Cellular Connectivity Set for Boom as Businesses Target Digitization

Cellular connectivity is set to boom, as businesses increasingly turn to the technology to mitigate network downtime, support the deployment of new technologies such as AI and industrial IoT, and tackle rising cybersecurity risks. 

This is according to 5G provider Cradlepoint’s latest connectivity survey, the State of Connectivity 2024, which surveyed 1,003 business managers across various industries in the U.S. 

Investment in cellular connectivity was found to be a key business decision to combat the “volatility and constraints” of wired connectivity while helping support rapid digitalization across industries. 

Costly downtimes resulting from lapses in connectivity were highlighted as a primary concern for businesses, with more than half (54%) estimating they face one to two hours of connectivity downtime a week due to network failure. 

Despite the known benefits of 5G, barriers to adoption remain. Roughly a third of respondents cited a lack of skills necessary to adopt the technology and uncertainty about the tech’s security implications as factors. 

Cost and fears over adequate return on investment were also highlighted as barriers to adoption. However, Cradlepoint recommended businesses lean into 5G to meet increasingly important sustainability and network security targets. 

The increased prevalence of cyberattacks is a growing concern for businesses, with almost half (49%) of survey respondents saying they had been victim to a network security attack in the past 12 months. 

Sustainability was also identified as a priority for U.S. businesses. More than half of businesses surveyed said incorporating smart tools such as IoT and AI is needed to streamline operations to ensure sustainable growth. 

“Organizations are seeing the powerful combination of 5G connectivity, generative AI and IoT in real time,” said Donna Johnson, Cradlepoint’s chief marketing officer. “These findings reinforce the urgency for enterprises to prioritize resilient and secure network connectivity as industries across the U.S. navigate uncertain economic climates, emerging technology, advanced threat landscapes, increasing consumer demands and talent shortages.

“The data also confirms that 5G’s prevalence in the enterprise is resulting in a positive impact on sustainability goals as we work to reach net zero emissions, prioritize network security, and eliminate downtime so operations can increase at scale.”