Is B2B Market Ready For 5G? New Samsung Research

Samsung Australia, in partnership with Tech Research Asia (TRA), has launched its 5G for Business in Australia report and whitepaper, which explores how the advent of 5G networks, devices and services can support the goals of Australian businesses.

The report also highlights the perceptions, awareness and levels of understanding that the country’s businesses hold in relation to the availability and advent of 5G mobile technology.

The research methodology delved into the views of more than 800 technology decision-makers from a cross-section of industries to help shape a view of how businesses are considering the implications of 5G and their readiness to adopt.

According to the report, almost a quarter (24%) of businesses in Australia intend to adopt 5G services for business in the coming 18 months, with almost 80% of businesses set to adopt 5G-related mobility services within the next three years.

“There is no doubt 5G is both a trigger and an engine that will transform the way Australians live and work, but also how businesses operate in an increasingly mobile driven economy,” said Danny Mandrides, head of enterprise and government, IT and mobile, Samsung Electronics Australia.

“Now more than ever before, Australian businesses are telling us that they demand the bandwidth, stability and opportunities that 5G will bring.”

“We want to help ensure our customers and partners develop the best possible approach to adopting the latest in network and device services, including building our understanding for how innovations in 5G can help break barriers and solve real challenges for Australian organisations.”

The report also explores the potential concerns and barriers that organisations are considering in relation to 5G, as well as the perceived benefits of the greater 5G connectivity, network availability and device capability that it will offer workforces.

Key findings have also revealed a keen interest in the potential applications of 5G mobile devices, as well as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

Approximately 37% of Australian businesses are taking a “Considered” approach to 5G adoption, while 24% are being either “Aggressive” (12%) or “Optimistic” (12%) in terms of rapid or early adoption of 5G respectively.

About 18% of participants said their adoption plans would be “Gradual” and in line with network deployments, while 16% stated that they have no specific strategy until 5G is “Ubiquitous”.

Just 4% of respondents classified their approach to 5G in a “Deliberation” stage where they are needing to determine the actual benefits and availability of 5G.

“Australian businesses are at the global forefront in terms of their position to be leaders in exploring new territories and capabilities associated with 5G-powered products and services,” said Tim Dillon, founder and director at TRA.

“we will see rapid change in the coming years for how people bolster their business operations and strategy with 5G-powered services.”

“There is naturally a degree of intrigue, interest, excitement and keenness from businesses to understand how they should be thinking about what the future may bring, which is why it’s critical they build their understanding of 5G and develop a plan that can be actioned to deliver solid outcomes and avoid potential pitfalls or redundant investments.”

According to the report, Australian businesses recognised that the benefit of 5G extends beyond speed, including other major capabilities such as edge computing, multi-device connectivity, low network latency and network slicing.

Organisations see 5G enhancing their current and future operations in areas including customer engagement, data access and management, supporting cloud services consumption and facilitation of intelligent workplaces.

5G for Business in Australia includes a 5G-readiness checklist designed to help businesses better understand the key factors involved in making decisions related to the next stage in network connectivity.

The checklist considers the role and impact of devices, network deployment, existing and planned digital strategies, workplace environments, compliance and other key elements that businesses may wish to consider.