What is 5G and why it matters to businesses

In simple terms, 5G is a newer type of mobile network that gives businesses higher speeds, lower latency (faster response), and greater capacity (many more devices per area) than 4G. This makes it suitable for technologies like smart sensors, real-time monitoring and automation, especially in environments where speed and reliability matter.

How is 5G different from 4G

4G networks were mainly built around consumer use, delivering faster browsing, streaming and mobile experiences. They changed how people use smartphones, but did not radically transform how most industries operate.

5G is designed with business and industry in mind. It offers improvements over 4G in three key areas:

• speed - supports much faster download and upload speeds than 4G
• latency - reduces delays so that networks respond more quickly
• capacity - connects a large number of devices in the same area without slowing performance

These improvements enable businesses to innovate and adapt in ways that were not practical on 4G. 

A key difference from earlier networks is 5G's ability to connect different types of devices - not just smartphones, but machines, sensors, and other connected equipment - in close to real time. This creates opportunities to improve operations, develop new products and services and test new business models.

Why 5G matters for businesses

5G is the next step in mobile connectivity. Nationwide rollout is still in progress, and not every area has coverage yet, but the UK government's ambition is to have standalone 5G - suitable for advanced business and industrial applications - available across all populated areas by 2030.

Forward-looking businesses are already using 5G to:

• keep staff connected wherever they're working
• support smart machines, sensors, and devices that share data in real time
• improve customer experiences, from faster checkouts to interactive content
• build digital capacity to scale without network bottlenecks

Sectors like healthcare, construction and manufacturing are leading the way with applications in remote diagnostics, connected sites and automated factories. However, 5G's potential spans every industry, from retail and logistics to finance and tourism. Read about common uses of 5G in business elsewhere in this guide.

Businesses that start exploring 5G now may be better placed to innovate, stay competitive and exploit opportunities as coverage and capability expand. See more benefits of 5G for businesses.

If you wish to explore and test 5G in your business, look to initiatives like Belfast 5G Innovation Region and UK Telecoms Innovation Network, and organisations like Digital Catapult, for expert advice and support.