THE EVOLUTION OF MOBILE BROADBAND: A Deep Dive into 4G and 5G Speeds
In the ever-evolving world of mobile broadband, the transition from 4G to 5G networks is a significant leap forward. This transition is not just about faster speeds; it's about creating a more connected and efficient world. Let's delve deeper into this topic and explore how these advancements can benefit businesses.
The Battle of Speeds: 4G vs 5G
Mobile benchmarking firm Opensignal has produced an interesting insight into how download speeds on 4G and 5G networks compare, both generally and at different times of the day. The research is based on crowdsourced data gathered from users on hundreds of thousands of devices between 1st March and 29th May 2023.
Overall, 4G speeds were found to fall by a similar amount to 5G across most of the day. However, 5G still delivered the best speeds at all times of day, often by a very significant margin. Users’ 5G download speeds were found to be 3.9 to 4.3 times faster than 4G across the three-hour periods of each day Opensignal analysed.
The Impact on Businesses
The superior speed of 5G networks can have a transformative effect on businesses. For instance, faster download and upload speeds can enhance productivity, especially for businesses that rely heavily on data transfer, such as media companies, design firms, and software development companies.
Moreover, the improved speed and reliability of 5G can enable more efficient remote working, a trend that has become increasingly prevalent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 5G, video conferencing can become smoother, file transfers can be quicker, and collaboration tools can work more efficiently, thereby improving the overall remote working experience.
If your business is moving to a new office and needs to arrange technology/connectivity, Fusion can provide the necessary support. Learn more about our services here.
Performance Across Different Mobile Operators
As for the performance across different mobile operators, customers of Three UK saw the fastest 5G download speeds across all hours of the day. By comparison, EE customers see the fastest 4G speeds across all hours of the day.
Choosing the Right Operator for Your Business
When it comes to choosing a mobile operator for your business, it's crucial to consider not just the speed, but also the consistency of the service. For businesses that rely heavily on mobile data, choosing an operator that offers fast speeds during peak hours can be a game-changer.
For instance, a delivery service that uses a mobile app to track deliveries and communicate with drivers would benefit from a network that maintains high speeds even during peak hours. Similarly, a mobile health service that uses telemedicine apps for remote consultations would need a network that can handle high-quality video calls without lagging.
If you're considering a review of your mobile telephony and data connections, Fusion can help. Check out our services here.
The Future of 5G: Jersey's £80m Investment
In other news, state-owned ISP JT (Jersey Telecom) has announced plans to invest £80 million to roll out a new 5G based ultrafast mobile broadband network across Jersey, an English Channel Island. The deployment will use Ericsson’s technology and will also replace JT’s existing 4G network, which is based on kit from Chinese firm ZTE. This move is expected to bring improvements to voice quality on mobile calls, more bandwidth for mobile users, and improved coverage.
The Benefits of 5G Investment for Businesses
Investments in 5G infrastructure can bring about significant benefits for businesses. For instance, the improved voice quality on mobile calls can enhance communication with clients and customers, leading to improved customer service. More bandwidth for mobile users means that businesses can handle more data, which is crucial for companies that deal with large amounts of data, such as tech companies, financial institutions, and research organisations.
Furthermore, improved coverage can ensure that businesses in remote or rural areas can still enjoy high-quality mobile broadband services. This can open up new opportunities for businesses in these areas, from tourism and agriculture to remote working and e-commerce.
If you're looking to install an enterprise-grade Wi-Fi network for in-building connectivity, Fusion has got you covered. Learn more about our services here.
CityFibre's Major Win
Lastly, the UK Government’s £5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout scheme has announced that CityFibre has secured three major build contracts for Hampshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk in England. The combined award is worth £488m (£318m state aid and £170m private) and will see the operator extend 10Gbps capable FTTP to 218,000 premises. This is a significant step towards achieving the government's mission of providing access to lightning-speed broadband to drive economic growth and level up communities.
The Impact of Broadband Rollout on Businesses
The rollout of gigabit broadband can have a profound impact on businesses. With access to ultrafast broadband, businesses can leverage cloud-based services more effectively, from cloud storage and backup solutions to Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. This can lead to cost savings, as businesses can reduce their reliance on physical infrastructure.
Moreover, ultrafast broadband can enable businesses to use data-intensive applications, such as AI and machine learning, more effectively. This can lead to improved decision-making, as businesses can gain insights from large datasets quickly and efficiently.
If you're considering setting up a multi-tenant Internet solution for an office block you own or manage, Fusion can provide the necessary expertise. Have a look at our services here.
In conclusion, the transition from 4G to 5G, and the ongoing investments in mobile broadband infrastructure, are set to bring about significant benefits for businesses. From improved productivity and remote working capabilities to the ability to leverage data-intensive applications, the future of mobile broadband looks promising for businesses.
At Fusion, we're committed to helping businesses navigate this digital transformation. Whether you're looking to install an enterprise-grade Wi-Fi network, review your mobile telephony and data connections, or set up a multi-tenant Internet solution, we have the expertise to support your needs. Don't get left behind in the digital revolution - contact us today to learn how we can help your business thrive in the era of 5G.