but doesn't carry a lot of bandwidth; top-end spectrum, or millimetre wave – which is fantastic for capacity but doesn't travel far and can be obstructed by things like storms and leaves; and then the midband, which is the sweet spot between capacity and propagation."

How are companies taking advantage of this technology?

In Europe, TOUGHBOOK customers are particularly interested in 5G for its network resilience, and the speed with which it can securely transfer critical data. While some customers have already invested in 5G, the technology’s full potential is still yet to be realised.  

Within the next five years, Weaver predicts that the UK and broader Europe will see tangible benefits from 5G, opening up new-use cases across various industries.

"In the US, many companies have started integrating 5G into their operations, particularly in areas where conventional connectivity solutions fall short.   For example, fixed wireless access is becoming a popular solution, allowing consumers to connect to the internet without traditional cables, using a simple device that connects to the cellular network."

The security challenge and proactive measures  

Security is one of the biggest concerns businesses share around 5G adoption. As with any emerging technology, ensuring the safety and integrity of data transmitted over these new networks is paramount, especially in public-sector markets.  

Weaver emphasises the importance of securing networks, even those as inherently secure as 5G, by implementing Zero Trust principles and simplifying security measures. The integration of networking and security through solutions like secure access service edge (SASE) is also crucial.

The AI trend will also impact this, as more IoT projects are deployed, increasing the need for secure connectivity. Over the next few years, we’re likely to see a significant shift in mobility innovation across many markets.

In-vehicle connectivity and the future of 5G  

In-vehicle connectivity is an area where 5G is expected to make a significant impact. It’s also something TOUGHBOOK and Cradlepoint have collaborated on. Many of TOUGHBOOK’s customers work from vehicles for the majority of their day. In the UK, many businesses are creating connectivity bubbles around their vehicles, allowing various technologies to link into one central hub.

"Cradlepoint has been at the forefront of this trend, helping organisations build ‘offices on wheels’ with robust connectivity solutions."

Another of the standout features of 5G is network slicing, which allows organisations to carve out dedicated slices of bandwidth for specific applications, ensuring high performance and security. This capability will be particularly beneficial for industries with critical communication needs.

 As 5G continues to evolve, Weaver advises organisations to start experimenting with the technology now. Whether it’s integrating 5G into laptops, vehicles, or other-use cases, early adopters stand to gain a competitive edge.

"There’s an employment agency in Australia that went completely wireless, using SIMs in laptops and Cradlepoint routers. They can move into and assess markets quickly and adapt as needed, which gives them a competitive edge.   It’s a great example of how organisations can go completely wireless and succeed. It highlights the importance of starting with digital transformation projects, testing out new technologies, and learning from them."

While 5G is still evolving and the supporting infrastructure is still a work in progress, the opportunities it presents are vast. From enhanced connectivity and security to innovative applications in various industries, 5G is set to transform the way we live and work. The key for businesses is to start exploring and experimenting with 5G now, positioning themselves to take full advantage of the benefits as this game-changing technology continues to mature.

5G networks now – opportunities, challenges, and hopes for the future

How has 5G technology evolved since its inception?

How are companies taking advantage of this technology?

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