A brand new report from Ericsson exhibits that as enterprises embrace 5G and AI to future-proof operations, spectrum and complexity stay key hurdles
Ericsson’s 2025 State of Enterprise Connectivity report reveals that as enterprises navigate financial uncertainty, labor shortages, and fast tech adoption, dependable connectivity is foundational to success. Particularly, the report affords a deep dive into how U.S. companies are leaning on 5G, AI, and IoT to future-proof operations, enhance effectivity, and keep aggressive.
“The info not solely highlights the advantages of AI to the fashionable enterprise surroundings, it additionally reveals the mutually helpful relationship between 5G and AI,” said Ericsson. “As 5G gives the fixed high-speed connectivity essential for AI-based information sharing, AI expertise has the power to robotically optimize 5G wi-fi broad space networks (5G WWAN) and 5G non-public mobile networks (PCNs).”
Based mostly on a nationwide survey of tech decision-makers, the findings reveal each the momentum behind next-gen networks and the roadblocks that might gradual progress. Listed below are a number of key takeaways:
1. 5G Is crucial to enterprise innovation and AI adoption
- 93% of enterprises see 5G as essential to U.S. tech management.
- 88% say 5G is “important to optimizing using AI within the office.”
Respondents view AI and 5G as mutually reinforcing — 5G allows AI workloads, whereas AI enhances 5G efficiency and safety. “These findings recommend a mutually helpful relationship between 5G and AI as each applied sciences develop into extra widespread. 5G allows the high-speed information transfers AI techniques depend on, whereas AI enhances 5G community efficiency and safety,” the report said.AI can also be addressing workforce challenges: 89% of corporations say AI helps upskill community administration employees. “This workforce enablement enhances the function of 5G, which facilitates the information motion required for AI instruments to function effectively,” mentioned the seller. “Collectively, they kind a basis for enterprises to scale innovation whereas optimizing each human and technological sources.”
2. Spectrum availability is a nationwide competitiveness challenge
- 80% of enterprise leaders say delayed spectrum auctions are hindering 5G deployment and innovation.
On account of these considerations, Ericsson discovered sturdy assist for restoring the FCC’s authority to public sale spectrum with the intention to keep world competitiveness. “Previous to 2023, the FCC was capable of maintain auctions for licensed spectrum, eradicating allocation choices from the federal government and as an alternative promoting the spectrum to the very best bidder,” defined Ericsson, including that this created a lane for 5G operators to purchase licensed spectrum.
That authority lapsed in March 2023, resulting in frustration within the business. “…the federal government will not be sufficiently disseminating spectrum for 5G to fulfill the present allocation wants of in the present day’s companies,” the report continued. “This is able to permit 5G operators to seize the spectrum and make it out there to these most ready to push innovation all through the nation. The choice, per legislators, is a nation that might lag behind the remainder of the world in 5G deployments.”
3. Non-public 5G and managed WWAN are key to overcoming deployment limitations
- High hurdles embody: deployment prices (52%); {hardware} improve complexity (46%); and current infrastructure points (41%).
Managed 5G WWAN and personal networks are seen as scalable, safe and cost-effective options — significantly in logistics, healthcare and manufacturing. To simplify adoption, distributors are working to duplicate the benefit of Wi-Fi experiences.
From the report: “Immediately, warehouses, hospitals and manufacturing services are more and more adopting non-public 5G to supply devoted bandwidth for his or her most crucial gadgets. These options provide built-in safety and constant uptime, permitting community directors to handle operations with larger confidence and fewer complexity.”
4. Unreliable connectivity carries main enterprise dangers
- 95% of executives say unreliable networks result in elevated prices or inefficiencies.
- 30% cite reputational injury.
- 26% level to income loss.
In line with Ericsson, WWAN and personal 5G options can mitigate these dangers by boosting uptime and community resilience. “Non-public 5G permits large-scale enterprises to leverage devoted bandwidth for his or her most significant enterprise capabilities. Furthermore, it permits companies to maximise their investments in Wi-Fi and WWAN options, creating a strong connectivity ecosystem that may meet all of an enterprise’s connectivity wants,” said the seller.
Trying forward: A future constructed on 5G and AI
As AI turns into extra superior, it can demand extra from enterprise connectivity. Ericsson expects each AI and 5G to evolve in tandem. “As AI expertise turns into extra modern, 5G expertise is about to do the identical,” mentioned the corporate. “Within the meantime, companies nonetheless have the chance to implement the connectivity options that can put together them for what’s subsequent.”
