5G with Acuative.

What is 5G technology and how does it benefit businesses?

5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology. It offers significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than 4G.

For your business, this means download speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G and response times as low as 1 millisecond. You'll see improved productivity through seamless video conferencing and cloud application performance. The technology also supports more connected devices simultaneously, making it ideal for IoT deployments, augmented reality applications, and real-time data processing.

How much does 5G implementation cost for a business?

5G implementation costs vary based on your specific needs, infrastructure, and scale.

Small businesses typically start with basic 5G data plans ranging from $50 to $200 per line monthly. Mid-sized companies might invest $10,000 to $50,000 for upgraded equipment and enhanced connectivity. Large enterprises deploying private 5G networks could spend $100,000 to several million dollars.

Many managed service providers offer scalable solutions that let you start small and expand as needed. This approach helps control costs while maximizing your return on investment.

What's the difference between 5G and 4G LTE for business use?

The differences between 5G and 4G LTE have real impacts on your daily operations:

Speed: 5G delivers 1-10 Gbps compared to 4G's average of 100 Mbps. This means faster file transfers and smoother cloud performance.

Latency: 5G reduces response time from 50 milliseconds to under 5 milliseconds. This matters for real-time applications like video collaboration and remote equipment control.

Device capacity: 5G supports up to 1 million devices per square kilometer versus 4G's 100,000. This makes it perfect for IoT-heavy environments.

Network slicing: 5G allows you to create dedicated virtual networks for specific applications, ensuring consistent performance for mission-critical operations.

Is 5G coverage available in my area for business deployment?

5G coverage continues to expand rapidly across the United States. Most metropolitan areas and many suburban regions now have 5G access from major carriers.

Coverage varies by location and carrier. Urban business districts typically have the most robust 5G, while rural areas may still rely on 4G LTE. There are also different types of 5G coverage:

Low-band 5G offers wider coverage with moderate speed improvements. High-band mmWave 5G delivers the fastest speeds but with limited range.

To check availability for your specific location, review coverage maps from carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Or consult with a managed service provider who can assess your site and recommend the best solution.

What equipment do businesses need to use 5G networks?

You'll need 5G-compatible hardware across your technology infrastructure:

• 5G-enabled smartphones, tablets, and laptops for your workforce
• 5G routers and gateways for building-wide connectivity
• 5G-compatible IoT sensors, cameras, and connected devices
• For private 5G networks: specialized infrastructure like small cells and base stations

Most existing devices cannot be upgraded to support 5G and will require replacement. A managed service provider can audit your current technology and develop a phased implementation plan that minimizes disruption and optimizes your investment.

How secure is 5G for business data and communications?

5G includes enhanced security features compared to previous generations. These include improved encryption protocols, better authentication mechanisms, and network slicing that isolates sensitive traffic.

However, you still need a comprehensive security strategy. The increased number of connected devices creates more potential entry points for cyber threats.

We recommend implementing multi-layered security:

• End-to-end encryption
• Zero-trust network access
• Regular security audits
• Mobile device management solutions

Private 5G networks offer additional security by keeping data within your controlled infrastructure. An experienced MSP can ensure your 5G deployment follows security best practices and maintains industry compliance.

Can 5G replace our business's wired internet connection?

5G can serve as a viable alternative or complement to traditional wired internet, depending on your needs.

5G advantages include rapid deployment, flexibility for temporary locations, and built-in redundancy for business continuity. It works particularly well for retail locations, pop-up offices, construction sites, or areas with limited fiber availability.

However, wired connections typically offer more consistent performance and unlimited data at predictable costs.

Many businesses adopt a hybrid approach. They use fiber as their primary connection with 5G as failover backup, or deploy 5G for specific use cases like outdoor IoT devices while maintaining wired connectivity for office infrastructure.

An MSP can evaluate your bandwidth requirements, application priorities, and budget to recommend the optimal connectivity mix.

What industries benefit most from business 5G solutions?

While 5G offers advantages across all sectors, certain industries see particularly transformative benefits:

Manufacturing and logistics: Real-time asset tracking, automated vehicles, and predictive maintenance using IoT sensors.

Healthcare: Telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and remote-assisted procedures.

Retail: Augmented reality customer experiences, smart inventory management, and mobile point-of-sale systems.

Construction and field services: Real-time collaboration, drone operations, and connected equipment monitoring.

Financial services: Secure mobile banking and real-time fraud detection.

Property management: 5G-connected systems for energy management, security, and tenant services.

Any business with a significant mobile workforce, IoT deployments, or real-time data processing needs will find substantial value in 5G technology.

How does 5G improve remote work and business mobility?

5G dramatically enhances remote work by providing reliable, high-speed connectivity from virtually any location with coverage.

Your remote employees will experience faster access to cloud applications, seamless video conferencing, and the ability to work with large files without delays. Field workers can access real-time data, use bandwidth-intensive applications like AR troubleshooting guides, and maintain constant connectivity to corporate resources.

5G's low latency makes remote desktop sessions and VPN connections feel nearly as fast as being in the office.

For businesses with distributed workforces, mobile sales teams, or field service operations, 5G provides consistent productivity regardless of location. When combined with cloud infrastructure and security tools, 5G enables flexible work arrangements without compromising performance or security.

What is private 5G and should my business consider it?

Private 5G networks are dedicated wireless networks that you deploy on your own premises, operating independently from public carrier networks.

Unlike shared public 5G, private networks offer guaranteed bandwidth, enhanced security, complete control over network configuration, and customizable performance for specific applications.

Private 5G is particularly valuable for businesses with large campuses, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or operations requiring mission-critical connectivity with strict security requirements. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and energy commonly deploy private 5G.

However, private networks require significant upfront investment and ongoing management expertise. Most small to mid-sized businesses find public or hybrid 5G solutions more cost-effective.

An MSP can assess whether private 5G aligns with your operational needs, budget, and long-term technology strategy.