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?  

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.