As the UK approaches the planned shutdown of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), businesses seek innovative solutions to ensure uninterrupted and efficient communication
Among the transformative technologies on the horizon, 5G stands out as a potential game-changer. In this article, we delve into the analysis of Britain’s current 5G connectivity and availability ahead of the PSTN switch-off and explore its implications for business communication.
The current state of 5G connectivity
The PSTN switch-off represents a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape, requiring businesses and organisations to adapt their communication systems to the new digital era.
According to Vodafone, over half of UK adults (53%) already believe 5G has the potential to improve their day-to-day lives. 5G-enabled technologies are significantly impacting many areas of society, supporting the Government’s ambitions to drive digital transformation and create jobs.
To gauge the readiness of Britain’s communication infrastructure, we analysed ‘5G Connectivity for Britain’s Businesses’ ranking significant towns and cities based on their 5G availability from the country’s four major phone networks: EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2.
The analysis reveals that only 51% of major UK towns and cities currently have full 5G coverage from all UK networks, indicating that the rollout progress has been relatively slow.
This leaves many areas with limited or no 5G connectivity, requiring a closer examination of the potential implications for businesses.
Best regions for 5G adoption
Our analysis further highlights the regions in Britain that offer the best 5G connectivity, providing valuable insights for businesses considering expansion or startups seeking optimal network support for their digital operations.
London (scoring 96/100), Yorkshire (86/100), and East Midlands (85/100) emerge as the leading regions with the best scores for business 5G connectivity. These areas are well-equipped to provide reliable and high-speed 5G services, presenting opportunities for businesses to thrive in the digital age.
However, the picture is less rosy in all regions, as Scotland (52/100), Wales (65/100), and South West (69/100) exhibit the least 5G service in Britain. This disparity underscores the need for businesses in these regions to carefully strategise their communication plans to remain competitive in the changing landscape.
The impact on business communication
The integration of 5G is becoming necessary for businesses that seek to maintain seamless communication channels.
While 5G won’t replace existing networks, it provides faster and more reliable connections as an additional or alternative layer. Cloud-based phone systems and internet tools using VoIP are the best alternatives following The Big Switch Off in 2025, making 5G highly beneficial for businesses embracing this evolution.
The capability of 5G to support enhanced communication solutions opens up new avenues for businesses
The capability of 5G to support enhanced communication solutions opens up new avenues for businesses to enhance their operations and improve overall efficiency. The potential of 5G as a vital lifeline is evident, and here are three core benefits for businesses:
Faster Speeds: One of the most significant advantages of 5G is its lightning-fast speeds. With data transfer rates several times faster than 4G, businesses can experience real-time communication, swift file transfers, and smooth video conferencing. This speed boost ensures quick decision-making processes and superior customer experiences.
Increased Flexibility: 5 G’s enhanced flexibility enables businesses to implement agile communication strategies. Remote work, a prevalent trend in modern industry, is made more efficient with 5G connectivity. Employees can stay connected and collaborate seamlessly regardless of location, empowering enterprises to tap into a diverse talent pool.
Seamless Integration of Internet-Connected Devices: The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly becoming integral to business operations. 5G’s ability to accommodate many interconnected devices without compromising performance ensures smooth IoT integration. This allows businesses to optimise processes, improve automation, and drive innovation.
A new communication strategy
According to PwC, the economic impact of new uses of 5G in the utilities, health and social care, consumer, media, and financial sectors will be worth £43bn to UK GDP by 2030.
As the clock ticks towards the PSTN switch-off in 2025, businesses must proactively embrace 5G as a crucial part of their communication strategy. While concerns about discontinuing traditional telephony services are understandable, focusing on 5G, availability offers promising solutions for the future.
Leaders in the telecoms industry are urging businesses to keep a close eye on the ongoing 5G rollout and consider its potential impact as it offers promising solutions for the future.
Companies looking to transform their offering and become more agile for years digitally should capitalise on this opportunity and position themselves for continued success.
This piece was written and provided by Damian Hanson, Co-Founder & Director of CircleLoop
