How 5G enhances efficiency and customer services

Efficiency is key to business success across all industries. While the pandemic highlighted ways to enhance processes, the last two years have initiated significant change. Digital transformation has taken hold, and employees have adapted to new work environments. Businesses are now prioritsing artificial intelligence and cloud services. These sectors have been experiencing a growth rate of 30-40% quarterly since 2020.

Much like the rapid pace of tech evolution, medium-sized businesses are prioritising mobile connectivity to boost efficiency. New research by Three Business, surveyed 400 medium-sized UK companies to learn about their goals and plans for the next two years.

When asked about the importance of mobile connectivity for business efficiency, 60% of respondents said it is crucial for collaboration from any location and improving customer service. Furthermore, nearly a third (29%) mentioned efficiency as a significant benefit of adopting technology, with 43% citing business growth. This underscores the vital role of mobile connectivity today.

Medium-sized businesses that have experienced rapid growth are now focusing on optimising processes and driving efficiencies using technology.

According to our survey, 73% consider technology essential for achieving business goals in the coming years. However, internal and external challenges, such as economic, political, or social factors, can significantly impact overall efficiency.

Customers want fast, flexible, and affordable services. This affects industries like retail and hospitality, which work hard to meet high expectations with personalised experiences and alternative payment methods.

Many businesses are leveraging advanced supply chain technology and software to streamline goods flow from suppliers to customers, enhancing service speed. Consequently, 34% of respondents are adopting technology to meet customer demands.

As health records become digitised, public concern over sensitive data security is growing. Data security has become a top priority for 43% of healthcare professionals. Businesses operating romotely or in hybrid models face data privacy concerns that pose ongoing communication and connectivity challenges, impacting service speed and quality.

Connectivity underpins efforts to enhance service and employee efficiency. Across all industries, 47% of professionals said that connectivity enables faster services, while 40% said it helps prioritise customer needs.

Flexible and hybrid working, a result of digital transformation, significantly benefits from connectivity. Beyond hybrid work, connectivity positively influences employee training and customer support. Our research shows the top ways connectivity enhances customer support: speeding up services (47%), strengthening data security (44%), and prioritising customers (40%).

These findings directly relate to customer experience, measurable by increased customer satisfaction scores and faster response times. Connectivity also boosts employee productivity and wellbeing. An open letter from techUK stated that using digital tools increased productivity. Sales per employee rose over a three year period.

Digital tools like AR and VR facilitate effective training and dynamic working methods. With collaborative tech, employees enjoy flexibility beyond traditional nine-to-five office hours.

Realise, a long-standing training provider, exemplifies this. Offering dynamic online learning, Realise caters to students who cannot travel, enabled by Three Business's connectivity. CEO Gregg Scott notes,

“Our flexible courses cater to various people who may not attend otherwise, with online classes or technology-enhanced center sessions.”

Advanced tools and technology rely on robust connectivity, with some designed for 5G’s capabilities. This signals a shift towards next-generation digital infrastructure.

In construction and manufacturing, 5G-powered sensors on operational equipment facilitate real-time project information sharing. Diagnostic Healthcare, a medical imaging company, uses fast 5G speeds to securely upload and share scans. This helps patients and enhances their service reputation.

5G boosts business efficiency regardless of location. According to CIC reports, that mobile connectivity enhances workplace desirability and supports hybrid working in residential properties.

Uninterrupted communication and collaboration through 5G prevents setbacks, with 70% of professionals citing poor connectivity causes disruptions. Reliable network coverage is essential for overcoming communication barriers in different locations.

Medium-sized businesses are seizing technological opportunities, and with reliable connectivity, there’s even more potential to unlock. As Diagnostic Healthcare demonstrates, dependable mobile connectivity supports seamless IT integration, facilitating swift and secure information sharing.

Chief Operating Officer David O’Brien emphasises,

“The new 5G devices from Three Business have increased our speed and capacity, allowing us to deliver information back to referrers quickly and expand our services with advanced systems.”

As businesses adopt more digital tools and technology, connectivity will be crucial in making every investment a driver of efficiency.

• 5G available in selected areas, compatible device required. Speeds experienced may vary due to factors including your location, building structure, external environment, and device setup.
• 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: https://www.speedtest.net/awards/fastest-5g.