Why you need to prep for 5G in 2021

With new network infrastructure around the corner, more devices, and consumer demand growing fast, 2021 will be a pivotal year for 5G and everyone looking to provide it.

Here’s why you need to draw up your 5G plans for 2021 now, and the risks you could face if you don’t.

Why is it the perfect time to get started with 5G?

While there were setbacks (in particular the Huawei ban and COVID-19), the research world adapted very quickly to the pandemic, and 5G did gain ground in 2020.

Ericsson have been quick to fill the Huawei-shaped hole, with solutions on par with and better than their predecessor’s. Their 5G infrastructure is gaining momentum fast, much to the UK’s benefit.

On top of that, Ofcom’s next 5G spectrum auction in January 2021 will increase the UK’s mobile airwaves by roughly 20% and further boost 5G services.

As a result in 2021, we can look forward to:

Widespread 5G networks. Over 80% of the world’s MNOs are currently rolling out their 5G networks. Ericsson predicts 190 million 5G subscriptions by the end of 2020, and the number will grow exponentially through 2021 (as we get closer to their 2025 prediction of 2.8 billion 5G subscriptions).

Standalone 5G networks.Right now, 5G deployments are Non-Stand Alone, which means they’re piggybacking off 4G-LTE infrastructure to provide customers with 5G services. Based on the most recent 5G standards, this service only covers enhanced mobile broadband—i.e., 5G’s superfast data speeds.

But in 2021, MNOs will begin the shift to Standalone (SA) 5G, which will introduce network slicing and the ultra-reliable low latencies (sub-5 milliseconds!). So we can expect to see the state-of-the-art AR / VR applications, time-sensitive robotics, and haptic technology that 5G is famous for. Partners will also be able to provide network-as-a-service (NaaS) for their customers.

Even more 5G devices. The 5G devices on the market right now are the tip of the iceberg; 2021 will see a huge influx of 5G devices from Mi-Fis to routers that will compete with the fixed-line market.

Which will be a big bonus for end-users, as they’ll be able to use eSIMs and won’t need to manually swap 3G / 4G SIMs to 5G SIMs when upgrading their connectivity.

What’ll happen if you delay?

Your competitors will thank you.

Failing to prep for means you’ll miss out on all the revenue from customers waiting for enhanced mobile broadband’s speeds. If you don’t establish yourself as the go-to choice for 5G now, or if you sit back and let 5G devices hit the market without gearing up, your customers will find someone else who can offer them the 5G technology and thought leadership that they’re looking for.

And at that point, it becomes a battle to win them back. Why let that happen when you could have free reign of the 5G market right now?

How should Channel partners prepare?

Whenever there’s a new technology on the scene, there are two things you’ve got to do, and 5G’s no different:

1. Create a customer base for 5G. Whether that’s by whetting your current customers’ appetite with educational pieces and use cases, or approaching entirely new customers with fresh pitches.

And as the ones that the UK looks to for technology guidance, it’s the Channel’s responsibility to make sure end-users understand the power of 5G. Customer impressions of 5G are still very basic; many home broadband users and large enterprises still just see it as a faster 4G when it’s so much more.

So to kick off your 5G strategy for 2021, show your customer base what the world will look like with 5G and how easy it is to get started.

2. Secure the equipment you’ll need. In this case, that means 5G devices.

You’ll need to keep a close eye on the device market, and invest in those devices as soon as you have the opportunity. And form a plan of action on how to take them to your customers. As coverage increases, demand for 5G will skyrocket—make sure you’re ready to meet it.

Need a helping hand?

If you want a step-by-step guide on how to get started with 5G, check out our podcast on the topic. Or if you have 5G questions, try using our live chat in the bottom-right corner to drop us a line!