In a new report, focusing on 5G plans, expectations and the biggest 5G drivers for businesses in the US and UK, Nokia has revealed the top five 5G use cases across a number of different industry sectors.
The study, titled ‘Mapping demand: The 5G opportunity in enterprise for communications service providers’, was conducted in partnership with Parks Associates, and surveyed over 1,000 IT decision-makers, covering key enterprise segments including energy, manufacturing, government/public safety, and automotive/transportation.
In the study, Nokia has outlined the following five 5G use cases as the key drivers in 5G adoption for enterprises, which illustrate the technology’s huge potential, from connected cars, to immersive learning environments.
1. Video monitoring and detection
“This makes the security industry an attractive channel to market for CSPs, who could benefit from establishing partnerships with leading security providers.”
Nokia report.
According to the report, 5G-enabled video was the number one use case among enterprises, with 83% finding it appealing. This is driven by the fact that 75% of the organizations surveyed are already using some form of video monitoring today – whether it’s monitoring premises, people coming and going, or operations.
“While SMBs may invest in just one 5G video camera, larger businesses are likely to purchase 5G-enabled video monitoring and detection technology as part of a wider suite of security services,” the report said. “This makes the security industry an attractive channel to market for CSPs, who could benefit from establishing partnerships with leading security providers.”
2. Connected machinery
“The automotive industry, with its long history of robotics use, emerges as a key vertical sector that readily understands the additional benefits 5G can provide.”
Nokia report.
Nokia’s report reveals that organizations that already use robotics and connected machinery are most ready for 5G. Connected equipment and cloud-connected robotics are key enablers of Industry 4.0, and over three-quarters (77%) of respondents found this use case appealing.
“Enhanced process automation was the key use case cited, with co-ordination of multiple robots ranking second,” according to the report. “The automotive industry, with its long history of robotics use, emerges as a key vertical sector that readily understands the additional benefits 5G can provide.”
3. Fixed Wireless Access
"To compete, CSPs should emphasize strengths like expert support and an existing technical field force."
Nokia report.
Fixed wireless access, or FWA, is an appealing alternative to wired broadband for SMBs, the report concluded, saying that “fixed wireless access emerged from our survey as a strong near-term opportunity”. And 73% of SMBs surveyed said 5G FWA was appealing as an alternative or back-up to wired broadband.
“Encouragingly for CSPs, we found that most SMBs would prefer to get FWA from a mobile provider,” the report said. “However, 40% said they’d be open to receiving it from a tech giant like Google or Amazon, with others citing TV, utilities and security systems providers. To compete, CSPs should emphasize strengths like expert support and an existing technical field force. Alternatively, other providers may present MVNO partnership opportunities.”
4. Connected vehicles
“5G connectivity enables in-vehicle systems to be updated remotely throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle,."
Nokia report.
Of organizations that already currently use vehicles of some description, 74% said 5G was appealing, but the level of appeal varies depending on the way vehicles are used. The report registered a higher interest in 5G among organizations where the vehicle is being used for safety and security purposes and for transportation of non-employees.
“Although it will require some education, the survey identified over-the-air updates as a potential key selling point for 5G-enabled vehicles,” the report claimed. “5G connectivity enables in-vehicle systems to be updated remotely throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle, creating a potential new service revenue stream for automakers and dealers.”
5. Immersive experiences
"In the education field, AR and VR can help students to learn more effectively in a remote environment.”
Nokia report.
While 55% of organizations surveyed see the appeal of immersive technologies such as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), only half that number are actually using them.
“The increase in remote working, home schooling and social isolation driven by the pandemic will almost certainly accelerate adoption as organizations look for new ways to operate remotely,” the report said. “Companies of all kinds will be able to use immersive technologies to train and supervise employees, while retail businesses can use them to help consumers visualize what their purchases will look like. In the education field, AR and VR can help students to learn more effectively in a remote environment.”
To download the full research, visit: Mapping demand: The 5G opportunity in enterprise for communications service providers
- Discover the best 5G networks in the UK and US
- Get your hands on the hottest 5G phones
- Millimeter wave: the secret sauce behind 5G
- The complete guide to 5G security
- We reveal the latest 5G use cases
- Discover the truth behind 5G dangers
- 5G towers: everything you need to know
