- Opportunity to grow business globally;
- Opens many new industries and improvements of existing industries:
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- 5G will provide various industries with the ability to expand its product and service offerings;
- An example of this is in the manufacturing industry. The introduction of this technology will provide the ability of further robotic enhancements to the manufacturing process. Thus creating faster output to demand, quality control and less reliance on factory floor production;
- Smart Healthcare: 5G will enable access and equity to good quality healthcare at affordable prices by allowing for telemedicine in a health ecosystem driven by community clinics, connected via telemedicine units to doctors and specialists at district and tertiary hospitals. Remote medicine, mobile medicine – e.g.: track TB cases, HIV, COVID on a district basis-health workers equipped with 5G phones;
- In the Retail Sector, consumers will be able to digitally browse store offerings through a virtual experience. The stores could also appoint digital check-out sales points to enhance the consumer’s experience and avoid long queues and quicker, efficient sales points;
- Utilities: Efficient control and use of water, electricity, gas and pipelines, via IOT enabled devices at the point of use and in distribution systems.
- Internet of Things (IoT):
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- IoT refers to the ability of a physical object that can be transformed into a device if it can be connected to the internet to be controlled or communicate information;
- 5G Technology allows for the evolution and integration of IoT through its higher-quality streaming and lightning-quick downloads;
- This also provides the ability of real-time data analytics and consumption to improve the processes of businesses, thus creating further efficiencies.
- Reduce business-related costs as evidenced during the COVID pandemic:
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- During the COVID pandemic, many businesses had to switch to operating in a de-centralised manner. This provided employees with the ability to work remotely from their homes, coffee shops or rented office space to be productive. Remote working is dependent on the reliability of mobile connectivity and reduced latency;
- With the introduction of 5G Technology, not only will businesses be able to save on expenses on business travel, they would also be able to save on related rental and office equipment. The ability to recover these fixed and variable costs will be dependent on the ability of the employee being able to operate and perform their function from a distance;
- 5G Technology provides this platform for businesses and their employees through the software-based network technology developed.
- Ability to become more sustainable:
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- Increases energy efficiency:
- The 5G enabled devices are developed to have a longer battery usage and device lifespan than previous technology;
- Reduces carbon emissions:
- The 5G network technology is said to reduce carbon emission in 10 years by 50%, through enhanced network equipment;
- Reduces pollution:
- Smart Transportation Systems – IoT will enable traffic control and decrease congestion, monitor government vehicles, railways and highways;
- Aligned to sustainable development goals (SDG’s):
- Good health and wellbeing – accessibility and equitable healthcare services to consumers across all LSM groups;
- Quality Education – availability of online education platforms to rural areas and encourages remote learning.
- Future Skill development:
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- Greater adoption of technology will mean demand for skills development in this area of expertise; and
- Students will have the ability and exposure to expand their skills in product development, data and AI.
