How AI and 5G technologies enhance business

Recent years have seen Artificial Intelligence (AI) breakthroughs left, right and centre, from advanced virtual assistants to intelligent natural language processing software. But AI technology itself is by no means an overnight development – especially not for Google. The technology company has been working on and developing its AI offering for over twenty years, from the introduction of spellcheck within Google Search in 2001, through to our current everyday use of Google Maps. AI is used in many services we now consider routine.

Different Google solutions were formed from AI technologies. Live Translate can translate more than a dozen languages in real-time without the need for an internet connection. Google Lens enables deep search and comprehension using the device camera. Now, the latest Google Pixel handset has more than two-decades worth of development powering its generative AI capabilities, from Google Assistant to advanced camera features.

Underpinning the roll-out of Google AI technologies is rapid and robust 5G connectivity. Both technologies are equally complementary of one another: 5G influences the development and capabilities of AI, as does AI for 5G. 

Three, The UK’s Fastest 5G Network* and Google, have partnered to explore this intelligence in practice, and what it means for businesses across the UK. According to McKinsey, 39% of businesses have reported hiring software engineers for AI support, while at least 15% of UK businesses have already adopted one AI technology. Built into the Google Pixel, Google Gemini is the technology company’s largest and most capable AI model, offering always-on AI assistance across the Google workspace.

2024 has seen online queries around AI skyrocket. There were 313.9 million total visits to Google Gemini in May 2024, while AI itself as a term has become a business buzzword. But what is AI and how does it work?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to technologies that analyse and process existing data to perform tasks that would once only have been performed by humans. Generative AI refers to systems that comprehend their environment, interpret data and make decisions or reasoning based on knowledge they take from that data. 

While the rapid roll-out of AI in 2023 was welcomed by many, a general fear of the unknown was also noted. Ultimately, there is some uncertainty about the long-term impact of AI, from job displacement to security and privacy concerns. Despite this, businesses around the world have been implementing AI solutions in some form to enhance business operations.

A recent Forbes survey states the most common use of AI by businesses today is chatbots. 73% of surveyed businesses plan to use AI-powered chatbots for instant messaging, while around three-fifths (61%) are using AI to optimise email writing. 

Businesses are leveraging the technology to reduce time spent on repetitive, manual tasks and to drive efficiencies. The same survey found that nearly half (46%) of business owners use AI to craft employee comms. 

AI is also completely changing how businesses deliver customer service. For example, conversational AI is a technology that lets humans have realistic text or speech-based exchanges with AI machines or applications (such as chatbots), accelerating speed-of-service. 

Businesses can offer customers personalised service recommendations in the likes of tailored SMS or customised web experiences, based on AI’s ability to extensively analyse data.

The rollout of AI is considered the latest digital revolution. But together with 5G, the two are an unstoppable technological force – offering endless speed and connectivity improvements.

All AI tools and systems require robust connectivity to support their functionality. 5G connectivity has low-latency – or lag – and higher bandwidth, while superfast network speeds enable the rapid data processing essential for utilising the full benefits of AI. 

When used together, AI and 5G can be predictive and proactive, run on smaller devices like smartphones, and support the likes of data-intensive applications. For example, ‘super apps’ like Uber, that provide multiple services and use location services, rely on real-time data to find available taxis nearby for users, or track deliveries in transit. At the same time, comms platforms like Facebook or payment providers like PayU all demand real-time data for providing optimised services.  

With the power of AI in our palms, the possibilities for improving business productivity could be endless. In fact, not only can it accelerate work outputs, but it can enhance the decision-making processes that precede them.

As not all businesses are tied to a physical office, 5G is helping fast-track new ways to work. For example, connectivity is enabling manufacturing teams to engage in remote asset monitoring, while hi-tech farms have farmers that can automate tools to increase productivity.

As over 750,000 customers are already discovering with Three Business, 5G is transforming how teams stay in contact and accelerating how fast individuals can problem-solve. 5G-enabled devices built with AI capabilities can take performance from average to great, and AI-assisted training processes can quickly turn beginners into experts. For example, AI-powered, personalised learning platforms are helping employees develop crucial soft skills in the workplace, from presentation skills to team management. 

Digital assistants embedded into smartphones, such as Google Assistant, can help remove menial tasks for employees. An intelligent voice assistant, it helps employees save time by reading aloud and translating articles, as well as writing messages — including in response to queries — at double speed through voice dictation. 

• Fastest 5G – Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2024. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. To verify, visit: speedtest.net/awards/fastest-5g to find out more.
• Available on select devices, languages, and countries. Works with compatible accounts and some features may not be available based on corporate account settings. Internet connection required. Check responses for accuracy.
• Not available in all countries or languages. See g.co/pixel/callassist for details.
• Availability and call quality depends on environment, operator network conditions, and many other factors. Actual results may vary.
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• Three UK’s network now carries more mobile data traffic (34%), than any other UK operator (Enders Analysis Q1 2024).
• Google Assistant and some related features are not available in all languages. See g.co/assistant/languages for updates to language availability.