THE GREATER Reading area is one of the best parts of the south east for 5G connectivity.
Cloud-based business phone system, CircleLoop, has been studying the rollout of communications network, giving major towns and cities a Business Connectivity Score based on the four major phone networks: EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2.
In two years’ time, the current phone lines will be switched over to a fully digital network that uses Internet Protocol, in a similar way to which television sets were moved from analogue signals that could only receive BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, to digital services that included all Freeview channels.
BT’s “Big Switch Off” affects businesses using copper-wired connections like PSTN for landlines, fax machines, and payment terminals.
CircleLoop wanted to see how the nation was preparing.
And, given its reputation for being the Silicon Valley of the UK, it should be no surprise that the Ding was near the top of the list.
Its Business Connectivity score is 84 out of 100, similar to Dartford, Guildford, Kingston upon Thames, and Portsmouth. London was higher, with a score of 96.
The least connected are Brighton, Canterbury, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Rochester and Tonbridge.
Despite the Government’s pledge to ensure every home and business in the UK has gigabit-capable broadband by 2025, later reduced to pledge 85% of premises, the analysis finds that the UK still has a long way to go if it is to support businesses following the Switch Off.
Only 51% of major towns and cities analysed are currently receiving full 5G coverage from all four UK mobile networks, while six of the 119 towns and cities analysed are still found to have no 5G connectivity at all. This includes Dorchester and several towns in Scotland.
Damian Hanson, co-founder and director of CircleLoop, said: “The way we communicate and work from anywhere will continue to take significant leaps with 5G. This is good news for businesses, as the impending PSTN switch-off will push us towards wireless options, of which 5G offers many possibilities.
“Our 5G analysis aims to provide reassurance to businesses reliant on office hardware as well as guidance to entrepreneurs seeking to launch or expand their operations using the new 5G capabilities.
“While the 5G rollout is going slower than originally planned, the UK has made a promising start that businesses factor into their long-term plans. The implications of 5G for business are exciting, representing a significant unlocking of potential around digital transformation, enhancing agility, upgrading technology stacks, and diversifying customer offerings.
“There has never been a better time for leaders to keep one eye on 5G availability as the Telecoms industry prepares to undergo a major shift.”
To see the research, log on to: http://www.circleloop.com/businessconnectivity
