The 5G effect - How 5G will transform the SMB sector

Due to some of the most challenging years in recent history, businesses have had to pivot and adapt business models with little time to prepare. Impressively, many have done so with great success, utilising tech solutions to keep business going and simultaneously transitioning employees to working from home.

While facing challenges, Australia’s small business community has demonstrated a passion, commitment and a ‘never-say-die’ attitude, but there are still big changes and opportunities ahead. Chief among them, will be the adoption of 5G. The power, bandwidth and speed of 5G will transform the way small businesses work and operate, helping them to become more resilient and competitive. By leveraging the super-fast speeds of 5G, businesses of all sizes will be able to offer faster and more efficient digital services, new payment options and smarter facilities that will advance and improve the traditional office or worksite.

For a tangible example of how 5G will benefit business, you need look no further than AR/VR technology. As 5G evolves, it will enable AR/VR technology that will transform video conferencing into real-time immersive events. Using a 5G VR headset, users will be digitally transported to a meeting where they can ‘virtually’ sit next to their colleague from across the country, high-five them, collaborate on the same whiteboard, walk around the room, hold a 3D model of the company’s latest product while shrinking and expanding it with their hands, share files instantaneously and stream multiple videos simultaneously.

5G use cases like this are already being put into practice and taking the virtual workplace to another level. They show clearly that next generation collaboration has exciting implications for businesses, especially those with a workforce predominantly working from home.

Likewise, ultra-low latency connections provided by mmWave 5G will enable tasks to be automated or performed remotely, increasing productivity and leading to the emergence of new industries and revenue streams, giving a boost to the local economy. The opportunity for businesses is clear: in the digital transformation stakes, embracing digital transformation and new technology like 5G will deliver advantages and give early adopters a point of differentiation in the Australian market.

To introduce 5G to your business, we suggest laying the foundations early and investing in business-grade internet solutions that allow you to keep up with the new way of working such as high-quality video conferencing and ultra-fast data transfers. Once you have this base, you can build the capabilities of your team by deploying technologies that help streamline day-to-day work by using augmented reality applications and easy-to-operate online tools to automate cumbersome tasks.

Keeping your team informed along the way is vital, and tailoring training to suit your team and business – either through traditional face to face sessions or virtual webinars - will make them feel part of the process. With an understanding of the benefits of 5G, a solid infrastructure to support new technologies and an eager, engaged workforce, there is no end to the possibilities for small businesses.

Optus has been listening to our customers and we are ready and able to support them as they make changes and embrace 5G. We know small businesses are looking for flexibility and assistance, and we are ready to offer advice whenever and wherever it is needed. Together, we'll help you say ‘yes’ to 5G.