The need to communicate on the go has evolved almost immeasurably in the last few years. Not just voice-to-voice. Now we need to be able to send texts, emails and even video communication on mobile devices from anywhere.

All this communication needs data capacity to work effectively. 4G has been the standard bearer up to now and has performed well.

But with the explosion of mobile data use in business, thanks in no small part to remote and hybrid working, it’s time again for networks to evolve.

This is where 5G comes in. 5G is the 5th generation mobile network that will power global, wireless communication between people, devices – even machines.

Promising ultra-fast download speeds, and secure connections, 5G makes existing networks and communication infrastructure like cable and DSL (digital subscriber line) obsolete.

It’s only a matter of time before 5G is fully deployed in the UK, so it’s time to learn how it can benefit your business mobile phone use. 

If you’re a business mobile user, here’s what you need to know about 5G.

What can 5G offer?

The key benefits of using a business mobile phone that’s compatible with 5G are: 

• Increased speed
• Flexibility in your work life
• Reliable data you can trust when working on the go
• Low latency for quick download speeds

Here’s more information on how 5G connectivity can assist the way you use your business mobile phone.

Remote working 

Like it or not remote – or at least hybrid working – is here to stay with around a quarter of the UK’s workforce splitting time between home and the office.

However, with more employees working from multiple places, what was once an in-person meeting, is now a video call.

And being able to collaborate on projects and documents from anywhere is just as critical. 

As reliable as 4G has been for making calls and sending texts, it’s not up to the new challenges it faces with a mobile workforce. 

Offering more data, instant responses and connecting devices, mobile phones compatible with 5G are a must when it comes to running a business. It makes it easier to connect with clients and co-workers, regardless of location. 

The larger frequency spectrum of 5G increases capacity and network efficiency, which is perfect for demanding applications and programmes installed on your business mobile phone. 

Send documents with ease with a 5G connection

One of the downsides of working away from the office is that employees might not have access to a reliable WiFi network when they need to send or receive files.

And they shouldn’t use a public network because of the security risks of using public WiFi for business.

This means they’re reliant on mobile data, and again, 4G struggles to handle the huge amounts of data it takes to transfer documents which, when you’re trying to send information to a client, isn’t great.

5G on the other hand hugely increases the capacity of mobile networks so data-heavy files can be transferred without delays.

This data capacity is one of the reasons 5G is seen as so important to the future of IoT devices like autonomous vehicles, so it can easily handle the needs of employees working out of the office.

This lower latency means there’s less chance of a delay or lags when using the network. There’s a much faster transmission of larger files, including images and videos – a feature media sectors especially, will appreciate. 

You can, therefore download HD files in a matter of seconds, as well as send large volumes of data in multiple forms quickly, to as many users as necessary. 

Boost communication 

Communicating in real-time is vital for business progression. You can share ideas, discuss contracts and finalise reports with ease using a 5G network on your business mobile phone.

5G ensures connectivity is not lost, broken, or interrupted during usage spikes. So, whether you’re sending a message or uploading a file, 5G ensures it’s done quickly with no delay.  

With client and team meetings often taking place on video conferencing applications and websites, a clear connection is vital at all times. The low latency of 5G guarantees this – whether you need to take a call on a train or in a cafe, you don’t have to worry about a poor signal, blurry screens or being cut off mid-sentence.

Considering all of the benefits, 5G has the potential to revolutionalise the use of business mobile phones, making them a key ingredient in successful remote working. 

How else can 5G benefit a business?

While 5G has its benefits for business mobile phone use, it also aids other areas of the business. 

The higher device capacity with 5G means businesses can build larger, more complex IT infrastructures without being a subject of a poor connection. This offers simultaneous data transfer as well as the ability to track assets, troubleshoot and even monitor the office using video surveillance (if cameras are installed throughout the building, you can monitor it straight from your phone without lag). 

What else will 5G have an effect on in the business world?

It’s not just business mobiles that will be affected by the introduction of 5G. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are assisted by 5G, modernising the traditional office environment into a completely customisable one. 

Could we all be working from home with a headset on soon? Possibly. 

The data needed to run AR and VR can be offloaded onto the cloud when 5G is available, creating social, real-time and personalised experiences. The low latency and high bandwidth of a 5G connection allow for sufficient coverage and capability, with no lag or jerky performances. 

Visual board meetings could become the norm by overlaying avatars onto geographical locations – even though team members are at home, they can all be brought together in a virtual boardroom using this new world of applications. 

As well as real-time collaboration, VR can also be used for necessary training, sales and marketing, and as part of customer services departments.

How to get the most out of 5G connectivity 

Whether you’re new to the world of business mobile phones or are a seasoned pro, it’s always worth being aware of changes to how they run, and, most importantly, how they can affect your business. 

Being such an impactful tool in the world of remote working, it’s advised you involve staff in ideas for more flexibility in their work. Whether it’s simply working from home, or having a business mobile phone to aid their productivity, learning about their needs and preferences is a necessity when introducing 5G into your business model. Educating your employees on the changes and how they can enhance the business and their work, allows you to achieve each and every business goal.

Encouraging online collaboration and remote working can hugely streamline your business, as well as reduce travel costs across every department. Having such successful communication, even when out of the office, gives you the competitive edge necessary for progression in your area.

If you’re interested in incorporating 5G into the way you use your business mobile phone, it’s advised you identify providers in the area, and learn about what they can offer you. At Communications Plus, we have a wide range of business mobile phones that have the capacity for 5G connectivity. Just get in touch to learn more. 

So…is 5G a good thing for the business mobile phone market?

It’s important to note that 5G is currently more expensive than its counterparts, but this is only to be expected with newer networks. However, the more accessible it becomes, the cheaper it will be. 

This is not to say you shouldn’t invest in devices until the cost comes down. Getting used to 5G and how to use it to your advantage will give you the edge against competitors, and allow you to become a leading force in your industry. 

Overall, 5G greatly improve mobile phone use. Everything is faster, connectivity is better and running applications is a whole lot smoother. In turn, this will increase productivity when working remotely, and ensures staff can access data in places they couldn’t previously get signal. 

Learn more with Communications Plus 

As you’ve learnt from above, 5G is a helpful tool when it comes to running a successful business. The fast and reliable connection cannot be rivalled and is available on business mobile phones right here at Communications Plus. 

To find out more, browse our selection of business mobile phones, or call us on 03701 020204 to speak to us directly and run through your potential options.