5G in the UK is here! 5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity offering super-fast speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and mobile devices than ever before. 5G began rolling out in the UK in May 2019 and is currently limited to 6 major cities, however, the network is expected to expand exponentially.
5G is set to bring new opportunities for both providers and consumers: superfast mobile broadband with no need for landlines, greater connectivity and device integration, car to infrastructure communication, distance healthcare solutions and a whole new generation of smartphones and devices.
How could 5G Connectivity Benefit your organisation?
5G has the potential to benefit the charity sector in major ways by transforming the way we connect and communicate. Organisations will be able to work remotely more easily, which will have real benefits for our client’s bottom line – particularly in their grassroots phase.
Qualcomm have estimated that this could create up to 22 million new jobs in the UK and will have the capability for organisations to create their own closed networks that are completely tailored to suit their needs. Charities and not-for-profits will be able to free up more time and money to work towards their charitable aims through a dramatic increase in speed, capacity and latency.
Through finding new ways to communicate and share information, 5G technology will be a key player in addressing some of the major socio-economic and ecological issues of our time, which puts our clients at the forefront of this conversation. There has already been major investment from the UK Government in making sure it is accessible for all, with the launch Rural Connected Communities project. £30m funding is being offered to charities, tech firms and other organisations who want to help trial the network in rural and remote communities. The £30m on offer is the latest wave of a larger £200m funding pot to roll out 5G UK wide.
Exciting 5G projects have already been established in the Scottish islands to monitor salmon populations and integrate rural windfarms. The deadline for applications for this round of funding is the 25th of October 2019.
New Challenges for Charities
With all these benefits, there are also some challenges to consider for organisations moving to the new network. The vast increase in the ability to share and move large amounts of data, as well as the opportunity for wider collaboration and access, will make data protection and compliance more challenging for smaller clients. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges of managing this change, and we will have to wait to see how the sector responds to these opportunities for development to reap the rewards that connectivity offers.
You can also read more about the latest 5G research by visiting the Scotland 5G Centre. They break down the science behind 5G and can give you an insight into how your organisation can benefit from this new tech.
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