5G for business: Benefits, challenges and use cases

Adopting 5G isn't just about upgrading your network. It's about discovering new ways of working, innovating, and growing. Whether you're exploring automation, improving customer experiences, or boosting operational efficiency, a clear plan is essential. This guide outlines a step-by-step approach to help you assess your readiness, pilot new ideas, and scale 5G projects effectively.

Understand your needs and objectives

• Map pain points and identify where faster speeds or better connectivity could help.
• Identify use cases - eg real-time monitoring, automation, customer experience.

Check coverage and timing

• Check 5G availability in your locations and validate indoor/outdoor coverage.
• Speak to providers about rollout plans for your area.
• Align your adoption timeline to availability.

Review infrastructure

• Audit your existing devices and systems to see if they are 5G-compatible.
• Plan for upgrades to hardware, software, or networks where needed.
• Understand different 5G technologies - consider private 5G, network slicing or edge computing only where they match the business needs.

Run pilots

• Start small in one process or site.
• Measure outcomes and refine.
• Build a repeatable pattern before scaling.

Build a business case

• Set clear objectives and measurable goals.
• Estimate the likely cost of adoption, including upgrades and training.
• Quantify benefits where possible - eg productivity, quality, downtime avoided.
• Calculate and track return on investment (ROI).
• Explore funding and support options for your project.

Prepare your data strategy

• Estimate how much additional data 5G use cases will generate.
• Check that you have enough storage, processing and analytics capacity.
• Put processes in place to manage data responsibly and securely.

Strengthen security and compliance

• Update security policies and systems to reflect 5G capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and sector regulations.
• Vet your suppliers and check equipment for reliability and security.

Develop skills

• Train staff on new systems and security practices.
• Raise awareness about how 5G will change workflows.
• Identify any external expertise needed to support implementation.

Plan deployment and integration

• Define timelines, roles and change management.
• Ensure smooth integration with existing IT or Internet of Things systems.
• Roll out successful pilots to other sites and functions.

Future-proof your network

• Keep informed about new developments such as 5G-Advanced and 6G.
• Ensure your systems are flexible enough to adapt.
• Review progress regularly and adjust your strategy as coverage expands.

The safest approach is to treat 5G as part of your broader digital strategy - not a standalone upgrade - so your business stays competitive as technologies and markets evolve.

For a more detailed guide, download the 5G adoption toolkit for Northern Ireland businesses (PDF, 12MB) to help you plan, pilot, and scale 5G in your organisation.