27 August 2024

New research from Vodafone disclosed that 39% of UK companies are ready to invest in 5G Standalone with 14% making the move within 12 months, demonstrating the immediate appetite for next-generation digital services. Further, 89% of businesses are looking to technology to improve the operational efficiency of their business in an increasingly competitive digital environment.

There is an immediate appetite from UK businesses to invest in both smartphone and advanced 5G services (such as network slicing), with 93% highlighting reliable data connections as critical to success.

Existing 5G services rely partly on 4G; the 5G Standalone network, however, is a fully updated and future-proofed network that delivers many new benefits not previously available on 4G or 5G non-standalone.

“Our customers are telling us they are ready for 5G Standalone,” Nick Gliddon, business director, Vodafone UK. “Whether it is to keep employees connected with more reliable services or to customise their business through next-generation services such as network slicing. 5G Standalone is the doorway to innovation, new revenues, and better connection with employees.”

86% of customers suggested the rollout of 5G Standalone is either important or extremely important, with 44% stating lower latency would help business growth, while 83% would slightly or significantly increase 5G investments once advanced capabilities are available. 46% believe 5G Standalone would offer them a competitive advantage within three years by better-enabling innovation.