Vodafone’s recent customer research reveals a strong desire among UK businesses to invest in both smartphones and advanced 5G services, such as network slicing, with 93% emphasising the importance of reliable data connections for their success. In response, Vodafone has extended its 5G Ultra service to enterprise and small- to medium-sized business customers, offering them access to the UK’s most advanced network, 5G Standalone.
Unlike the existing 5G services, which rely partly on 4G and are thus termed 5G non-standalone, the 5G Standalone network represents a fully upgraded, future-proofed infrastructure. This new network, branded as 5G Ultra, provides an enhanced and more reliable experience for current 5G customers.
Nick Gliddon, Business Director, Vodafone UK, commented: “Our customers are telling us they are ready for 5G Standalone. 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.
“We launched the UK’s first 5G Standalone network in 2023. But to bring the benefits to everyone, we need consolidation – we cannot avoid a digital divide without it. Our proposed merger with Three UK is good for customers, good for competition and good for country. It will deliver much needed scale, better enabling us to deliver the benefits of 5G Ultra to all customers, regardless of where they live.”
Vodafone’s research, involving businesses across the UK, highlighted a significant interest in the advanced capabilities of 5G. Some 86% of customers rated the rollout of 5G Standalone as either important or extremely important, with 44% suggesting that lower latency would boost business growth. Moreover, 83% indicated they would increase their 5G investments once advanced capabilities become available, and 46% believe that 5G Standalone would offer a competitive edge within three years by enabling greater innovation.
The advantages of 5G Ultra are also pertinent in the context of hybrid working. A total of 71% of respondents stated that remote working is crucial to their business, yet 32% are still grappling with connectivity issues in hybrid and remote work settings. Furthermore, 26% reported that difficulties with team collaboration and communication are negatively impacting their business, while 43% pointed to poor quality video or voice calls.
5G Ultra also enhances an organisation’s training and remote support capabilities by integrating virtual and augmented reality technologies. Staff development (45%) and maintaining employee satisfaction and motivation (39%) were among the most common ongoing business challenges.
With over 5.6 million private sector businesses in the UK, nearly 45,000 of which are medium- or large-sized, there is a substantial customer base ready to embrace innovation through 5G Standalone.
5G Ultra for business
5G Ultra provides customers with access to the UK’s most advanced communications network, offering a significant advantage in a highly competitive marketplace. With improved reliability, capacity, speed, and reduced latency, 5G Ultra is the ideal tool for modern business needs. Customers with compatible 5G Ultra devices can expect:
- Up to 25% longer battery life, equating to up to three additional hours of use
- Exceptionally fast 5G speeds, approximately ten times faster than 4G
- Reliable connectivity in busy environments, such as train stations, stadiums, and festivals
By launching 5G Ultra for business customers, Vodafone is supporting economic growth. The proposed merger with Three UK would enable the combined entity to accelerate network expansion, helping more companies at a faster pace. The merged company plans to invest £11 billion in the network over the next decade, extending 5G Standalone coverage to more than 99% of the UK’s populated areas by 2034.
A platform for innovation
5G Standalone extends beyond mobile connectivity; it has the potential to transform society and businesses across the UK by enabling new digital experiences that would otherwise be unattainable.
Vodafone has also been collaborating with partners to explore how network slicing, a new capability introduced with 5G Standalone, can better support UK businesses. Network slicing allows Vodafone to create tailored connectivity services, customised to fit the specific needs of different businesses or use cases.
The research indicated that 38% of businesses believe a network customised to their specific needs would foster growth, while 24% reported that a lack of tailored services is currently hindering their operations.
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