The applications of 5G are wide-ranging and vary across industries. They fall broadly into two categories improving existing processes and enabling entirely new ways of working.
Business management and remote workforce
With 5G, businesses can support high-quality video calls, faster file transfers, and secure use of cloud-based applications from any location. This creates opportunities for hybrid work models, remote collaborations, and more efficient mobile teams.
Smart manufacturing
Manufacturers can use 5G to enable digital twins and other Industry 4.0 innovations. For example, predictive maintenance powered by connected sensors can pre-empt equipment failures, optimise energy use, and streamline production processes, reducing downtime and operational costs. By deploying private 5G networks, businesses can gain greater control over connectivity, ensuring reliable wireless automation and performance across critical systems.
Retail and customer experiences
Retailers are experimenting with 5G-powered augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems to personalise and improve customer experiences. For example, enabling customers to use AR for visualising a product in their home before purchase. Behind the scenes, 5G can support faster checkouts, smart shelves and dynamic pricing, helping to manage stock and track supply chains in real time.
Logistics and transport
5G is reshaping logistics and transport with applications like live tracking, route optimisation, connected fleets, and trials of autonomous vehicles and drones. Its low latency ensures safe, responsive operations. Smart yards and warehouses also benefit from automated picking and packing, enabled by fast, reliable connectivity. Together, these innovations help speed up deliveries, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Events and venues
Stadiums, festivals, and conferences often struggle with connectivity due to large crowds. 5G’s capacity makes it possible to provide high-speed internet to thousands of attendees simultaneously. This then enables smoother ticketing, cashless payments, live streaming, and ultimately, better experiences for the fans.
Agriculture
In agriculture, 5G enables precision farming with soil, weather and livestock sensors, providing real-time data on soil health, crop conditions, irrigation, and animal welfare. This data-driven approach helps farmers make informed decisions, reduce waste, and increase yields, potentially boosting both efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
Professional services
Even traditional office-based businesses can benefit. For example, law companies handling sensitive data can use secure, high-speed mobile connectivity when meeting clients on-site. Accountants or consultants can collaborate more easily across borders.
For more use case examples, the Belfast 5G Innovation Region’s 5G adoption toolkit showcases applications across transport, manufacturing, creative industries and more.
While 5G applications vary across industries, all share a focus on stronger connectivity that enables smarter, faster, and more responsive operations. For further insights, see business benefits of 5G networks, or explore wider examples of digital innovation and artificial intelligence use across industries.
